How to Find and Order the Best Vegan Food in Koh Phangan in 2024

Last updated on December 17th, 2023

Are you planning a visit to the chilled-out and dreamy island of Koh Phangan and wondering how vegan-friendly this tropical paradise is? Well, there’s absolutely no need to worry! Koh Phangan has evolved into a haven for vegan food, offering more vegan food than you could possibly need, if you know where to look.

Keep reading and I’ll walk you through how to find and order vegan food in Koh Phangan. 

Absolutely! Koh Phangan has embraced the vegan lifestyle with open arms. Especially along the South-West Coast where the most popular resorts are, you’ll find plenty of vegan-friendly areas, such as Thong Sala, Hin Kong Beach, Srithanu Beach, and Zen Beach. These areas are often home to yoga and meditation centres or retreats, which tend to have vegan-friendly restaurants nearby.

Finding vegan food in Koh Phangan is an adventure in itself. One handy trick is to start by Googling “Vegan food in Koh Phangan.” If you see a cluster of vegan restaurants pop up on your map, that’s your cue! You don’t need to commit to a specific restaurant right away; simply take a leisurely stroll around the area, and you’ll likely stumble upon menus brimming with vegan delights.

As always, the internet is your trusty ally when it comes to hunting down vegan options when travelling. 

You need to be using Happy Cow whenever travelling as a vegan or vegetarian.

TripAdvisor, or a good old Google search can also help you to discover vegan restaurants, cafes, and food stalls on the island. These platforms provide reviews and ratings to help you make informed choices.

One of the joys of travelling is exploring the local scene on foot. Take a step back from the beaches and wander through Koh Phangan’s charming streets, and don’t be shy about peering into menus or asking restaurant staff about their vegan options. You’ll be surprised how accommodating and helpful the Koh Phangan islanders are.

The best advice often comes from those who have experienced it firsthand. Strike up a conversation with locals or fellow travellers who have already explored Koh Phangan’s vegan food scene. Their insights can lead you to hidden gems you might not find in online listings or roaming the streets on your own.

Thai food is probably the best food in the world, well at least I think so! So when in Koh Phangan, be sure to sample some of the local vegan dishes. Keep an eye out for dishes such as:

• Vegan Pad Thai: A flavorful twist on the classic Thai dish.
• Massaman Curry: A rich and creamy curry loaded with vegetables, tofu, and spices.
• Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum): A zesty and refreshing salad made from shredded papaya, chilli, lime, and peanuts.
• Fresh Fruit Smoothie Bowls: Koh Phangan is famous for its tropical fruits, and you’d be mad not to enjoy a few smoothie bowls made from fresh, local produce.
• Mango sticky rice: A traditional dessert made with sticky rice, fresh mango and coconut milk.

Once you’ve found the restaurant you want to try, communicating that you want vegan food can be so much easier with a few vegan phrases.

How to say you want vegan food in Thai:

• I am vegan: ฉันทานเจค่ะ (Chan taan jay ka)
• I don’t eat meat: ฉันไม่ทานเนื้อสัตว์ค่ะ (Chan mai taan nuea satwa ka)
• I don’t eat: ฉันไม่กิน (Chan mai gin)
• Meat: เนื้อ (Nuea)
• Chicken: ไก่ (Gai)
• Eggs: ไข่ (Khai)
• Fish: ปลา (Pla)
• Fish Sauce: น้ำปลา (Nam pla)
• Shrimp: กุ้ง (Goong)
• Milk: น้ำนม (Nam nom)
• Honey: น้ำผึ้ง (Nam phueng)

Remember that one of the Thai words for “vegan” is “Jae” (เจ) or “Jay.” While it doesn’t always guarantee vegan food, seeing this word indicates that the place is familiar with vegan cooking. 

If you see a sign outside with Jae” (เจ) on it, you’re off to a good start. It’s usually easy to recognise because (เจ) looks like number 17 and it’s typically red writing on a yellow or orange background. 

Absolutely! Koh Phangan’s vibrant street food scene offers numerous vegan options. Keep an eye out for stalls serving up delicious vegan spring rolls, veggie noodles (without fish sauce) grilled corn on the cob, or coconut-based desserts. You’ll find these tasty treats while strolling through local markets or near popular beach areas.

Yes, for sure! Koh Phangan is a great place for vegan-friendly accommodation. 

One that looks amazing is the Wonderland Healing Center, located centrally in Thong Sala. Surrounded by tropical jungles and stunning mountain views, this centre offers a vegan buffet breakfast and a fully vegan restaurant. Even non-vegan guests rave about the food!

Take a look at Wonderland Healing Center on Booking.com.

In conclusion, Koh Phangan is a vegan-friendly paradise, filled with delicious plant-based options waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re exploring the island’s bustling streets or relaxing in serene beachfront dining, you’ll find that vegan food in Koh Phangan is both easy to find and order. Have fun in vegan paradise!
 Want to know more about how to travel as a vegan and enjoy every moment? Check out my Vegan Food on Tour page.

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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! 🌱✈️🌍
Want to know more? Check out Sinead’s About page here.

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Follow me on Instagram to see all the delicious vegan food I find, the vegan and cruelty-free products I use and what I get up to as a travelling vegan.

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