Whether you’re a veteran vegan or you’ve just switched to a plant-based diet, having lots of different meal ideas in your arsenal can make things much more interesting. While meat alternatives are getting better, there are only so many evenings you can get excited about Beyond Burgers or Linda McCartney sausages!

A great way to mix up your weekly menu is by looking at vegan cuisines. Aside from new dishes and recipes, they offer up a taste of different flavours shaped by local ingredients and cultures from around the world.

Below, we’ll look at seven vegan cuisines you might not have tried yet with some traditional, naturally vegan dishes.

1. Korean

Where better to start than Korea, given that many of the country’s staple foods are cruelty-free. Rice, noodles, soybeans, sesame oil, gochujang. Not to mention an array of vegetables and fermented goodies.

The meat-free prevalence stems partly from Korea’s traditional Buddhist temple cuisine being entirely vegan. The centuries-old culinary tradition uses natural, seasonal ingredients to create mindful, healthy meals.

In terms of vegan dishes, you can’t beat:

Japchae – Glass noodles stir-fried with veggies, sesame oil and soy sauce.
Bibimbap – A delicious rice bowl with vegetables, mushrooms and gochujang. Just skip the egg to keep it vegan.

2. West African

Okay, we can’t talk about vegan cuisines without mentioning the one closest to our hearts – West African. As vegan caterers in Manchester, specialising in West African cuisine, we know the unique ingredients and flavours like the back of our hand.

A lot of West African food is naturally vegan, partly due to a historical shortage of animal produce and limited access to refrigeration. While those issues are less prevalent now, meat and dairy are still treated as an added extra to most dishes.

You’ll find all kinds of foodie inspiration in our recipes section, but two of the most popular options are:

Groundnut stew – A rich peanut-tomato base, which can be paired with sweet potato, plantain or okra.
Jollof rice – A hearty rice dish that’s synonymous with West African cuisine and packed with flavour.

3. Mexican

Mexican cuisine was largely plant-based before the Spanish colonisation in the 16th century. So, when you take the meat or dairy out of a modern dish, you’re actually getting the authentic Mexican flavours.

We’re talking about corn, beans, chili peppers, tomatoes, avocado and more – all used to create vibrant dishes that are both exciting and comforting.

Some of our favourites include:

Salsas & guacamole: Naturally vegan flavour boosters using fresh coriander, zesty lime and chili peppers depending on your preferred heat level.
Frijoles refritos (refried beans): Traditionally made with lard, but easily veganised with oil – providing an earthy, savoury, umami flavour.

Put the options above on your choice of tacos, tortillas, fajitas, burritos or quesadillas – and you’re onto a winner.

4. Greek

Another personal one in the mix, following our gorgeous honeymoon in Rhodes. Carnists might think of Greek food as gyros and souvlaki, but there’s so much more to it than that.

Olives, olive oil, beans, lentils, chickpeas and fresh herbs like oregano are all deeply integrated into Greek cuisine – along with a rich tapestry of seasonal vegetables thanks to the sun-soaked Mediterranean climate.

Fasolada – A hearty white bean and tomato soup, often called the national dish of Greece.
Dolmades – Tender vine leaves stuffed with fragrant rice, fresh herbs and zesty lemon.
Gigantes plaki – Plump, buttery beans baked in a savoury, rich tomato sauce.

5. Japanese

Japan is another haven for plant-based eating, with many of its staple ingredients naturally vegan. Rice, soybeans, tofu, miso, seaweed, noodles and seasonal vegetables form the backbone of its traditional cuisine – simple, clean and full of umami.

A big part of this vegan-friendly tradition comes from shojin ryori. Like we mentioned for Korean food, it’s a long-standing Buddhist temple cuisine that focuses entirely on plant-based, seasonal ingredients. The result is mindful, balanced meals that celebrate the natural flavours of each ingredient.

In terms of vegan dishes, you can’t beat:

Miso soup – A comforting broth made with miso and kombu seaweed, packed with seasonal vegetables.
Vegetable tempura – Lightly battered and crisp-fried vegetables, perfect for a satisfying snack or side. Be sure to check out our corn tempura okra fries too!

6. Spanish

If you’re looking for more vegan cuisines from the Med, how about Spain? We mentioned Palma in our blog post on vegan-friendly holiday destinations – and for good reason.

Tapas culture offers plenty of small, vegan-friendly dishes like pan con tomate, pimientos de Padrón and patatas bravas (vegan aioli required!).

But it’s not just small plates. Rice, vegetables and unique spices like saffron and paprika are at the heart of lots of vibrant, satisfying meals:

Paella de verduras – Colourful vegetable paella with fragrant saffron-infused rice.
Escalivada – Smoky roasted vegetables, including aubergine, sweet peppers and caramelised onions.
Potaje de garbanzos – Hearty, comforting chickpea stew with tender spinach and a rich, savoury broth.

7. Filipino

If you’re looking for a vegan cuisine with novel, interesting ingredients, Filipino might be the one for you. Alongside rice and vegetables, you can enjoy things like coconut, bananas, mung beans, jackfruit and even bitter melon.

Expect bold flavours, fragrant spices and a natural sweetness from tropical ingredients. Lots of Filipino dishes are naturally vegan, simply because the staple ingredients are plant-based.

Here are some great dishes you can try at home:

Laing – Delicate taro leaves simmered in creamy coconut milk with chili and garlic.
Adobong kangkong – Water spinach braised in soy sauce, vinegar and garlic for a tangy, savoury punch.
Ginataang gulay – Seasonal vegetables cooked in rich coconut milk, delivering a comforting and aromatic stew.

Find your favourite vegan cuisines!

There are so many great cuisines around the world for vegans to try. While we’ve only picked out a few, we hope the list above provides plenty of inspiration to help you find your favourites.

At Gwafuvegan, our vegan catering services bring global flavours to your plate for weddings, corporate events and even community cooking classes. If you’ve got an event coming up and need our help, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a quote.

7 Vegan Cuisines You Haven't Tried Already!