Laos is not as openly vegan-focused as some neighboring countries, but vegetarian food is common and many dishes can be easily adapted.

Things I learned quickly:

“No fish sauce” is an important phrase
Plant-based milk exists, but you sometimes need to search for it
Simpler dishes are often the safest option
Fruit shakes become a daily habit very quickly

Overall, I found it much easier than expected.

Luang Prabang

Saffron Coffee

Great coffee spot with plant-based milk and a few vegan options like a delicious falafel wrap. Beautiful location right by the river and a perfect place to sit for a while.

Grasshopper Cafe

Casual stop, great for breakfast or lunch. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There is also a yoga studio on location.

Bouang Asian Eatery

Probably one of the most popular restaurants in Luang Prabang for a reason. I usually have dinner early, so I never had issues getting a table. If you’re eating at a later hour (between 7-9pm, I’d recommend making a reservation).

They have clearly marked vegan options (also versions of local dishes) and everything felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared.

The Happy Cat

A cozy little café with the sweetest owner. It felt relaxed and low-key, perfect for slower mornings or afternoons.

Pakse

HUG Coffee

Unassuming, small coffee shop in southern Laos. I was thrilled to find out that they had oat milk, which felt like a small luxury at that point in the trip.

Vida Bakery Cafe

Great for a relaxed breakfast or bakery stop, simple but solid options.

Dok Mai Lao Trattoria

A more sit down-style restaurant with good options when you want something a bit more filling. Decent pizza and pasta.

Don Det

Jay’s Coffee Shop

The only place serving plant-based milk on the island, which automatically made it my morning routine. But more than that, it became a place for conversation, familiarity, and small everyday connection.

Oi’s Place

Simple, local, and one of those easy go-to spots on the island. Bowls, lunch and dinner options with amazing views over the river.

Hathim Indian Restaurant

A surprising find on the small island, and a nice change when I wanted something different. Great authentic Indian food.

Vang Vieng

Kiwi Kitchen

Local dishes, comfort food - reliable meals after active days. Lots of vegan and vegetarian options.

Mama’s Sandwiches

Simple, filling, and exactly what you want between hikes and viewpoints.

Disclaimer: Vegan options, but they do cook everything on the same skillet (meat, eggs etc.)

Pizza Luca

One of those unexpected good Western food stops that just hits after days of travel. Amazing vegan pizza, run by a lovely French guy.

Kapphet Vegan

A fully vegan spot with amazing food and some of the most reliable plant-based meals I had in Laos.

V Coffee

It’s funny because they have a sign right outside that says no vegan food, yet they are one of the few places that had oat milk. Amazing views.

Vientiane

People warned me that the city itself doesn’t have much to offer, but of course in capital cities, vegan food is way easier to come across.

Coco & Co

My personal favorite in the capital, however, it’s on the pricier side. Fully plant-based, great atmosphere, excellent coffee and pastries, and a place I kept coming back to.

Bacan Café

Chilean restaurant with many vegan options and friendly staff.

Final Thoughts

Laos may mot be the most obvious vegan destination in Southeast Asia.

But it doesn’t need to be.

It’s a country where food quietly fits into the rhythm of the day, rather than defining it.

And somehow, I found great vegan options in the most unlikely places.

Vegan Food in Laos