Listly by Joanna James
Bangkok is known the world over for its amazing street food scene. Although Thai cuisine is associated with meat and seafood, it also offers a range of vegan dishes to cater to the growing demand.
One cannot talk about Thai cuisine without mentioning Pad Thai, the iconic stir-fried noodle dish. Pad Thai Jay is a vegan-friendly rendition of this classic, replacing meat and shrimp with tofu or soy protein. The dish features a harmonious blend of rice noodles, tofu, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and tangy tamarind sauce. Whether you want to rely on the expertise of the chefs at places like Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok or wander off to the closest street food market, you are sure to come across fragrant and enticing wafts of Pad Thai Jay.
If you are craving a hearty and satisfying dish, Guay Teow Kua Gai is a fantastic choice. This stir-fried noodle dish traditionally includes chicken, but the vegan adaptation replaces it with plant-based chicken substitutes. The noodles are wok-fried with an array of vegetables, aromatic spices, and a savoury sauce, resulting in a tantalising combination of textures and flavours. You can try this at Bangkok apartment hotels or Bangkok street markets.
Originating from the northern regions of Thailand, Khao Soi is a beloved curry noodle soup. Khao Soi Jay is a vegan-friendly version that omits the use of animal products. This aromatic and comforting dish features wheat noodles in a creamy coconut curry broth, topped with fried tofu, crispy noodles, pickled cabbage, and fresh herbs.
For those who crave a refreshing and zesty salad, Som Tam is a perfect choice. Traditionally made with fish sauce and shrimp, the vegan version of Som Tam replaces these ingredients with plant-based alternatives. This spicy and tangy green papaya salad combines shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, peanuts, lime juice, and chilli. The vibrant flavours and contrasting textures make Som Tam an irresistible vegan street food option in Bangkok.
Indulge your sweet tooth with Khanom Krok, a popular Thai street food dessert that has a vegan twist. These bite-sized coconut pancakes are made using coconut milk, rice flour, and palm sugar. The result is a delicate balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness. This is a delightful vegan treat that can be enjoyed as a dessert or a snack while exploring the streets of Bangkok.
No exploration of Thai desserts would be complete without mentioning Mango Sticky Rice. This heavenly dessert features ripe mango slices served with sticky glutinous rice and is drizzled with a sweet coconut sauce. The vegan version of Mango Sticky Rice replaces cow's milk with coconut milk, ensuring a creamy and luscious texture that perfectly complements the fresh and juicy mango.
Roti is a versatile Thai street food that has gained immense popularity among locals as well as tourists. These thin and flaky pancakes are typically made with eggs and served with various fillings like banana, chocolate, or coconut. However, vegan versions of Roti are readily available, and they use plant-based substitutes for eggs and dairy. Whether you prefer a sweet or savoury filling, Roti offers a delightful blend of crispy and soft textures that will leave you wanting more.
A classic Thai dish known for its vibrant green colour and rich flavours, Green Curry is traditionally made with meat or seafood, but the vegan adaptation of Green Curry swaps these ingredients for vegetables and tofu. The creamy coconut milk-based curry is infused with aromatic herbs and spices, which creates a blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours. Green Curry is typically served with a bowl of freshly-cooked jasmine rice.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.