Plant-based living is being embraced in the most unlikely places around the world, from the far reaches of Sweden and Mexico to Brazil, Israel and the UK, people are craving fresher, healthier produce to consume at mealtimes. In this article, we explore how Veganism began, how the trend is rising and the best places to visit for plant-based dining around the world.
How and When did Veganism begin?
Veganism has been an important part of culture throughout centuries for millions of people around the world, although it hasn’t always been known by this name.
Followers of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain religions all promoted plant-based diets for ethical reasons. Historical sources also mention that Akhenaten, the Egyptian Pharoah, banned the sacrifice of animals during his reign.
The term ‘Veganism’ was devised by the London Vegetarian Society in 1944, when they were advocating for their members to give up dairy products. The progress was slow and steady, but by the time the 1970s arrived, the vegan movement had gained a lot of traction.
News of veganism had spread to the United States, and scientists and physicians began to extol the virtues of a plant-based diet, for both health and environmental reasons.
Today, we see even more people turning to veganism, and every year in January, consumers are challenged to participate in ‘Veganuary’ where they pledge to give up meat for the entire month.
In 2022, over half a million people participated globally, the highest number to date, with many deciding afterwards not to return to a meat-eating diet.
Is the Vegan Trend Rising?
More of us are realising that eating a natural plant-based diet, coupled with regular exercise can be beneficial to good health and life longevity.
The rise in the vegan trend can partially be attributed to a growing mistrust in larger food corporations. Also, information released regarding the poor treatment of animals and questionable farming practices has helped to fuel the growth. These days choosing to follow a vegan diet and lifestyle is no longer just about improving our health, it’s also about social justice.
In the past 10-15 years the plant-based market share has risen. Supermarkets began to stock soy-based products and these convenient additions gave people who enjoyed eating meat an alternative that was not harmful to animals and was better for the environment.
The Rise of Veganism in Unlikely Places
Although veganism has always been prevalent on the Indian subcontinent and throughout Asia, the movement is now rising in the most unexpected places. In Sweden, for example, a country famed for its meat and potato diet, the number of young vegetarians and vegans has tripled over the past eight years. The demand for more plant-based cuisine has led to Swedish producers releasing cookbooks, opening restaurants, and new vegan product lines. Companies like Risenta are flourishing in the meat-free burger realm, and Findus have been curating Vegan couscous and falafels. There has also been an increase in vegan influencers in the country, including Green Kitchen Stories who have published YouTube videos concerning foraging, recipes, and cooking, whilst amassing tens of thousands of followers on Instagram in the process.
Germany, a country known for its sausage and pork dishes is catching up too. In 2021, 15% of German people said that they typically don’t consume meat, and 14% of British people have now eradicated meat and fish from their diet.
In the USA – a country celebrated for its fast food and convenience, current figures for 2023 suggest that almost 20 million Americans are adopting vegan lifestyles – an increase of 9 million over the past 15 years.
Which Countries are Great to Visit as a Vegan?
All vegans have been there, visiting a foreign country, only to find it impossible to dine out due to the lack of vegan options on the menu. So which countries can you visit these days as a vegan?
India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other countries in Asia are superb destination choices for plant-based diners, with a range of culinary offerings available via street food vendors, in hotels, cafes and restaurants.
Surprisingly, meat-loving Mexico and Brazil are not that far behind. With an immense supply of fruit and vegetables in both countries, major cities have cultivated a number of vegan restaurants.
Also topping the list are London and Edinburgh in the UK. The Scottish capital has a multitude of plant-based shops and restaurants, serving everything from burgers and sandwiches to legendary mac & cheese and vegan cakes.
In Tel Aviv, Israel, the White City neighbourhood has the most vegan restaurants per capita in the world, where diners can feast on hummus, falafel, and sweet vegan chocolate babka on any given day. The great news about vegan food in Israel, is, much like India, it doesn’t feature any meat substitutes, everything is created solely from fresh produce.
Portland Oregon comes out on top in the United States with 150 vegan restaurants in the city. This is followed by New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, all of which boast incredible plant-based eateries.
