There are so many factors to consider when deciding where to move abroad: living costs, climate, ease of travel – but for those with specific dietary requirements, the availability of certain foods can be a major priority.
Whether diet is determined by allergies or ethics, the process of finding somewhere to eat is much the same. Some countries still depend heavily upon meat, especially if crops were historically difficult to grow and wild game was rife; others have rich traditions of dairy farming or wheat milling, with limited options for those avoiding lactose or gluten.
While many such countries have adapted to meet the needs of a growing international population, there are parts of the world which have far older traditions of plant-based fare. In this article we will explore some of the countries might be best for vegan expats.
The top destinations for vegans
The countries vying for top vegan status are divided between those with traditionally veg-heavy diets and those which have embraced modern meat alternatives.
Most in the former category are non-western: In typically hotter countries, vegetable oils are easier to store than dairy fats and in other regions, religious customs forbade the consumption of certain animals.
India and Israel in particular have a reputation for having finessed certain vegetarian dishes which represent cultural preferences. One such Indian dish is Dahl – a mildly spiced lentil curry enjoyed by followers of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Meanwhile, the rapid development of mock meats has contributed to a rise in the diet’s popularity elsewhere. Meatless burgers, steaks, sausages and chunks mean it’s now possible to make vegan versions of regional specialities like steak and ale pie, Hungarian goulash and French coq au vin.
In Europe, Switzerland, Austria and Germany battle for top vegan status. A recent survey in the former revealed that almost one-third of Swiss nationals are actively trying to reduce their meat consumption; in 2018, the country had the highest density of veggie-friendly restaurants in Europe . Moreover, a national newspaper named Zurich as being at the heart of the plant-based movement earlier this year.
In both Austria and Germany, the number of vegans is at a record high: a traditional meat-loving country with approximately 1,200 varieties of native sausage , Germany also happens to be the top producer of plant-based meats. For those who eschew pork-based sausages, it's easy enough to find meatless varieties of frankfurter, rostbratwürstchen and currywürst.
For budding expats looking to move further afield, Australia is high up on the list of countries with a strong vegan scene. Worldpopulationreview.com estimates that in 2023, Australia has the second-highest number of vegans worldwide, with rising concern for the environment being a driving factor.
This assessment is supported by Chef’s Pencil, who found the same to be true in 2020. According to the platform’s research , Adelaide was the highest-ranking Australian city for vegans, placing 14th globally. The culinary resource site also lists New Zealand as an up-and-coming vegan hotspot – another popular expat destination.
According to Chef’s pencil, meat-free eating jumped 15% in New Zealand in 2019; and in 2020, the number of internet searches for vegan cheese, recipes, and restaurants was up over 50% compared to one year prior.
The Antipodean country has an active national vegan society whose webpage is abuzz with recipes, campaign updates and information about vegan businesses and meat/dairy alternatives.
Where to go?
Of course, there are many other factors to bear in mind when considering where to move, even when diet is a priority. It may be the case that a country with limited vegan dining options meets all other requirements, and is therefore the best place to set up camp.
In such situations, it’s not impossible to enjoy a vegan lifestyle, despite constraints. As Asher & Lyric remind readers: ‘Certain cities, tourist areas or resorts can be very vegetarian or vegan-friendly even when a country as a whole may not be considered suitable for vegan travellers.’
Even where veggie-friendly establishments are truly scarce, all is not lost. As frequent traveller and vegetarian Asher Fergusson writes, most restaurants will be willing to omit meat or dairy from regular meals, where there aren’t specifically vegan dishes.
The most important thing to remember is, wherever you are in the world and whatever your diet or code of ethics, the key ingredient for a successful and fulfilling experience of expat life is a solid support network. Use tools and online platforms such as InterNations to connect with likeminded folk within the international community as well as local societies and clubs within your host country – you may well find yourself heading the local vegan renaissance.
