The beautiful Thai island of Koh Samui is on your itinerary, but you’re worried about finding vegan food?
Don’t worry, after reading about Koh Samui’s best vegan food spots you’ll know what to expect & where to enjoy plant-based food. From vegan-friendly restaurants to the best recommendations from the menus.
Buckle up and get ready for some yummy tips for this Asian destination…
Not sure why to choose Koh Samui or how to plan your itinerary yet?
Check out Koh Samui’s Ultimate Guide!
What to Expect
(as a Vegan in Koh Samui/Thailand)
As a popular travel destination in Thailand, Koh Samui welcomes millions of tourists from around the globe each year – of course, also vegans.
So if you’re worried about Koh Samui being vegan-friendly, rest assured. With a decent selection of vegan/vegetarian restaurants, you should have no trouble finding something you like. The island is starting to develop a vegan scene, with new places opening up constantly. From plant-based eateries with international cuisine to authentic Thai restaurants, there is something for everyone.
THE GOOD THING: Many Thai dishes can be turned vegan as they’re made with whole natural foods and a focus on being fresh, spicy, and of course tasty. Make sure to ask for vegan/vegetarian or “Jay” (= basically vegan in Thai). The yellow-on-red “Jay”-flag is also used to indicate a vegan menu.
Additionally, since Koh Samui is a tropical island, you’ll have a blast exploring fresh exotic fruits on almost every corner of the streets. If you’re a fruit lover, this can be a lovely cherry on top.
Shopping for vegan alternatives at grocery stores is also relatively easy and you will find great options most of the time.
Overall, Koh Samui is mostly vegan-friendly with lots of restaurants and options in the well-populated bits of the island (e.g. Chaweng, Bophut, Lamai). If you find yourself in more remote/smaller areas or head to food stands, it will be a lot harder to find vegan meals.
Nonetheless, the following plant-based food spots will inspire you the explore the island’s vegan food scene!
Need more advice?
Make your plant-based experience even better.
Read about the best tips & tools on finding vegan food while traveling.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Koh Samui
Enough of all the preparation talk, let’s finally get into some of the best vegan-friendly places in Koh Samui…
Greenlight Cafe
Starting with this cute cafe in the popular Fisherman’s Village in Bophut.
After exploring the night market, this is a great place to get some comfort food and relax. The menu has many vegan items ranging from main dishes to delicious desserts. The cafe’s food is generally made with healthy, sometimes raw, organic ingredients and also includes some fantastic Thai options.
Mushrooms & Wild Rice Soup, Greenlight Wrap
ANNIE sweetery & eatery
This trendy shack-style food spot is perfect if you’re looking for something quick.
The multiple locations in Koh Samui offer a lovely selection of bowls (sweet and savory), wraps, shakes, and burgers. One of the eateries is also located in Fisherman’s Village, making it a great stop after a long day there. ANNIE is also THE place if you’re feeling like getting a vegan milkshake – an absolute must-try!
Falafel Spicy & Pan Tofu Wrap
Chunky Monkey Milkshake
Love Mango Bowl
Jay Tamachad
If you’re on the hunt for some typical cheap Thai food, Jay Tamachad will be the place for you.
As a fully vegan (or Jay) buffet, this spot offers anything from rice to noodle dishes with plenty of plant-based meat options. You’ll encounter a large selection of vegan food that will leave your stomach and wallet happy!
The Hungry Wolf
This amazing food spot is known for amazing pizza and burgers near Chaweng Beach.
The restaurant has a separate plant-based menu, making being vegan here a breeze. With plenty of faux meat and cheese options, you can enjoy pizza and burgers in a classical way. They even have vegan desserts and super tasty smoothies. For a non-vegan restaurant, The Hungry Wolf has a great selection!
Vegan Spicy OmniBeef Burger, Veggie Burrito Bowl, Pizza
Smoothies
Caramel Chocolate Pie
Nang Sabai Cafe
Located on the Main St. of Bophut, this food place offers some tasty meals perfect for lunch.
We had a quick sandwich, tofu scramble dish, and smoothies but there is so much more on the menu to explore. The interior gives jungle vibes with cozy seating corners in the back. A great place to take your friends to and hang out!
Pure Vegan Heaven
A true gem hidden away in Lamai’s streets near the beach.
This beautiful all-vegan restaurant makes for an amazing atmosphere after a long day in the beaming Thailand sun. The little patio in the back offers some scenic views of the mountains and jungle. But of course, the food here is also super delicious, offering everything a vegan could wish for. Pure Vegan Heaven is like the name already says a must-visit!
views from the patio
That wraps up Koh Samui’s Best Vegan Food Spots – hopefully, you didn’t get too hungry after all this food talk!
As I mentioned above, finding plant-based food on this Thai island shouldn’t be too hard. Make sure to read about the ultimate tips on finding vegan food to get even more insights!
Let me know which food spots you liked the best and where you’re going to head first!
Please also share your suggestions for vegan food spots in the comments! 🙂
Going to Hawaii Instead? Check out these:
Vegan Food Guide to Maui || Vegan Food Guide to Oahu
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