Go plant-based in Thailand this Veganuary 2026. Discover jay Buddhist eateries, must-order vegan Thai dishes, and top vegan restaurants in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
by Thairanked Guide
January 05, 2026 07:30 AM
Table of Contents
1. Vistro-Vegan Cafe & Restaurant
2. Veganerie
3. Broccoli Revolution
4. Goodsouls Kitchen
5. Reform Kafé (Green Tiger House)
6. Free Bird Cafe
7. Pure Vegan Heaven (Rawai)
8. The Vegan Table Phuket
9. Jae Buddhist Eateries & Street Stalls (เจ)
10. Your Veganuary Order Guide: Classic Thai Vegan Dishes
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Table of Contents
1. Vistro-Vegan Cafe & Restaurant
2. Veganerie
3. Broccoli Revolution
4. Goodsouls Kitchen
5. Reform Kafé (Green Tiger House)
6. Free Bird Cafe
7. Pure Vegan Heaven (Rawai)
8. The Vegan Table Phuket
9. Jae Buddhist Eateries & Street Stalls (เจ)
10. Your Veganuary Order Guide: Classic Thai Vegan Dishes
Thinking about Veganuary in Thailand in 2026? You picked the right place. Thailand is one of Asia’s easiest countries for eating plant-based, thanks to its rich vegetable-forward cuisine and the widespread Buddhist vegetarian tradition known as jay. Look for the bright yellow sign with red Thai letters (เจ) outside stalls and eateries, which signals vegan-friendly cooking without meat, seafood, eggs, or dairy, and usually without pungent alliums.
Beyond the jay scene, Thailand’s big cities now have world-class vegan restaurants serving everything from Bangkok-style khao soi to juicy burgers, house-made kombucha, and decadent desserts. Still, classic street dishes can hide fish sauce or shrimp paste, so learn a quick order phrase: “kin jay” (I eat vegan), or “mangsawirat” (vegetarian) plus “mai sai nam pla, kapi, kai” (no fish sauce, shrimp paste, eggs). You’ll be surprised how many vendors are happy to adapt.
If you’re staying in, most hotels and condos have easy access to markets for fresh produce, tofu, and mushrooms. And if you want plant-based delivered to your door in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket, check our quick overview of food delivery apps in Thailand to get your favorites fast.
Below are our top picks and practical tips for eating vegan without missing out, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Phuket, plus where to find affordable jay comfort food anywhere in the country.
Bangkok’s chef-driven vegan dining standout
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Inventive, polished, and unmistakably modern, Vistro is Bangkok’s go-to for chef-driven plant-based dining. The menu swings from globally inspired small plates to hearty mains, with punchy Thai flavors appearing in seasonal specials. Think crispy gyoza with zingy dips, layered salads bursting with herbs, and rich comfort dishes that satisfy omnivores and vegans alike.
Desserts and drinks keep pace, with indulgent cakes, good coffee, and refreshing kombucha or mocktails for a full night out. Service is attentive, and the room feels date-night ready while still welcoming solo diners and groups. It’s ideal for celebrating milestones during Veganuary or introducing skeptical friends to how exciting plant-based cooking can be in Thailand.
300–600 THB
Essential Information
Bangkok
Thu - Sun: 10:30 - 21:00
+66659982201
Bangkok’s beloved all-vegan comfort food chain
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A Bangkok institution with multiple branches, Veganerie is beloved for its crowd-pleasing comfort food and decadent desserts. Come hungry for all-day brunch plates, burgers, bowls, and Thai classics remade without animal products. The menu is huge and consistent across locations, making it a safe bet if you’re traveling with mixed-diet friends or family.
Sweet tooths are especially rewarded: waffles, pancakes, sundaes, and layered cakes are star attractions, alongside smoothies and specialty coffees. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and service is efficient, even during peak hours. If Veganuary has you craving a celebratory treat after a day of sightseeing, Veganerie delivers the goods without compromise.
200–450 THB
Essential Information
Bangkok
Daily: 9:30 - 21:30
Global flavors, Thai flair, and fresh-pressed juice
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Trendy yet relaxed, Broccoli Revolution helped pioneer Bangkok’s modern plant-based wave. The diverse menu blends Southeast Asian flavors with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspirations, so you can graze on hummus and flatbreads, dive into Burmese tea-leaf salads, or order vibrant Thai rice bowls and curries without animal products.
Cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and wellness shots headline the drinks list, while the sleek space suits everything from remote work sessions to casual dinners. With locations that are easy to reach and a reputation for fresh produce and clean flavors, it’s a solid stop to keep your Veganuary momentum going while exploring the city.
250–500 THB
Essential Information
Bangkok
Daily: 08:00 AM - 09:00 PM
+66952519799
Chiang Mai’s cozy, reliable vegan all-rounder
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Chiang Mai’s vegan darling, Goodsouls pairs a cozy vibe with a wide-ranging menu. You’ll find nourishing bowls, burgers, pastas, and well-executed Thai dishes like khao soi and stir-fries, all made plant-based. Ingredients are fresh, portions are satisfying, and the kitchen is happy to dial spice levels to your preference.
It’s a great choice for brunch or dinner after temple hopping, with good coffee, smoothies, and cakes to round out the meal. Friendly staff and consistently good cooking make it a reliable favorite, whether you’re a seasoned vegan or trying Veganuary for the first time in the northern capital.
120–250 THB
Essential Information
Chiang Mai
Daily, 08:00 - 22:00
+66888199669
Leafy courtyard dining with classic Thai flavors
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Tucked inside the Green Tiger House, Reform Kafé is a tranquil garden spot serving mostly vegan Thai and international dishes. The kitchen shines with curries, stir-fries, salads, and noodle bowls that highlight fresh herbs and local produce. It’s especially good if you want classic Thai flavors without worrying about hidden fish sauce.
The leafy courtyard setting is perfect for slow lunches or relaxed dinners, and the staff understands vegan requests in detail. If you’re staying in the Old City area, this is one of the most dependable places to eat well, stay within budget, and still feel like you’re treating yourself.
120–220 THB
Essential Information
Chiang Mai
Daily, 09:00 - 22:00
+66931828188
Burmese-Thai vegan dishes with a social mission
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A Chiang Mai favorite with a social mission, Free Bird Cafe serves Burmese-Thai plant-based dishes that pack serious flavor, with profits supporting local education and anti-trafficking initiatives. Expect vibrant salads, tea-leaf stir-fries, rich curries, and comforting noodle bowls, all made without animal products.
The space is relaxed and community-focused, making it easy to linger over a smoothie or dessert. Staff are happy to guide newcomers through Burmese flavors and spice levels, and there are plenty of gluten-free options. Eating here feels doubly good: you’ll enjoy a memorable Veganuary meal while contributing to a meaningful cause.
120–240 THB
Essential Information
Chiang Mai
Tuesday, 09:00 – 17:00 ; Wed - Sun, 09:00 - 20:00 (Close Monday)
+66993514404
Colorful bowls and easygoing vegan eats
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Down in Phuket, Pure Vegan Heaven is a bright, friendly stop with a menu that ranges from colorful bowls and wraps to curries and indulgent treats. The dishes are fresh and wholesome, with lots of vegetables, herbs, and house sauces that keep things interesting without being heavy.
It’s popular with beachgoers and long-stay travelers alike, thanks to consistent cooking and approachable prices. Whether you’re grabbing an early lunch before a boat trip or a relaxed dinner after sunset, this is an easy win for Veganuary on the island’s south side.
150–280 THB
Essential Information
Phuket (Rawai)
Daily, 09:30 - 21:00 (Close Wednesday)
+66952980011
Phuket Town’s friendly plant-based comfort kitchen
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Located in Phuket Town, The Vegan Table brings a homestyle touch to plant-based comfort food. Expect satisfying pastas, burgers, sandwiches, and Thai staples like curries and fried rice, all cooked without animal products and with an eye toward bold flavors.
The café vibe is welcoming for families and small groups, and the central location makes it a convenient stop during Old Town strolls or Sunday market visits. If you’re exploring Phuket beyond the beaches, this spot makes it easy to keep Veganuary delicious and un-fussy.
200–350 THB
Essential Information
Phuket (Old Town)
Daily, 12:00 - 22:00
+66948344066
Thailand’s most affordable vegan comfort food
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The backbone of budget-friendly vegan eating in Thailand, jay shops are everywhere, from city markets to small-town street corners. Look for the yellow sign with red Thai letters (เจ) and a glass cabinet of prepared dishes. You typically choose rice or noodles and 2–3 toppings like tofu curries, stir-fried greens, mushrooms, mock-meat stews, and spicy salads.
Prices are low, turnover is fast, and flavors are comforting. Many jay eateries avoid eggs and dairy and often skip strong alliums, but recipes vary, so confirm if you have strict preferences. Practice a simple order: “kin jay” plus point-and-pick. This is the most authentic way to eat plant-based like a local while keeping your travel budget in check.
40–80 THB
Essential Information
Nationwide
Know-what-to-order Thai vegan essentials
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Even outside fully vegan restaurants, Thailand’s everyday cuisine offers plenty of wins. Learn these staples and you can eat almost anywhere: pad pak ruam (mixed veg stir-fry), pad see ew jay (wide noodles with veg), pad kra pao tofu jay (holy basil stir-fry), tom yum hed (mushroom tom yum), gaeng keow wan jay (green curry), som tam jay (papaya salad without fish sauce), and khao soi jay (northern curry noodles).
When ordering, say “kin jay” or “mangsawirat” and add “mai sai nam pla, kapi, kai” to avoid fish sauce, shrimp paste, and eggs. If you don’t want oyster sauce, say “mai sai nam man hoy.” With a few phrases and these go-to dishes, you’ll breeze through Veganuary without missing out on Thailand’s iconic flavors.
Veganuary in Thailand is as easy as spotting the yellow jay sign, learning a few order phrases, and bookmarking a handful of great vegan restaurants in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. For street food, say “kin jay,” then specify “mai sai nam pla, kapi, kai” to keep out hidden fish sauce, shrimp paste, and eggs. When you want a sit-down meal, the restaurants above deliver everything from wholesome bowls to celebratory desserts.
To stock your pantry for longer stays, Bangkok has excellent import grocers with plant-based cheeses, milks, and pantry staples, which we cover in our guide to the best supermarkets for imported goods in Bangkok. And if you’re exploring non-alcoholic Thai flavors, sip your way through our picks of the top Thai drinks you must try, many of which are naturally vegan. With a little Thai lingo and this city-by-city shortlist, you can eat plant-based in Thailand without sacrificing taste, budget, or cultural experiences. Happy Veganuary!
by Thairanked Guide
January 05, 2026 07:30 AM
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