The Best Destinations for Traveling Vegetarians and Vegans

India

India is the holy grail of vegetarian cuisine. A third of the country's 1.2 billion people don't eat meat, and many of who do consume very little of it. This makes staying away from meat or dairy in India very easy, because nearly all restaurants (and even supermarkets) serve delicious meatless dishes that are well labeled as vegan or vegetarian.

Anyone who thinks a meal can't be hearty without meat probably hasn't been to India. The country is known for its veggie-packed dishes that are blended with native herbs and spices and served with any combination of rice, potatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and, of course, a side of pita or naan bread.

These classic Indian vegetarian dishes are sure to whet your appetite.

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Portland, Oregon

Home to more vegetarian restaurants per capita than any other U.S. city, Portland sprawls with quality meat-free eateries, cafes, food trucks, vegan bakeries, and even grocery stores like Food Fight!

The city has completely embraced the vegetarian community, and even hosts cooking courses and events that cater specifically to non-meat eaters.

"Eclectic," "innovative," and "local" sum up Portland's vegetarian food scene. From vegan crepes and French toast to meatless burgers, burritos and vegan BBQ, you can indulge in creative comfort food made from only the city's finest ingredients.

Berlin, Germany

Germany isn't just about schnitzel and pork anymore. Its capital, Berlin, has emerged as a veggie-lover's utopia and was named the "New Vegetarian Capital" last year by the New York-based magazine, Saveur, which argues it's the only city in the Western world in which vegetarian cuisine has achieved complete culinary parity with a carnivorous diet.

The formerly meat-centric city has adapted to changing dietary choices and the increasing demand for organic and local produce. Today, Berlin is home to more than 300 vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, dessert shops, and snack stands, and several vegetarian supermarkets.

Many traditional German vegetarian dishes can be enjoyed throughout Berlin—try anything from Spargelcremesuppe (cream of asparagus soup) and vegetarian shawarma to Eggplant and Portobello Schnitzel and Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes with chickpea flour).

This helpful guide highlights some of Berlin's best vegetarian spots.

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Taiwan

With more than 6,000 vegetarian eateries to choose from, you won't have a problem getting your veggie fill in Taiwan. Because of the country's large Buddhist population, 10 percent of locals don't consume meat; even the less devout will go without meat on the first and 15th day of the lunar month.

Whether you're dining in a cozy sit-down restaurant or hitting one of the vegetarian buffets, you can indulge in Taiwan's many mouthwatering soups and dumplings, steamed or fried greens, and noodle and stir fry dishes. Vegans have plenty of options in Taiwan, too, as many parts of the country (including Taipei) are largely dairy-free.

London, England

The U.K. is home to the most vegetarians in the entire European Union, and London is no exception. Named the most veggie-friendly city in the world by the animal rights organization PETA, London has taken meat-free dining to new heights since its first vegetarian restaurant opened in 1966.

Today you can enjoy fresh and organic vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options across London's eclectic food scene. Satisfy your veggie craving at any one of the city's Mexican or Lebanese restaurants, curry houses, pubs, or vegetarian buffets, and make sure to check out some of London's to-die-for vegan brunch spots.

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Seattle, Washington

Vegetarian-friendly bistros, hipster bars, and cafes abound in vibrant Seattle, where some of the best meatless fare in the U.S. can be enjoyed.

Seattle is opening up vegan and vegetarian restaurants up left and right throughout its many neighborhoods, including Capitol Hill—a central district known for its diverse cuisine and lively nightlife. Get ready to fill up on everything from vegan pizza and vegetable vermicelli to sweet and spicy Puerto Rican cuisine and the best poutine fries around.

Israel

Veganism is rising steadily in Israel due to growing awareness around animal welfare and the high percentage of locals who keep kosher. About 8 percent of the nation is vegetarian, and according to the activist group Vegan-Friendly, Israel is home to approximately 300,000 vegans—the highest per capita vegan population in the world.

Most of Israel's tastiest bites are vegetarian and have an array of colors, flavors and aromas, and gastronomic influences from around the world. Treat yourself to anything from breaded broccoli-tofu fritters to mango sticky rice or stuffed eggplant, or head to Buddha Burgers— a local favorite, which serves up some of Israel's best vegan burgers, hot dogs, and Italian- and Indian-style dishes. Israel's plethora of native fruits and veggies also makes it a smoothie oasis and a salad-lover's paradise.

RELATED: Our Favorite Vegetarian Restaurants Around the World

San Fransisco, California

San Francisco bursts with organic and wholesome meat-free food. The city—which was the first in the U.S. to adopt 'Meatless Monday'—has a solid vegetarian network and strong values about healthy living.

In San Francisco, you can have anything from Burmese cuisine to vegan cheesesteaks and ice cream. And for a taste of everything, you can also venture on one of the many food tours where you'll sample the best vegetarian cuisine the city has to offer.

RELATED: Eating Vegetarian on a Meat-centric Continent

Ethiopia

Maintaining a healthy balance between meat and vegetarian food is important in Ethiopian culture, as many followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church don't eat meat on Wednesdays or Fridays, and engage in meat-free fasts during various times of the year.

Ethiopia is best known for injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread made of teff flour that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. Instead of using utensils and plates, Ethiopians eat off the injera and use it to pick up food. Vegetarians can enjoy many lentil, pea, and bean dishes that are rich in flavor and blended with Berbere Spice—a key ingredient in Ethiopian cuisine.

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Olivia Briggs is always ready to binge on vegetarian food. To read more by Olivia, follow her on Twitter @Olileibri.