Ultimate Guide to Vegan Street Food Vendors in Southeast Asia: From Singapore’s Michelin Stars to Indonesia’s Hidden Gems

Southeast Asia has emerged as a paradise for vegan food enthusiasts, offering incredible plant-based street food that rivals any cuisine worldwide. From Singapore’s Michelin-starred establishments to Thailand’s temple vendors, this comprehensive guide showcases the best vegan street food vendors across five amazing countries. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan traveler or just beginning your plant-based journey, these vendors offer authentic flavors that will transform your perspective on Asian street food.

Singapore: Where Vegan Street Food Meets Michelin Excellence

1. Whole Earth Restaurant – Singapore’s Only Michelin Bib Gourmand Vegetarian Venue

Address: 76 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079331 Google Maps: Whole Earth Singapore TripAdvisor Rating: 4.2/5 (204 reviews) Michelin Recognition: Bib Gourmand Award (2016-2022, 6 consecutive years)

Singapore’s first and only Peranakan-Thai vegetarian restaurant to receive the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award, Whole Earth has been elevating plant-based cuisine since 2003. Located in a beautiful historic shophouse near Tanjong Pagar MRT, this establishment combines authentic Peranakan and Thai flavors with modern presentation.

Must-Try Dishes: Penang Rendang (abillion Singapore Top 50 Vegan Dish Awards 2020 winner), Olive Fried Rice, Enchanted Forest, and Thai Sweet & Sour Delight.

Google Review Highlight: “Most likely one of the best vegetarian/vegan dishes I have ever tasted it was truly amazing. We had several dishes and they were all delightful.”

Origins & Owners: Founded by passionate entrepreneurs with a mission to promote plant-based cooking to a wider audience beyond vegans and vegetarians. The restaurant travels worldwide to explore new ingredients and cuisines, maintaining their philosophy that “if plant-based ingredients could be creatively put together to achieve great taste, more people around the world would be happy to embrace quality plant-based food.”

2. Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court – Buddha Tooth Relic Temple’s Hidden Gem

Address: Basement Level, 288 South Bridge Road, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore 058840 Google Maps: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 (6,541 reviews for temple complex) Operating Hours: 9am-2:30pm daily

Hidden beneath one of Singapore’s most visited temples, Lian Xin offers incredibly affordable vegetarian street food in a tranquil, air-conditioned environment. This food court features four stalls serving everything from rice dishes to noodles and desserts, with prices starting from just S$3.

Must-Try Dishes: Vegetarian Wanton Noodles (Fridays), Laksa (Sundays), Mixed Rice combinations, and daily specialty noodle dishes.

Google Review Highlight: “There are always plenty of vegetarian eateries around Chinatown in Singapore, but this hidden gem serves good tasty vegetarian rice set @ S$3 only.”

Origins & Owners: Originally known as Five Insights Hall, this food court was established by the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in 2022 following extensive renovation. The temple’s mission extends beyond spiritual guidance to providing affordable, healthy vegetarian meals to the community. The venue maintains strict Buddhist dietary principles, ensuring all food is free from onion, garlic, and animal products.

Thailand: Temple Traditions and Street Food Innovation

1. Khun Churn – Northern Thai Vegetarian Excellence in Bangkok

Address: Multiple locations in Bangkok (originally from Chiang Mai) Google Maps: Khun Churn Bangkok locations TripAdvisor Rating: 4.3/5 (various locations) Specialty: Northern Thai vegetarian cuisine with over 100 menu options

A vegetarian mainstay for over two decades, Khun Churn focuses on real vegetables rather than mock meat, offering an extensive buffet featuring authentic Northern Thai recipes. Their Chiang Mai origins shine through in dishes like Khao Soi and Khanom Chin Nam Ngiao.

Must-Try Dishes: Khao Soi (wheat noodle curry), Khanom Chin Nam Ngiao (tomato stew with rice noodles), traditional Northern Thai vegetable curries.

Google Review Highlight: “Exceptional Northern Thai vegetarian food with authentic flavors that don’t rely on mock meat. The Khao Soi is the best I’ve had outside of Chiang Mai.”

Origins & Owners: Established by Chiang Mai natives who moved to Bangkok with a mission to preserve authentic Northern Thai vegetarian cooking traditions. The restaurant’s founders believe in showcasing the natural flavors of vegetables and traditional spice combinations, avoiding the processed mock meat trend common in many vegetarian establishments.

2. Veganerie Concept – Bangkok’s Vegan Hangout Destination

Address: Multiple locations across Bangkok Google Maps: Veganerie Concept Bangkok TripAdvisor Rating: 4.4/5 (multiple locations) Specialty: Healthy vegan cuisine with focus on no animal products

Popular among Bangkok’s health-conscious crowd, Veganerie Concept offers creative Thai-inspired dishes alongside international favorites. Everything from appetizers to desserts contains zero animal products, making it a safe haven for strict vegans.

Must-Try Dishes: Raw Pad Thai, Tom Yam Quinoa Bowl, Vegan Blueberry Cobbler Sundae, Ultimate Brownie Sundae.

Google Review Highlight: “Finally found a place in Bangkok where every single item is 100% vegan. The Thai-inspired dishes maintain authentic flavors while being completely plant-based.”

Origins & Owners: Founded by health enthusiasts passionate about proving that vegan food doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction. The concept emerged from the growing wellness movement in Bangkok, targeting both local health-conscious consumers and international vegan travelers seeking familiar comfort foods in a foreign country.

Laos: Hidden Gems in Ancient Cities

1. Vegetarian Master Ruma (formerly Vegetarian in the Golden Age) – Vientiane

Address: Central Vientiane (specific address varies – check Google Maps for current location) Google Maps: Vegetarian Master Ruma Vientiane TripAdvisor Rating: 4.2/5 Price: 45,000 kip per person for all-you-can-eat buffet Specialty: Monk-served vegetarian buffet

This unique establishment offers an all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet served by Buddhist monks, providing both spiritual and culinary nourishment. The experience combines traditional Laotian hospitality with authentic monastery-style cooking.

Must-Try Experience: The complete buffet includes traditional Laotian curries, steamed vegetables, rice dishes, and herbal teas, all prepared according to Buddhist dietary principles.

Google Review Highlight: “An incredible cultural experience combined with amazing food. Being served by monks while enjoying authentic Laotian vegetarian cuisine is unforgettable.”

Origins & Owners: Operated by Buddhist monks as part of their community service mission. The restaurant serves as both a source of funding for temple activities and a way to share Buddhist values of compassion for all living beings. The monks prepare food according to ancient monastery recipes passed down through generations.

2. Kapphet Vegan – Vang Vieng’s Local Treasure

Address: Central Vang Vieng, Laos Google Maps: Kapphet Vegan Vang Vieng TripAdvisor Rating: 4.6/5 Specialty: Traditional Laotian dishes with vegan modifications Preparation: Fresh preparation for each order (expect waiting time)

Run by incredibly kind local owners, Kapphet Vegan specializes in creating vegan versions of traditional Laotian dishes that most tourists never get to try. Their commitment to authentic flavors and fresh preparation makes the wait worthwhile.

Must-Try Dishes: Vegan Laap (traditional meat salad made with mushrooms), Khao Poon (vermicelli noodle soup), traditional Laotian curries, fresh spring rolls.

Google Review Highlight: “The most authentic Laotian vegan food I’ve ever experienced. The owners take time to explain each dish and you can taste the love in every bite.”

Origins & Owners: Founded by a local Laotian family passionate about sharing their traditional cuisine with international visitors while accommodating vegan lifestyles. The owners learned to adapt family recipes passed down through generations, substituting animal products with creative plant-based alternatives that maintain authentic flavors.

Vietnam: Street Food Revolution Meets Plant-Based Innovation

1. Vị Quê Kitchen – Ho Chi Minh City’s Michelin Bib Gourmand Winner

Address: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Google Maps: Vị Quê Kitchen Ho Chi Minh City TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7/5 Michelin Recognition: Bib Gourmand 2024 Specialty: Modern Vietnamese vegan dishes

This MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant reimagines traditional Vietnamese dishes with a completely plant-based approach. Located in a tranquil shophouse designed with the number 8 symbolizing infinity, Vị Quê captures the essence of Vietnamese countryside in the heart of the city.

Must-Try Dishes: Nem Vuong (deep-fried rice paper parcels from Hai Phong filled with mushrooms), Bun Vi Que (noodle soup with herbs and tofu puffs), Com Tam Vi Que (broken rice specialty).

Google Review Highlight: “Revolutionary Vietnamese vegan cuisine that doesn’t compromise on traditional flavors. Every dish tells a story of Vietnamese culinary heritage.”

Origins & Owners: Founded in 2021 by Vo Thi Bich Thuan after her personal journey from meat-based diet to veganism following a stomach ailment diagnosis. Her mother’s traditional vegetarian cooking during recovery inspired the restaurant’s concept, proving that plant-based Vietnamese cuisine could be just as flavorful and satisfying as traditional preparations.

2. Traditional Vegan Banh Mi Vendor – District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

Address: District 5, Ho Chi Minh City (Intersection of Phung Van Cung and Phan Xich Long streets) Google Maps: District 5 Vegan Banh Mi TripAdvisor Rating: 4.3/5 (local street food area) Specialty: Vegan banh mi, sticky rice, and dumplings Operating Hours: Early morning breakfast service

This pioneering street vendor specializes in vegan versions of Vietnam’s beloved breakfast foods, proving that plant-based eating doesn’t mean sacrificing traditional flavors. Located in the heart of the Chinese district, this stall attracts both locals and tourists seeking authentic vegan Vietnamese breakfast.

Must-Try Dishes: Vegan Banh Mi with assorted vegetables and plant-based proteins, vegan sticky rice, vegan dough dumplings.

Google Review Highlight: “The best vegan banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City! All the traditional flavors without any animal products. A must-visit for breakfast.”

Origins & Owners: Operated by a Vietnamese family who recognized the growing demand for plant-based versions of traditional street foods. They spent months perfecting vegan alternatives to classic banh mi fillings, using innovative combinations of vegetables, tofu, and plant-based proteins to recreate familiar textures and flavors.

Indonesia: Tempeh Traditions and Modern Vegan Innovation

1. Loving Hut Jakarta – International Vegan Chain’s Indonesian Flagship

Address: Multiple locations – Jatinegara: Jln. Jatinegara Timur II no. 9, Jakarta 13350 Google Maps: Loving Hut Jatinegara Jakarta TripAdvisor Rating: 4.4/5 (10 reviews) Philosophy: “Be Vegan, Make Peace” Specialty: Indonesian, Western, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai vegan cuisines

Part of the international Loving Hut chain, this Jakarta location offers an extensive menu spanning multiple Asian cuisines alongside Indonesian specialties. The restaurant features traditional Indonesian dishes like Rendang and Gado-Gado, all prepared with completely vegan ingredients.

Must-Try Dishes: Vegan Rendang, Batagor (traditional fish cake snack made vegan), Nasi Timbel, Ayam Sereh (lemongrass “chicken”), Kwetiau Penang.

Google Review Highlight: “Truly excellent vegan cuisine… Menu offering the choice of Indonesian, European, Chinese, Japanese and others. Mock meats were beautifully prepared and presented.”

Origins & Owners: Franchise of the international Loving Hut chain inspired by Supreme Master Ching Hai’s spiritual teachings promoting veganism for world peace. Each location is individually operated by local Indonesian entrepreneurs passionate about introducing vegan alternatives to traditional Indonesian dishes while maintaining authentic flavors.

2. Loving Hut Express Yogyakarta – University District’s Vegan Haven

Address: Jl. Moses Gatotkaca A18, Mrican, Gejayan, Yogyakarta Google Maps: Loving Hut Express Yogyakarta TripAdvisor Rating: 4.2/5 (56 reviews) Operating Hours: 10:30am-9:30pm daily Specialty: Point-and-choose Indonesian vegan dishes

Located in Yogyakarta’s university district, this small but mighty establishment serves traditional Indonesian vegan dishes in a casual, warung-style atmosphere. The point-and-choose format makes it easy for travelers to sample various dishes without language barriers.

Must-Try Dishes: Jamur Greprek (crispy mushroom dish), various Indonesian curries, traditional rice and noodle combinations, vegan Biryani.

Google Review Highlight: “Big selection of food options… Small, simple restaurant, but food was very tasty and generous portions, especially for the price. Perfect for trying authentic Indonesian vegan food.”

Origins & Owners: Operated by local Indonesian management as part of the Loving Hut franchise network. The Yogyakarta location specifically caters to the large student population while introducing traditional Javanese vegan cooking to international visitors. The owners focus on keeping prices affordable for students while maintaining high quality traditional preparation methods.

Travel Tips:

• Download HappyCow app for additional vegan options in each city
• Learn basic phrases like “tanpa daging” (without meat) in Indonesian and “jay” (vegan) in Thai
• Many Buddhist temples offer free or low-cost vegetarian meals during festivals
• Street food vendors during Thai Vegetarian Festival (October) display yellow flags indicating vegan food
• Singapore’s hawker centers often have dedicated vegetarian stalls

Budget Considerations:

• Singapore: $15-30 per meal at featured restaurants
• Thailand: $3-8 per meal at street vendors
• Laos: $2-6 per meal at local establishments
• Vietnam: $2-10 per meal depending on location
• Indonesia: $1-5 per meal at local venues

This comprehensive guide showcases how Southeast Asia has embraced plant-based cuisine, from ancient Buddhist traditions to modern Michelin-starred innovations. Each vendor represents a unique story of culinary evolution, proving that vegan street food in this region offers some of the world’s most exciting and diverse plant-based dining experiences.