Looking For Vegetarian Food In Bangkok?

You would think twice before heading to Bangkok if you're a vegetarian; but not anymore! Spreading some good food karma, here are some snippets from my Bangkok food diaries. Scroll down for some exciting options for vegetarian food in Bangkok.

Important Tip: Language can be a problem in Thailand. So before you head out of the hotel, each day, ask the staff to write the name of the place you need to go to, in Thai, making it easy for you to ask the locals.

South-East Asian Cuisine

1. May Kaidee

With two outlets in Bangkok and one in Chiang Mai, May Kaidee is a great place to savour meat-free versions of classic Thai dishes. They not only give you great food to eat, they also hold cooking classes throughout the year for you to take home this delicious food experience!

Must try: Pad Tai, Som Tom, Tofu Green curry, Banana Flower salad and don’t miss the home made tea

Location: 59 Tanao Road (restaurant and cooking school) Behind the Burger King at the end of Khao San Road  AND 33, Sam Sen (between Soi 1 & 2) | 5 minutes from Khao San Road; Tel: +66 (0) 89 137 3173. Open: Daily, 9 am-10 pm

2. May Veggie Home

Though it has shifted to a new location, this little joint still has the same simple moto: “Tasty Vegetables Amazing Dishes. When you're here, you're family!” Don’t get misled by the names of the dishes. It is all vegetarian! They also have free Wi-Fi!

Must Try: Tofu Green Curry with rice, Masaman King Oyster Curry with Indian Bread, crunchy fresh salads and Herbal Drinks

Location: Asok, near Sukhumvit Road Soi 21 | Opposite Terminal 21; Tel: +66 (0) 2714 0179; Open: Mon-Sat 11:30 am-9 pm

Good Ol’ Indian Food To The Rescue

1. Dosa King

Yes, it does serve good dosas but also has all sorts of other pure vegetarian north Indian food.

Must try: Aloo Chaat, Samosa and Dosa

Location: 53/7 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 11/1; BTS: Nana; Tel: + 66 (0)2 651 1700. Open: Daily, 11 am-11 pm

2. Baluchi’s Bangkok:

“Khao Piyo, Aish Karo” is their motto! What more can you ask for?

Must try: Garlic Naan, Daal and Samosa

Location: 5-7 Sawasdee Welcome Inn, Soi Rongmai Soi Rongmai Chao-Fa Road, Chanasongkram, Pranakhorn District; Tel: +66 (0) 85 159 8905; Open: Daily, 11 am-11 pm

3. Sri Ganesh Restaurant

Enjoy great aromas of freshly prepared South Indian food doubled with excellent service.

Must try: Onion Rawa Masal Dosa, Idli, Pongal and Vada along with their mouth watering chutneys

Location: 19/13-14, Sukhumvit Suites (inside the lobby), Sukhumvit Soi 13, Khlongtoei Nuea, Wattana; BTS : Nana; Open : 10 am-10 pm

4. Saras

Serving a wide range of authentic Indian (including a Jain Menu), Indian-Chinese and some Thai vegetarian dishes, Saras provides quick service and some delicious food. Free Wi-Fi.

Must try: Gujarati Thali, Crispy Papad, Rajasthani Thali, Fresh lime soda, Mithai and Falooda

Location: Sukhumvit Soi 20 | Right behind the Rembrandt Hotel; Tel: +66 (0) 2401 8484: Open: Mon-Fri 8.30 am-10.30 pm, Sat-Sun 8.30 am-11 pm

5. Khana Khazana

Authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine from the North of India, Gujarat and the South of India cooked with good quality fresh ingredients. Jain Menu also available. Free Wi-Fi.

Must try: Masala Dosa, Gujarati Daal Khichadi

Location: 153 Sukhumvit Soi 11/1 Main Road; BTS: Nana; Tel : +66 (0) 2255 2298; Open: 11 am-12 midnight

6. Chotivala Pure Vegeterian Restaurant

Serves a combination of all types of Indian cuisine (though stick to the North Indian). Special Jain dishes available.

Must try: Thali, Samosa, Pakoda, Panipuri

Location: 120/24 Ratchapharop Soi 3 Road | Close to Indra Market; Tel: +66 (0) 2565 3113

Jain Food

Eros Restaurant

Run by a Jain Gujarati, this restaurant is a gem in the middle of a ‘non-vegetarian’ town, with an extensive and pleasing Jain menu. Free Wi-Fi.

Must try: Monster Vege Platter (feeds 4), Kesari Paneer Tikka, Paneer Butter Masala

Location: 03/705 Silom Rd, Bangrak | 3 minute walk from the Sri Mariammam Temple (Ma Kali Hindu Temple); BTS: Chong Nongsi | 5 minute walk; Tel: +66 (0) 2236 0333; Open: 11 am-11 pm

International Cuisine

1. Govinda Italian Restaurant

Indian sounding, but purely Italian vegetarian. Food is fantastic and even hard core non-vegetarians would give up meat and eat here!

Must try: Great Salads, freshly made Pasta and Pizzas. Don’t miss the orange cake!

Location: 6/5 Sukhumvit Soi 22; Skytrain: Phrompong Station; Subway: Sukhumvit Station; Tel: +66 (0)2 663 4970. Open Wednesday to Monday, 11:30 am-3 pm and 6 pm-11.15 pm.

2. Bonita Café and Social Club

Enjoy fresh vegetarian food at this old American style Café. Free Wi-Fi.

Must try: Zucchini Pasta, great smoothies and Blue Berry Cheesecake

Location: 56/3 Pan Street, Silom | 200 metres from Myanmar Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand; Tel: +66 (0) 2637 9541; Open: 11.30 am-3.30 pm, 6-9.30 pm, Closed Tuesday

Multi-cuisine Vegetarian Food In Bangkok

1. Rasayana Raw Food Café

This unique café serves a ‘food experience’ which is a feast for all your senses.

Must try: Sushi, Pizza, Lasagne and fresh juice

Location: 57 Soi Prom-mitr, Sukhumvit 39, Klonton Nua, Wattana ; SkyTrain: Phrom Phong (Emporium) | Take a taxi; Tel: +66 (0) 2662 4803; Open: Daily, 10 am-8 pm

2. Anotoi

Serving a combination of Thai and western (mostly Italian) food along with a scrumptious bakery, this little joint is run by a Cordon Bleu trained chef and a must visit for all

Must try: Vegetable and Tofu Stir-fry, Tempura with sweet and sour sauce, Brownies and Scones

Location: 976/17 Soi Rama 9 Hospital, Hwaykwang (opposite Rama 9 Hospital); Subway: Rama 9 | Short taxi ride to Rama 9 Hospital; Tel: +66 (0) 2641 5366/70; Open: 10 am-9.30 pm, closed Wed.

3. Ethos Bakery Café Restaurant

A ‘Travellers Oasis’ as they call themselves, Ethos serves Thai and western dishes and is located in a quiet side street, a calm place in the middle of chaotic city life. No MSG used.

Must try: Stir fry Vegetables with Ginger, Fried Tempe with Peanut Sauce, Spaghetti with ‘Meat’ Balls, Mango Lassi, Apple Crumble with Custard

Location: 85/2 Tanao Road, Banglumpoo | behind Burger King on the East side of Khao San Road; Tel: +66 (0) 2280 7549; Open: Daily, 8 am-11 pm

Vegetarian Festival

Did you know that in early October every year, Bangkok celebrates the Vegetarian Festival – similar to our Navratras? During those nine days a large part of the Thai-Chinese community goes, not just vegetarian, but Vegan. The festival is held to celebrate the nine Emperor Gods, so China Town turns into a festive ground. Food shops line the side of the road, selling food stuff from sweet cakes to noodles. Soi 20 of Charoen Krung Road is the hub of all the activity. Don't miss the Chinese opera  performances. Many shops around Bangkok (including some 7-11s) come alive with bunting and yellow flags as well.

Must try: Vegetable Tom Yam (a spicy vegetable soup), Mushroom and Tofu Yakisoba Noodles, Tofu Massaman Curry and finish off with the yummiest Thai desert – Mango sticky Rice with Coconut

Location: China Town; MRT: Hua Lamphong | 15 minute walk or take a taxi

So I hope you are all ready for your trip to Bangkok to savour all the yummy food awaiting you!