Southeast Asia is a food lover’s paradise, filled with vibrant markets, sizzling woks, and unforgettable aromas wafting from street-side vendors. While many traditional dishes across the region are known for their use of meat and seafood, vegan travelers need not worry. A wide variety of delicious, affordable, and creative plant-based street foods are just waiting to be explored. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the quiet lanes of Luang Prabang, vegan street food in Southeast Asia delivers bold flavors and unforgettable experiences.
Thailand is often the first stop for food-loving travelers, and its vegan offerings do not disappoint. One of the most beloved Thai street snacks is mango sticky rice (Khao Niew Mamuang). This simple yet indulgent dessert features sweet, ripe mango slices laid over sticky rice, drizzled with a rich coconut cream. It’s naturally vegan and a perfect treat on a hot day. Another must-try is vegetarian pad Thai, commonly available at night markets. Made with tofu, tamarind sauce, bean sprouts, and peanuts, it’s a savory-sweet masterpiece of balanced flavors. Just make sure to ask for no fish sauce or egg when ordering.
In Vietnam, plant-based eaters will find plenty of options, especially with the country’s strong tradition of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Bánh mì chay is a vegan version of the famous Vietnamese sandwich, typically made with marinated tofu or mock meats, pickled vegetables, cucumber, and fresh herbs, all packed inside a crispy baguette. Another Vietnamese delight is gỏi cuốn chay (vegan fresh spring rolls), filled with vermicelli noodles, lettuce, mint, and tofu, and served with a peanut or hoisin dipping sauce. These rolls are light, refreshing, and perfect for snacking while exploring the city.
Indonesia also offers a treasure trove of vegan eats, particularly in Java and Bali. Tempeh, a fermented soybean product native to Indonesia, is a staple protein in many dishes and is often fried and served with rice or noodles. Street vendors often sell gado-gado, a hearty Indonesian salad made with steamed vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and rice cakes, smothered in a luscious peanut sauce. It’s filling, nutritious, and easy to find across major cities. In Bali, where veganism has a growing following, even small local warungs serve veganized versions of traditional dishes like nasi campur—a plate of rice surrounded by various vegetables, peanuts, and tofu.
In Malaysia, the diverse cultural mix of Malay, Indian, and Chinese influences creates an exciting street food scene. Penang and Kuala Lumpur are hot spots for foodies, and vegan-friendly options are surprisingly abundant. One must-try dish is rojak, a fruit and vegetable salad with a tangy, spicy, and sweet tamarind-peanut dressing. Just be sure to ask for no shrimp paste. Indian vendors offer vegan versions of roti canai, served with dhal (lentil curry), or banana leaf rice—a Southern Indian meal served with various vegetable curries, pickles, and papadums. Chinese hawkers also serve up dishes like char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles) with tofu and vegetables—again, be sure to request no egg or seafood.
The Philippines may be more meat-centric, but plant-based travelers can still find gems. Turon, a popular sweet snack, is a deep-fried banana spring roll, often with a touch of caramel. On the savory side, look for lumpiang sariwa, or fresh vegetable spring rolls served with a sweet peanut sauce. With the rise of plant-based awareness in larger cities like Manila and Cebu, many street vendors are beginning to offer vegan alternatives or are happy to adjust ingredients upon request.
In Laos, the street food scene may be smaller, but it’s no less impressive. Khao jee is the Lao version of bánh mì and can be made vegan with tofu and vegetables. Another unique option is jeow mak keua, a smoky eggplant dip similar to baba ganoush, usually eaten with sticky rice and fresh vegetables. Laos’ traditional cuisine makes great use of herbs, vegetables, and sticky rice, making it relatively easy to find or request vegan alternatives.
Cambodia is also making strides in vegan cuisine. While traditional dishes often include fish sauce, many street vendors in tourist areas now offer vegan versions. Bai sach chrouk, usually a pork and rice dish, can be made vegan with grilled mushrooms or tofu. One uniquely Cambodian treat to look out for is nom krok, small coconut rice pancakes made in a cast-iron pan. These naturally vegan bites are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and subtly sweet.
For vegan travelers, Southeast Asia is more than accommodating—it’s a flavorful playground of plant-based eats. With a bit of curiosity and communication, you can find incredible street food that’s both delicious and aligned with your lifestyle. Whether you’re munching on spring rolls in Vietnam, savoring mango sticky rice in Thailand, or diving into peanut-laden gado-gado in Indonesia, each bite tells a story of culture, creativity, and community. So grab your reusable chopsticks, head to the nearest night market, and prepare to fall in love with vegan street food across Southeast Asia.