Messy Vegan Cook
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Vegan in Thailand

Despite the ubiquitous presence of the revered fish sauce, Thailand is still one of the easiest countries in the world to travel as a vegan. The language contains built in words for veganism that are widely understood, so with patience you should have no problem finding vegan food in Thailand.

A Few Things to Note about Veganism in Thailand

  • Fish sauce is often considered vegetarian, and it is a key ingredient in Thai cuisine. Always, always ask about its inclusion in a dish, even if it is marked vegetarian. This advice is applicable for all Thai restaurants worldwide. Nearly every Thai restaurant I've entered uses fish sauce and/or shrimp paste in items on their so-called vegetarian menus.
  • While its vegan status is debated elsewhere, in Thailand oyster sauce can be considered vegetarian. If this is a concern, query ingredients before you order.
  • If you want to ensure you receive a vegan dish then ask for it to be made Jay, with the two above ingredients omitted. Jay is the Thai equivalent of vegan.