5 Delicious Vegetarian Thai Dishes- Top 5 Local Dishes that Vegetarians Must Sample in Thailand

Although it may not be the first vegetarian meal that comes to mind when considering the option in Thai cuisine, the vegan variation of Laab is a delicious dish in its own right. While traditional Laab is made using lettuce leaves and meat, this meal which hails from the northern reaches of Thailand can be prepared to suit vegans and many local restaurants are known to serve meat-free Laab. Instead of the meat filling being wrapped in lettuce, tofu that's been spiced is added as a substitute to create this dish, which is quite heavy-handed in terms of heat and spiciness. Usually served with onions and pumpkins, vegan Laab is a hit all across the country.

Also listed as Mixed Tofu on most restaurant menus, Tao Hoo Song Kreung is a popular soybean curd dish that's easy to prepare but flavourful all the same. Several tofu varieties are fried alongside basil and proteins to create this dish which falls into the category of Thai stir-frys. Cooked over a hot stove, Tao Hoo Song Kreung is usually tabled with a plate of steamed rice as it pairs well.

This is the papaya salad to beat all papaya salads and the vegetarian version of this dried shrimp infused dish is no less spectacular than the original. Made using green papaya that's been shredded to perfection, peanuts, tomatoes, garlic, sugar and lime are thrown together in a bowl along with tamarind juice to prepare this tangy and fresh salad that's the ideal starter before a conventional Thai meal. Although the original recipe calls for fish sauce and shrimp, the omission of these ingredients does not impact the punch of this zesty salad that's often served in Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok and other eateries and Sathorn restaurants.

Ranked among the most well-loved dishes in Thai cuisine, morning glory salad is another nutrient-rich meal option for vegetarians holidaying in the country. Health-conscious diners and fitness fanatics alike will love the simplicity of this salad which combines soybean paste, chillies, garlic, soy sauce and morning glory. Oyster sauce is part of the non-vegetarian version of this dish so those who are ordering Pak Boong at a local restaurant may want to tell the waiter to omit this one ingredient to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.

Stir-fried pumpkin doesn't get any better than Pad Phuk Tong. As one of the finest vegetarian dishes in the Thai culinary school, it is not often served in Thai restaurants in the West although the dish is a staple in its country of origin. Usually consumed with noodles, this sweet and succulent dish is creamy in texture with just a hint of spice and creaminess.