🥦 Best Cities Abroad for Indian Vegans & Vegetarians in the UK, Canada & Germany

Moving abroad as an Indian vegetarian or vegan? You’re not alone! With growing global awareness around plant-based living, many international cities are now incredibly veggie-friendly—some even feel like home when it comes to food.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best cities for Indian vegetarians and vegans in three popular destinations: UK, Canada, and Germany. From Indian groceries to vegan cafés, these cities offer the perfect balance of comfort and global experiences.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: A Plant-Based Paradise

The UK has become one of the most vegan-forward countries in the world, with veganism growing by over 360% in the past decade.

🏙️ London

• 🌱 Over 400 vegan/vegetarian restaurants
• 🌍 Rich Indian diaspora – from South Indian thalis to Punjabi dhabas
• 🛒 Indian stores like Patel Brothers, Ambala, and online desi grocers
• 🧘‍♂️ Weekly vegan festivals, farmer’s markets, and organic stores

Must-Try Spots:

• Dishoom (Bombay-style café with great veg options)
• Mildreds (100% vegetarian restaurant)
• Indian Veg (Islington) – a cult favorite with a buffet under £10

🏙️ Leicester

• 🌍 Large Indian population, especially Gujaratis and Punjabis
• 🥘 Tons of pure veg restaurants, temples with prasad halls
• 🛒 Easy access to Indian groceries and spices

Why it’s great:

Leicester almost feels like a mini-India—great for students or families who want familiarity and affordability.

🏙️ Manchester

• 🎓 Student hub with growing Indian population
• 🌱 Vegan restaurants, Indian street food stalls, and spice markets
• 🎉 Hosts VegFest and cultural food fairs regularly

🇨🇦 Canada: Culturally Diverse, Food Friendly

Canada’s openness to multiculturalism means there’s no shortage of vegetarian or vegan options, especially in major cities with strong Indian communities.

🏙️ Toronto

• 🥕 Plant-based capital of Canada—hundreds of vegan eateries
• 🥘 Little India area for thalis, dosas, chaats, and mithai shops
• 🛒 Stores like Panchvati, Iqbal Halal, and FreshCo for Indian staples

Must-Visit:

• Udupi Palace
• Veggie Flames
• Fresh Restaurants (vegan burger and smoothie bowls)

🏙️ Vancouver

• 🏞️ Eco-conscious city = strong vegan culture
• 🌿 Popular with yoga and wellness communities (think Ayurvedic cafés!)
• 🚲 Farmer’s markets, kombucha shops, and South Indian cafés galore

Why it’s perfect:

If you love nature and clean eating, Vancouver blends both effortlessly.

🏙️ Brampton

• 🕌 Heavily South Asian – especially Punjabi and Tamil communities
• 🍛 100% vegetarian restaurants like Brar's, Sweet Palace, and Saravanaa Bhavan
• 🛒 Easily find Indian snacks, masalas, frozen foods, and even ready-to-eat rotis!

🇩🇪 Germany: Europe’s Fastest-Growing Vegan Scene

Germany might surprise you—it's one of the fastest-growing vegan markets in the EU. Though sausages are big, so is soya! Berlin alone has over 100 vegan restaurants.

🏙️ Berlin

• 🧁 Vegan bakeries, Indian buffets, South Asian food trucks
• 🌱 Many universities offer vegan canteen meals
• 🛒 Supermarkets have tofu, lentils, soy milk, vegan schnitzels & more

Pro-Tip:

Indian grocery stores in Berlin (like Bolu, Asian Spices, or GoAsia) stock ghee, atta, sabzi, and basmati at decent prices.

🏙️ Frankfurt

• 🛫 International hub, ideal for working professionals
• 🍲 Indian restaurants and gurdwaras offer veg meals
• 🌿 Growing vegan café scene, especially near universities

🏙️ Munich

• 🏞️ Eco-conscious and organized, with clean, green options
• 🥗 Vegan meals at canteens, buffet restaurants, and Indian fine-dining
• 🧘‍♀️ Wellness centers often feature Ayurvedic diets and organic Indian teas

🧳 Quick Tips for Indian Vegetarians Abroad

✅ Learn Local Labels:

Know the words for eggs, meat, gelatin, and rennet in local languages (e.g., “Ei” = egg in German).

✅ Use Apps:

• HappyCow (find veg restaurants nearby)
• abillion (veg-friendly product reviews)
• Google Translate (scan menus)

✅ Stock Your Pantry:

Carry starter masalas, poha, instant chutney powders, and a pressure cooker if possible.

✅ Cook with Community:

Join local Indian or vegan Facebook groups—many people host potlucks or give away unused spices and utensils.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Whether you're a strict vegan, lacto-vegetarian, or someone simply trying to avoid meat abroad, the UK, Canada, and Germany offer a welcoming environment. These cities are not just livable—they’re flavorful, inclusive, and ideal for Indian food lovers.

With the right planning and a little curiosity, you’ll never have to compromise your dietary values abroad.

🍲 Looking for Indian grocery stores, roommate groups, or student guides in these cities?

Visit AbroadSaathi.com for curated tips, community links, and expat survival kits for Indian vegetarians abroad.