What’s the Vegan and Plant-Based Scene Like in Bangkok?
Thailand has a long-standing vegetarian culture known as ‘Jae,’ but in recent years, state-of-the-art plant-based restaurants, which highly blend Western-derived ‘veganism’ with local Thai ingredients, have rapidly increased, especially around Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area.
Any preconception that ‘vegan equals bland or unsatisfying’ simply doesn’t apply in Bangkok. Thanks to Thai culinary techniques that expertly handle spices and herbs, combined with an abundance of alternative ingredients like coconut and soy meat, rich and satisfying dishes are being created that even non-vegetarians—locals and tourists alike—will exclaim, ‘I’d go out of my way to eat this!’ This time, we’ve carefully selected and will introduce deep vegan spots around Sukhumvit that everyone, from short-term tourists to long-term residents and students, can enjoy.
Broccoli Revolution
📍 Address: 899 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Located on the corner of Sukhumvit Road Soi 49, ‘Broccoli Revolution’ has been a leading ethical and fashionable restaurant in Bangkok’s vegan scene since its opening in 2015. With high ceilings and natural light streaming in, the interior, adorned with houseplants, offers an oasis-like space that helps you forget the urban hustle and bustle. Not only tourists, but also health-conscious local business people and long-term residents gather here to work on their laptops or enjoy conversations.
The system at this restaurant is a bit unique. Instead of calling staff at your table, it adopts a ‘order and pay at the counter’ fast-casual style. First-time visitors might be a little confused, but rest assured, the staff are accustomed to English and are very helpful.
Committed to organic vegetables and additive-free ingredients, the menu spans beyond Thai cuisine to include international dishes. The rich ‘Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry)’ made with homemade paste pairs perfectly with brown rice, providing quality protein from tofu. Also, the ‘Egg-Free Thai Omelette,’ made from duckweed and pumpkin seeds as a vegan substitute for eggs, is a surprising masterpiece found only here. You’ll also find options to satisfy your junk food cravings, such as vegan pizza and quesadillas made with cashew cheese (some sauces have a distinctively ‘sweet’ Thai seasoning, recommended for those who want to experience authentic local flavors).
For your meal, be sure to try the cold-pressed juice ‘Number 1,’ which brings out natural sweetness and ginger spice without any added water or syrup, or ‘Number 9,’ with its beautiful vibrant beet purple color. They also offer delivery and have established a system to support farmers, making it a great place where eating contributes to social good.
VEGANERIE Concept
📍 Address: 35 2 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Nestled discreetly behind Benchasiri Park, just a short walk from BTS Phrom Phong station, ‘VEGANERIE Concept’ is the flagship store of Bangkok’s first 100% vegan brand. While originally starting as a vegan bakery, this concept store now offers a wide range of full-fledged meal options. The open and comfortable interior is always bustling with Western tourists and local expats.
The main characteristic of this restaurant is its positive approach: ‘how to create rich ‘comfort food’ without using any animal products.’ If you’re expecting delicate and simple temple cuisine, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Particularly popular and enthusiastically reviewed is the ‘Tom Yum Mac & Cheese.’ A creamy cashew-based cheese sauce is powerfully infused with the sour and spicy kick of Thailand’s famous Tom Yum, making it a truly satisfying dish that will fill you up in one serving.
And, leveraging its bakery origins, the desserts are an absolute must-try. The ‘Chocolate Ganache Cake’ and shakes made with vegan ice cream boast a smoothness and richness that are hard to believe are dairy-free. These magical sweets are so good, you’ll find ‘extra room’ for them even when you’re full. Lunchtime can get crowded, so it’s a local favorite to aim for an earlier time or visit in the afternoon for a relaxing cafe break. It’s also extremely popular on delivery apps like Grab, so enjoying it comfortably at your hotel is another recommended option.
PLANTIFUL on Sukhumvit 61
📍 Address: 27 Sukhumvit 61, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Within walking distance from BTS Ekkamai station, located on the quiet residential Sukhumvit Soi 61, ‘PLANTIFUL’ is immensely popular as a ‘third place’ for health-conscious digital nomads and long-term residents. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a beautiful fruit wall at the juice bar, which reflects the sophisticated atmosphere of the interior.
The cuisine here is not just vegetarian; it’s characterized by a thorough commitment to nutritional value (gastronomy). Breakfast options, like a plate featuring Haloumi-style ingredients, hummus, and protein-packed sourdough bread, are perfect for starting your day with a solid energy boost. What’s truly amazing is the quality of their ‘plant-based vegan sushi.’ It’s highly praised by local regulars as ‘the best plant-based sushi I’ve ever had,’ with impressive texture and flavor reproduction, making it well worth a visit.
The staff’s hospitality is also excellent, offering flexible and warm service, such as promptly suggesting smoothie alternatives for a customer with a banana allergy. The second floor of the restaurant houses a co-working space, making it an oasis for digital nomads and students who can enjoy a delicious, healthy lunch and then dive straight into their work. Sip on a spicy beet juice with a kick of ginger or an iced coffee with generous coconut pulp, and experience Bangkok’s vegan culture as if you live there.
May Veggie Home
📍 Address: 738 Soi Punna Withi, Khwaeng Bang Chak, Khet Phra Khanong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10260, Thailand
For those who want to fully enjoy authentic Thai home cooking even as a vegan, the long-established ‘May Veggie Home,’ founded in 2011, comes highly recommended. Owner May’s 100% plant-based menu, born from her world travels and blended with traditional Thai flavors, has supported Bangkok’s vegan community for many years.
The quality of the ‘mock meats’ crafted using soy and other ingredients is exceptionally high, earning a reputation for satisfying even non-vegetarian friends. From spicy Massaman curry and Pad Kra Pao (Holy Basil Stir-fry) to noodle soups infused with shiitake mushroom broth, the dishes retain the characteristic aroma of Thai herbs while offering a comforting and gentle taste. The clientele is mainly older, predominantly Westerners, who can enjoy a relaxing time in the simple and homely atmosphere. For travelers with Halal dietary needs or strict dietary restrictions, the entire menu offers a reassuring selection.
MAY VEGGIE HOME EXPRESS [Sukhumvit23]
📍 Address: 45 Prasanmit Plaza 2nd Floor, Soi Sukhumvit 23, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
For a more casual experience of the renowned ‘May Veggie Home’ cuisine in the business district around Asok station, there’s ‘MAY VEGGIE HOME EXPRESS,’ subtly located on the 2nd floor of Prasanmit Plaza on Sukhumvit Soi 23. As the name suggests, this branch adopts a quick-service style where you order and pay at the counter before waiting at one of the small dining tables (only about 5).
The absolute star menu item at this branch is the ‘Khao Soi,’ a famous curry noodle dish from Northern Thailand. The rich soup, with its prominent coconut milk flavor, tangled with chewy vegan ‘meat,’ has led many to exclaim that ‘their perception of vegan food has changed.’ Plus, they are happily accommodating with crispy spring rolls and can flexibly prepare dishes without pungent vegetables (like green onions).
Even with a language barrier, the kind staff often use Google Translate to help with orders, adding to the charm of traveling and the warm communication unique to a small establishment. After your meal, don’t miss the surprisingly delicious homemade vegan cinnamon rolls and cakes displayed in the showcase. Takeaway is available, but be aware that the rice-to-ingredient ratio might vary, which is a charming local quirk; therefore, we highly recommend enjoying your meal fresh in the restaurant.
Conclusion: Tips for Deeply Enjoying Bangkok’s Vegan Culture
Vegan restaurants in Bangkok are not merely about subtraction, i.e., ‘not using meat’; they are full of additive creativity, focusing on ‘how to make plant-based ingredients delicious.’ Especially Thai-based vegan dishes excel in their use of herbs and spices, making them the perfect tool to rest your digestive system during your trip while still savoring the local deep food culture.
In recent years, many establishments are available on delivery apps like Grab Food and LINE MAN, offering excellent convenience for long-term residents and travelers who prefer to dine comfortably in their hotel. However, be aware that Thai vegan dishes often have sauces and seasonings that are on the ‘sweeter side,’ adjusted to local tastes. Embrace this as part of Bangkok’s unique local plant-based experience, and enjoy it with an open mind.
