Fun fact, the word “Vegan” was only coined in 1944 after Donald Watson, who was head of the Vegetarian Association’s (established in the UK in 1847) Leicester Branch requested that a section of its national Newsletter devote a section to non-dairy food. Watson got turned down, and Veganism, as a term, was born, as well as the newly established Vegan Society - it took until the 2010s for the movement itself to truly really pick up steam. 

Ok let’s leave history in the past and fast forward to 2022. The number of people taking up a Vegan diet and lifestyle is on the rise more than ever. Airlines, and more importantly, restaurants from across the globe are now creating Vegan versions of their home country’s traditional recipes, making it easier, and more exciting, for Vegan travelers from around the world to taste local delicacies.

Here are some of shoopit’s favorites!

Chimichurri (The Uruguayan version)  Sometimes the most simple dishes are the tastiest. This staple is popular around South America, although the Argentinians do claim it as their own. That said, the Uruguayan version is packed with flavor and can be used as dip, basting or just a good old spread for your favorite bread. Made with parsley, garlic, oregano, white wine, onion, red pepper, vinegar, and oil - you’ll be ordering this on a daily basis on your travels across Uruguay, whether you’re vegan or not!

Festival (Jamaica)  Ok before we get into what this dish is, how cool is its name? And it does indeed feel like a festival for your appetite! Festival is a cornmeal-based Jamaican dumpling. It is usually cooked in the form of an oval, and is distinguished by its crispiness. The dumplings contain flour, water, salt, sugar, and baking powder in addition to the cornmeal. They are deep-fried in hot oil until the outside becomes brown and crispy. Enjoy it with a Mango Coleslaw and you’re all set!

Ful Medame (Egypt) A national recipe of Egypt, known as ful medames, dates back to the pre-Ottoman and pre-Islamic eras. It is a common breakfast item made of gently cooked fava beans that have been flavored with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a few other spices (depending on whose mother you ask for the recipe!). Since it is a breakfast dish (Break Fast) it is particularly popular during Ramadan as a dish to eat after the fast ends. Although popular across North Africa, it truly is a staple of the Egyptian diet.

Bombay Sandwich (India) Generally served with a Green Chutney made of a mix of mint, coriander, chili peppers, and various spices, there are many types of Bombay sandwiches. It can be made with three layers (three slices of bread)! A mixture of vegetables and spices, including sliced boiled potatoes, a healthy dose of masala spices (cumin, fennel, black pepper, cinnamon), tomatoes, green bell peppers, cucumbers, beetroot slices, and onion slices go in between the bread slices (a lot of slicing is involved here). It’s a proper taste of India and it’s cruelty free!

Matbucha (Morocco/Israel)  Although it likely has Moroccan origins, matbucha is a popular dish in Israel as well, where Jewish immigrants and refugees introduced it. Bell peppers and tomatoes are roasted and then seasoned with garlic and ground paprika. Israelis often consider it to be an appetizer, it is typically eaten at the start of the meal with a variety of small dishes. Always serve matbucha with a big amount of olive oil poured over it and a warm flatbread or pita on the side and you'll be dipping away into this tasty little dish faster than you can say Shalom!

Gazpacho de Mango (Spain) Let's be real, on those balmy or hot Spanish summer evenings, if you’re gonna have soup, it better be chilled. Honestly, this is a tasty and nutritious way to cool down after a day of exploring the beauty of Spain’s cities or countryside. A variation on the traditional tomato gazpacho, this version, as its name implies, has mangoes as its main ingredient. These are combined with other ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, chilies, onions, shallots, and garlic. You’ll want to make this at home, cause once you’ve tasted Mango Gazpacho, no other version will do. For real.

Hungry for one of these? Find the best way to go get’em by downloading the shoopit extension!