Weekend Muse: 6 things to know about being vegan in Bangkok

It’s that dreaded ‘V’ word again. 

Less tolerated than a motorcyclist who doesn’t indicate, less understood than a Google translation, and more stigmatised than the Nana district: vegans have their fair share of mockery and eye-rolls. I also once laughed at how picky and primitive the plant-based diet seems. But as part of my new year’s resolutions for 2020, I’ve decided to take on the challenge of becoming a full-on vegan in Bangkok. 

Why the change? That’s often the first question I’m asked. More than anything else, I was kind of hit by a few shocking facts, such as how animal agriculture is more responsible for global climate change than all forms of transportation combined. Or the fact that the number of animals that were killed in the Australian bushfires is the same number as animals that are killed for the meat industry every 2 days. So, more than anything else, I’m trying to go vegan to help the environment.

However, there are many other reasons why someone might become vegan. Most people already associate it with healthy eating (another inaccurate perception, seeing as I’m still enjoying my fries and drinking like a fish). It has been proven that vegans have a much lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and smaller waist circumferences. So there’s that, too. 

I’ve only fully become vegan for a month, and I do sometimes find it challenging — particularly in a city where vegans are still a relatively rare and strange species. I might not be the best expert on this subject matter, but here I’ll share what I’ve learned since becoming a vegan in Bangkok…

[Hero image and Feature image: Veganerie Concept]

1. Nobody knows exactly what a vegan is

Being a vegan in Bangkok comes with quite a lot of challenges. First of all, the word “vegan” itself is quite new for Bangkokians, and it’s still apparently open to much interpretation. “Are you a health freak?”, “Is that why you’re skinny?”, “Have the eggs instead!”, are just some of the things that are often said to me. It’s weird, I get it — but so is this lack of understanding.

2. Fish sauce is in everything

Another challenge is that Thai food has a lot of hidden animal products. Even in dishes labelled as vegetarian, you’ll still get fish sauce or shrimp paste sneaking in there. I’m still figuring out what the alternatives are around here.

3. The 3 best vegan restaurants

I’ve been to 3 great vegan restaurants in Bangkok. By vegan restaurants, I mean their menu is entirely plant-based and they probably double as trendy work cafes. Broccoli Revolution wins for the best vibe and aesthetic — rustic with plenty of indoor plants. I like Veganerie for the best range in their menus, from Khao Soi to sushi bowls. Vistro makes a great brunch place, and the staff are friendly actually pretty knowledgeable about what they’re serving. 

Vistro, Sukhumvit Soi 24, Bangkok, 10110 (Mon-Fri 11am-10pm. Sat-Sun 10am-10pm). Broccoli Revolution, branches in Thonglor, Central Embassy, and Charoenkrung. (Mon-Fri 9am-9.30pm. Sat-Sun 7am-9.30pm). Veganerie, branches in Phrom Phrong, Silom Complex, Siam Paragon, Mercury Ville, and Emquartier (10am-10pm).

4. There are cheap eats for vegans too

Trendy vegan cafes aren’t cheap. For less of a strain on the wallet, there are also lots of fantastic cheap eats for the vegan in Bangkok. Sook Sathorn at Glowfish has great lunch offers and makes amazing traditional Thai dishes without animal products. Bai Plu House is a lovely hidden gem just off Suan Plu with the loveliest staff, comfort Asian dishes, and — get this — vegan eggs. There’s also a stall at MBK’s Food Island that makes excellent vegan Thai food in generous portions for great value. 

Sook Sathorn, 1/F Sathorn Thani Complex, Bangkok (10am-8.30pm. Closed Sundays). Bai Plu House, Suan Plu Soi 8, Bangkok (Mon-Fri 5.30am-9.30pm). MBK Food Island, 6/F MBK, Rama I Road, Bangkok (10am-9pm).

5. You don’t have to say goodbye to fine dining

On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve also discovered that you don’t have to give up on Michelin-starred dining when going vegan. After all, if a chef is really that good, they’d be able to work with any dietary preferences. Head to Glow at the Como Metropolitan Bangkok for an exquisite plant-based lunch. And if you head to Le Normandie, just let Chef Arnaud Dunand know you’d like an animal-free meal and he’ll more than accommodate for your choices.

Le Normandie, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok (Mon-Sat 12pm-2pm, 7pm-10pm), Tel: 02 659 9000. Glow, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok Hotel, South Sathorn Road (6am-3pm). Tel:  02 625 3333.

6. Your regular restaurants have hidden vegan-friendly dishes

Actually, you don’t have to give up on any of your favourite restaurants in Bangkok. There’s usually always at least one vegan option (whether intentionally or not) on the menu. It’s just a matter of spotting them. I’ll let you in on a few hidden gems.

The Tofu and Pumpkin Salad at Greyhound Café

Drenched in a miso and sesame sauce — it’s delicious. Greyhound also have a good vegetarian and vegan menu.

Tofu and fried garlic at Baan Ying

They actually have a whole separate vegan menu — you just have to ask. 

The Marinara Pizza at Peppina

Nothing new here — one of Italy’s most iconic pizzas is traditionally vegan.

The Beyond Burger at Gram Cafe

Gram actually has loads of amazing vegan dishes, but the beyond burger also comes with a mind-blowingly good vegan cheese, so it wins.

Guaca Sandwich at Holey Bakery

Thank goodness bread is vegan. Also thank goodness that Holey Bakery has quite a few plant-based sandwiches.

Vegetarian Ramen at Yuzu Ramen

They call it vegetarian because of the egg — but ask to leave it out and that’s all it takes to make it vegan. 

Desserts at QQ Dessert

Unlike Western desserts, Asian desserts don’t normally contain eggs or dairy anyway. So, QQ Dessert, you’re still golden.