CityNews – Chiang Mai has been awarded the number three spot on PETA’s list of the Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Cities in Asia, beating Bangkok, Bangalore, Hong Kong and many other large cities in Asia.
Chiang Mai was awarded third place after PETA noticed the increase of vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurants and foods in the city, such as seafood-free nam prik, vegan cheese platters and vegan ‘milkshakes’.
“With satisfying, meat-free traditional Thai foods such as isaan larb, khao soi, pad Thai, and curries as well as Western dishes like burritos, sandwiches, pancakes, and more, Thailand’s northern capital has it all”, says PETA Vice President of International Campaigns Jason Baker. “Chiang Mai tops PETA’s list, thanks to its plethora of creative dishes that are as delicious as they are kind to animals.”
The best time for vegans and vegetarians in Chiang Mai is no doubt the vegetarian festival held in October, when the entire city embraces vegetarian and vegan food.
PETA recommends some of Chiang Mai’s unique eateries such as Taste From Heaven, with its crispy morning glory salad, panang curry, and vegan brownies for dessert, among other options. Happy Green and Chiang Mai Vegetarian Society both offer 100 per cent vegan all-you-can-eat buffets, during which you can gorge on traditional Thai foods. Anchan serves up everything from coconut palm heart Thai basil stir-fry to green curry chayote, while Pun Pun prepares nam hed song kreung, a fermented meatless sausage. Chiang Mai diners can also treat themselves to Free Bird Cafe’s vegan pancakes and cheesecake. Even Thailand’s famous street food khanom khrok – a delicious pancake made with rice flour and coconut milk – is vegan.
To see PETA’s complete list of the Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Cities in Asia, click here.