Plant-Based Asian Food
27 August 2020
Asia has the longest and richest tradition of plant-based eating on earth. Long before "vegan" became a buzzword in the West, Buddhist monks in Japan, temple kitchens in Thailand, and street vendors in India were creating extraordinary plant-based meals. Here is a guide to the best plant-based food traditions across the continent.
Japan: Shojin Ryori
Shojin ryori is the vegetarian cuisine of Japanese Buddhist monks, dating back over 800 years. It excludes meat, fish, and pungent vegetables like garlic and onions. The focus is on seasonal ingredients, minimal processing, and the concept of "five flavours" (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami). Dishes include sesame tofu, pickled vegetables, miso soup, and beautifully presented multi-course meals. Tokyo has several dedicated shojin ryori restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred Daigo.
Thailand: Jay Food Culture
Thailand's jay food tradition is rooted in Chinese Buddhism. Jay food is entirely plant-based — no meat, fish, eggs, dairy, or strong-smelling vegetables. During the annual Vegetarian Festival in October, cities across Thailand erupt with jay food stalls. The rest of the year, look for the distinctive yellow and red เจ signs. Bangkok's Yaowarat (Chinatown) district is a year-round jay food paradise.
Vietnam: Chay Cuisine
Vietnam has one of the most impressive vegetarian food traditions in Southeast Asia. Chay (vegetarian) restaurants are everywhere, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hue. The cuisine features incredible mock meats made from wheat gluten, soy, and mushrooms, alongside fresh herbs, rice noodles, and vibrant broths. Pho chay, banh mi chay, and com chay are staples. On the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, millions of Vietnamese eat vegetarian by tradition.
India: The World's Vegetarian Heartland
India has more vegetarians than any other country on earth, and much of the cuisine is naturally plant-based. South Indian food — dosas, idli, sambar, coconut chutneys — is often vegan by default. North Indian dal, chana masala, aloo gobi, and baingan bharta are staples that need no modification. The main thing to watch for is ghee (clarified butter) and paneer (cheese), which can be substituted or avoided easily.
China: Buddhist Vegetarian Tradition
China's Buddhist vegetarian tradition stretches back over a thousand years. Major cities have dedicated Buddhist vegetarian restaurants serving elaborate meals that replicate meat dishes using tofu, seitan, and mushrooms. The skill level is remarkable — "duck" made from layered tofu skin, "fish" from taro, and "pork belly" from wheat gluten. Beijing's King's Joy restaurant has brought this tradition into the fine dining world.
Taiwan: PETA's Top Vegan-Friendly Destination
Taiwan was named PETA Asia's most vegan-friendly destination, and it is easy to see why. The country has over 6,000 vegetarian restaurants, and convenience stores stock plant-based options as standard. The Da'an district in Taipei is a hub for modern vegan dining, blending traditional Taiwanese flavours with innovative techniques. Night markets across the island offer vegan stinky tofu, scallion pancakes, and bubble tea with plant milk.
Asia is not just catching up with the global plant-based movement — it has been leading it for centuries. For more, read our guide to vegan street food in Southeast Asia and our tips for ordering vegan food in Thailand.