A Vegetarian/Vegan Trip in Thailand — Yes, It's Possible and Easy

Vegetarian Thai Food Is Very Available

Although Thai cuisine uses fish sauce a lot, there's a huge variety of dishes that can be ordered in a vegetarian version — especially in tourist areas and big cities.

Useful Phrases

The phrase 'mangsawirat' (vegetarian food) or 'jay' (vegan Buddhist food) is recognized at many restaurants and lets you clearly ask for a vegan dish.

Hidden Sauces: Where Fish Sauce Hides

Even a dish that looks vegetarian may contain fish sauce, oyster sauce or shrimp paste. So when ordering, say explicitly that you don't want fish sauce, and ask to replace it with soy sauce. Dishes such as pad thai, som tam and curries are examples that require asking in advance. If you're a strict vegan, also ask about egg, milk and oil.

'Jay': Buddhist Restaurants and Signs to Know

Restaurants and stalls serving 'jay' food mark it with a yellow flag with a red letter. Such food is completely vegan according to Buddhist tradition, and sometimes without garlic and onion as well. In Phuket a Vegetarian Festival is held every year, with dozens of stalls selling such food. In cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai there are also modern vegetarian and vegan restaurants.

What You Actually Eat

You can order dishes with tofu and stir-fried vegetables, green curry with vegetables, som tam without fish sauce, noodles with vegetables, and fried rice with vegetables. Fresh fruit and shakes are available everywhere, and it's worth tasting the tropical fruits. See also the must-try dishes, and how to adapt them for vegetarians.

Rural Areas, Islands and Night Markets

In rural areas and on small islands the vegetarian selection is narrower, so it's worth asking and being flexible. At night markets you can find stalls with fruit, corn and pancakes, and sometimes eggs and fried tofu. In the street food guide you'll find what you can eat, and at 7-Eleven there are snacks, but check the ingredients.

Kosher and Vegetarian

Anyone looking for kosher food too will find kosher meals at Chabad houses, and often vegetarian ones as well. For details see the guide for kosher-observant travelers. And it's always worth keeping a snack or a piece of fruit in your bag, so you won't be left without food when there's no suitable option nearby.

Useful Phrases for Ordering

It's worth learning a few simple phrases: 'mai sai nam pla' means without fish sauce, and 'gin jay' asks for vegetarian food in the Buddhist tradition. You can also show a screenshot of your request in Thai script. Explain politely and with a smile, and accept it with understanding if a mistake happens now and then. It's also worth asking how the dish is prepared and which oils and sauces are used, and whether the kitchen shares utensils with meat and fish. The phrases guide has more useful sentences.

Keep reading

Thai desserts: six sweets that are easy to find on the street.

How to order Thai food: spice levels, leaving out ingredients and paying.