Ever feel nervous walking into a restaurant, hoping there are more options than just a plain salad?

You’re not alone. Dining out can be tough if you don’t know how to find vegan restaurants. And of course you don’t want to leave the restaurant still feeling hungry, hangry, or low on energy!

Thankfully, you don't have to! There are amazing cuisine options that make whole food plant-based dining easy, fun, and full of flavor. Even better, these meals can help you reach health goals such as losing weight, beating fatigue, or lowering your cholesterol, while also insuring you never feel deprived.

Ready to skip the dining out stress and enjoy real food? Here are five vegan-friendly cuisines that can turn every special outing into a celebration—and support your journey to better health.

1. Ethiopian: The Vegan’s Lesser Known Secret Weapon

Ethiopian food is a hidden gem for vegans. The star is injera, a soft, tangy flatbread made from teff. Use it to scoop up spicy lentil stews, sautéed greens, and creamy chickpea dishes. No forks or knives required!

• Quick tip: Ask for your meal without niter kibbeh (clarified butter). Most places are happy to help and can even make dishes oil-free.

• Why your body will thank you: Teff, lentils, and veggies fill you up and fuel your day. These fiber-rich foods will help good gut bacteria thrive!


2. Indian: Spices, Comfort, and Endless Vegan Options

• Quick tip: Request no ghee (butter) or cream. Many restaurants will use less oil or none at all if you ask. Swap naan for brown rice for a healthier alternative.

Indian restaurants are a vegan’s paradise, and they rank among the best vegan restaurants to explore. Try Chana Masala (chickpeas in tomato sauce), Dal (lentil stew), or Aloo Gobi (potatoes and cauliflower with spices). The flavors are bold, and the choices almost endless.

• Why your body will thank you: Indian dishes are loaded with anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, ginger, and cumin. These spices can help reduce joint pain, support your immune system, and even improve digestion.


3. Mexican: Fresh, Filling, and Full of Flavor

Authentic Mexican food is built on beans, corn, rice, and fresh veggies. Order veggie fajitas, black bean soup, or a bean burrito loaded with guacamole and salsa.

• Quick tip: Ask if the beans are cooked with lard. Request no cheese, sour cream, or butter. Corn tortillas are usually vegan, but it’s good to double-check.

• Why your body will thank you: Beans and corn in Mexican cuisine provide resistant starch and soluble fiber, which help regulate blood sugar and keep you feeling full longer—great for weight management and steady energy.

4. Mediterranean: Light, Bright, and Heart-Healthy

Mediterranean cuisine is a plant-based dream. Look for falafel, lentil soup, stuffed grape leaves, and fresh salads. Hummus and tabbouleh are usually safe and delicious.


• Quick tip: Ask for no oil in your hummus or salad, to reduce inflammation and calories. Many restaurants now offer oil-free options.


• Why your body will thank you: Mediterranean meals often feature fresh herbs, tomatoes, and leafy
  greens, which are rich in antioxidants. These nutrients help protect your cells from damage and support glowing skin and healthy aging.

5. Thai: Big Flavors, Easy Vegan Swaps

Thai food is all about bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Try veggie Pad Thai (ask for no egg or fish sauce), fresh spring rolls, or a coconut veggie curry.


• Quick tip: Request no fish sauce, oyster sauce, or egg. Also, ask them to leave out the MSG. Most Thai places know how to make dishes vegan.

• Why your body will thank you: Thai food’s use of lemongrass, lime, and fresh chilies can boost your metabolism and circulation. The abundance of colorful vegetables also means you’re getting a wide range of vitamins and minerals to help fight low energy and support overall vitality, and plus… it just tastes good!

Pro Tips for Vegan Restaurant Success

Don’t be shy—ask questions and make requests. Most chefs at vegan restaurants want you to enjoy your meal and are happy to help. Knowing these vegan-friendly cuisines makes eating out easy, fun, and healthy.

Tune into the full podcast episode, Say Goodbye To Dining Out Stress, to make dining out even more enjoyable! With these cuisine options, boring salads and feeling deprived will become a thing of the past!

Want more tips and step-by-step support? We’re here for you! Learn more about Accelerator: our strategic 5-Step System + Coaching Program that makes eating WFPB quick, simple, and delicious. Get step-by-step guidance, easy recipes, in the kitchen videos, and bonus video courses for lasting weight loss and naturally lowering cholesterol. Let’s get your body feeling great, so you can start fully living your God-given dreams!