From Pad Thai to Falafel: Exploring Vegan Food Options and Ethnic Kitchens in Bangkok

Guy Braverman
Jul 1
3 min read

Updated: Sep 8

Are you a vegan foodie dreaming of exploring Bangkok's vibrant culinary scene? Picture yourself wandering through bustling markets and hidden alleyways, where the aromas of sizzling spices and fresh herbs tantalize your senses at every turn. While Thai cuisine is undeniably delicious, Bangkok's diverse expat community opens doors to a world of ethnic kitchens, offering mouthwatering Vegan delights beyond the traditional fare. From the rich textures of Middle Eastern cuisine to the fragrant layers of Bangkok's other Vegan options, your taste buds are in for an adventure. Join us as we delve into the city's plant-based offerings, uncovering hidden gems and savory surprises that are sure to delight both seasoned and novice culinary explorers.

Discovering Bangkok's Vegan Cuisine

Bangkok's culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, and for vegan food enthusiasts, it's a paradise waiting to be explored. From traditional Thai dishes reimagined for Vegan foodies to an array of international cuisines, the city offers a diverse range of options to cater to every palate. Let's embark on a journey through the Vegan delights of Bangkok, uncovering hidden gems and savoring the rich tapestry of flavors that make this city a vegan food lover's dream.

Love Bangkok’s diversity? Our Vegan Tours in Thailand pair market walks and tastings with elevated dinners—100% plant-based, zero compromise.

Hidden Gems in Ethnic Kitchens

Bangkok's ethnic kitchens are treasure troves of Vegan delights, often overlooked by tourists but beloved by locals and expats alike. These hidden gems offer authentic flavors and unique culinary experiences that go beyond typical Thai fare.

In the heart of the city, you'll find small, family-run eateries serving up Vegan versions of their traditional dishes. From Indian dosas to Vietnamese pho, these kitchens have mastered the art of Vegan adaptation without compromising on taste or authenticity.

One such gem is Nadimos, a Lebanese restaurant in the busy Silom area, where the owner crafts exquisite falafel and hummus that rival those found in the Middle East. Nadimos is not a fully vegan restaurant but offers a great selection of natively Vegan options from the Lebanese kitchen.

Mutabal, another common natively Vegan dish

Exploring Vegan Middle Eastern Food

Middle Eastern cuisine is a vegan's delight, with its abundance of plant-based dishes that are both nutritious and flavorful. In Bangkok, the Middle Eastern food scene has blossomed, offering vegans a taste of the Levant without leaving the city.

Staples like falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh are naturally Vegan and widely available. Many restaurants also offer Vegan versions of traditionally meat-based dishes, such as shawarma made with seitan or jackfruit.

The use of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and za'atar elevates these dishes, creating complex flavor profiles that tantalize the taste buds. For a visual feast of vegan Middle Eastern delights in Bangkok, follow Vegan Gourmet Travel on Instagram.

Main Areas in Bangkok where Middle Eastern Food can be Found

Bangkok's Middle Eastern food scene is concentrated in several key areas, each offering its unique atmosphere and culinary experiences. The Nana and Asoke areas, particularly along Sukhumvit Road, are hotspots for Middle Eastern cuisine, with numerous restaurants and street food vendors.

In the bustling Silom district, you'll find a mix of upscale Middle Eastern restaurants and casual eateries, catering to both locals and tourists. The area around Khao San Road, while known for its backpacker scene, also houses several authentic Middle Eastern joints.

For a more immersive experience, venture to the Arab Quarter near Nana BTS station. Here, you'll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of the Middle East, with plenty of vegan options to explore.

Check out this video guide for a tour of some of Bangkok's best vegan spots. For an extensive list of vegan-friendly restaurants in Bangkok, this guide by The Shooting Star is an excellent resource.