The 4 Best Spots for Vegan Pad Thai in Bangkok in 2024
Last updated on January 23rd, 2024
Where better to enjoy vegan Pad Thai than in Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital?
Pad Thai is a beloved Thai dish that has won the hearts of people. Not just in Thailand, but all over the world with its tasty combination of flavours and textures. From its humble beginnings on the streets of Thailand to its global popularity, Pad Thai has come a long way.
But what if you’re a vegan, like me, and want to savour the incredible taste of this iconic dish while staying true to your plant-based principles? Well, you’re in luck, because I’ve scoured the buzzing streets of Bangkok to find the best vegan Pad Thai options in 2024. These options will make your vegan adventure in Bangkok even more special.
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Fun Vegan-Friendly Things to do in Bangkok:
If you’re looking to explore some vegan delights, there’s this great tour I stumbled upon called – Bangkok Best of Thai Vegan. It’s a journey through the city’s vegan food scene. You’ll get to try a variety of Thai vegan dishes that are honestly out of this world, while walking through some of the coolest neighbourhoods, so it’s like a little adventure wrapped up with some delicious food.
Vegan/Vegetarian Thai Cooking Class – May Kaidee Cooking Class Tour – Viator
So for anyone wanting to feel the culture and learn some Thai cooking, I’ve got just the thing. It’s the May Kaidee Cooking Class. You learn how to create vegan versions of some classic Thai dishes, and the best bit – it’s all veggie. Soups, curries, and stir-fries, all bursting with flavour – plus, you get to eat what you make, so it’s a win-win! We even got to dress up in traditional Thai clothes and take photos when we went.
Floating and Railway Market Tour – Bangkok Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market Tour – Get Your Guide
Ever heard of a market on railway tracks? Yeah, it’s a thing in Bangkok! This tour is to the Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Railway Markets. It’s like a peek into the everyday life of the locals. The railway market is such a unique experience – you’ve got trains passing through while sellers swiftly move their goods away from the tracks. And Damnoen Saduak is this vibrant floating market where you can glide through canals, checking out the stalls. Sadly, not all the food is vegan but there are some tasty treats to be found.
A Brief History of Pad Thai:
Before we dive into the world of vegan Pad Thai in Bangkok, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history of this beloved dish. Pad Thai, which means “Thai-style stir-fried noodles,” has its roots in Thailand, but its origins are a bit mysterious. It’s believed that Pad Thai was created as a response to a campaign by the Thai government in the 1940s to promote nationalism and a sense of Thai identity. This campaign included the promotion of noodles, which were considered a symbol of Thai culture.
What makes Pad Thai truly unique is its harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavours. Thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients like tamarind, palm sugar, lime, and peanuts. It’s a dish that holds the true essence of Thai cuisine and is a favourite of many all around the world.
Making Pad Thai Vegan Friendly:
Traditionally, Pad Thai contains eggs and sometimes shrimp or other animal-based ingredients. However, with the rise of veganism and the growing demand for plant-based options, many restaurants in Bangkok now offer scrum-diddly-umptious vegan versions of this classic dish.
To make Pad Thai vegan, chefs replace animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Eggs are substituted with tofu or other egg replacements, and shrimp or meat are replaced with mock meats or vegetables. This transformation not only allows vegans to enjoy the dish but also shows the creativity and adaptability of Thai cuisine.
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s get started on our journey through Bangkok’s vegan scene. Let’s discover the four best vegan Pad Thai options in the city for 2024.
The 4 Best Spots for Vegan Pad Thai in Bangkok in 2024
1. May Veggie Home – A Vegan Haven:
Vegan Restaurant in Bangkok
Location: Find May Veggie Home on Google Maps
May Veggie Home is a vegan and vegetarian gem in Bangkok’s vegan scene. This charming, bright and clean restaurant offers a diverse menu. It features not only traditional Thai dishes but also East Asian and Western options.
Their Pad Thai is not to miss! It’s packed with flavour and you can get it with either tofu or vegan shrimp.” The restaurant’s spiritual and calm atmosphere really put me at ease. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy a vegan Pad Thai.
It’s not just me who thinks this a one of Bangkok’s best spots for vegan Pad Thai. There are loads of reviews raving about it. As well as other menu items like their pineapple rice, spring rolls, and coconut curry.
2. May Kaidee – A Vegan Institution:
Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant in Bangkok
Location: Find May Kaidee on Google Maps
May Kaidee’s restaurant is not only a long-established vegetarian restaurant and cooking school in Bangkok but is also famous within the city’s vegan community. They serve all kinds of vegan Thai dishes, that are all bursting with authentic Thai flavours. While not fully vegan because some of the dishes on the menu have egg, most things are vegan.
But it’s not only their vegan Pad Thai that’s delicious. I’ve been several times and I also enjoyed their Tom Kha, Red Curry and Mango Sticky Rice. The portions are good, as are the prices, and the friendly service makes May Kaidee a go-to spot for anyone craving a vegan Pad Thai when visiting Bangkok.
3. Nop Nan – A Hidden Vegan Gem:
Vegan Restaurant in Bangkok
Location: Find Nop Nan on Google Maps
Nop Nan is a fully vegan spot that often flies under the radar because, from the outside, it doesn’t look like much, but I suggest you venture in because its dishes, especially its Pad Thai, deserve serious recognition.
They offer both a buffet and a huge menu to order from with loads of incredible dishes that I hope to keep coming back to try more of, well if I can ever resist ordering the Pad Thai.
Their vegan Pad Thai offers deliciously chewy noodles and the perfect blend of spices and flavours. I think they do a stand-up job of offering a vegan twist on the classic dish. And even though they offer some of the best food around they still keep the prices low.
4. Suananda Vegetarian Garden – A Tranquil Vegan Oasis:
Vegetarian Restaurant and Wellness Centre
Location: Find Suananda Vegetarian Garden on Google Maps
You won’t find a much more peaceful and tranquil setting than Suananda Vegetarian Garden. This gorgeous spot has been serving mouth-watering vegan dishes since 2013 and their Pad Thai is one of their best dishes, and a favourite of mine.
Some food on the menu is vegetarian but there are plenty of vegan options, all properly labelled. And if you’ve room after enjoying one of the best vegan Pad Thai’s in Bangkok don’t forget to try their heavenly carrot cake.
While it’s slightly pricier than some, the quality, ambience, and feeling you’ve been transported to a serene paradise make it a must-visit, especially for Pad Thai enthusiasts.
If you’ve enjoyed reading about the 4 best spots for vegan Pad Thai in Bangkok, then you’ll love my guide on How to Find and Order Delicious Vegan Food in Bangkok in 2024.
Some Fun Facts about Pad Thai:
Let’s make sure you know all about this world-famous dish before you tuck in. Here are a few fun facts about Pad Thai:
- Pad Thai is Thailand’s national dish and has its own dedicated day, Pad Thai Day, celebrated on November 7th each year.
- The secret to perfect Pad Thai lies in the balance of flavours – sweet, sour, salty, and umami. This harmonious blend is what makes it so irresistible.
- Traditional Pad Thai is typically prepared with fish sauce, and dried shrimp. Vegan versions cleverly swap these ingredients for plant-based alternatives.
Conclusion – All that’s left is to enjoy the best vegan Pad Thai in Bangkok
In the bustling streets of Bangkok in 2024, vegan food has without doubt found its home, and Pad Thai is no exception. These four fantastic spots – May Veggie Home, May Kaidee, Nop Nan and Suananda Vegetarian Garden – offer not just vegan Pad Thai but some of the best Pat Thai you’ll ever get your chopsticks on.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring these gems will surely leave you with a newfound appreciation for the incredible world of vegan Thai cuisine.
Now, try as I may, I’m not sure one person will ever be able to try every Pad Thai in Bangkok, so, if there’s one you’ve tried and you think absolutely must be on this list please let me know, I’d love some new spots to hit up on my next trip to Bangkok.
Well, now you know where to find the best vegan Pad Thai in Bangkok in 2024, why not check out some of these other posts where I share the best spots to get vegan versions of other traditional Thai dishes:
- The 3 Best Spots for Vegan Mango Sticky Rice in Bangkok in 2024
- The 5 Best Spots for Vegan Red Curry in Bangkok in 2024
- The Best Spots for Vegan Massaman Curry in Bangkok in 2024
- The Best Four Spots for Vegan Tom Yum in Bangkok in 2024
- The Four Best Spots for Vegan Khao Soi in Bangkok in 2024
- The Three Best Spots for Vegan Green Curry in Bangkok in 2024
Meet the Author
Meet Sinead O’Carroll: Vegan explorer, sustainability advocate and the founder of The Wondering Wandering Vegan. Embracing veganism since 2018 and vegetarianism since 2005, Sinead is armed with a Vegan Health, Nutrition and Lifestyle qualification, and is on a mission to share her passion for cruelty-free living.
With a taste for adventure and a heart for eco-conscious choices, she’s here to prove that vegans never miss out on flavour, fun or style. Join her in enjoying the delights of a vegan-friendly world! 🌱✈️🌍
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