In the West, it has become rather common to find people who have very strict dietary requirements - vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free and so on.

However, if you plan on traveling to eastern countries such as in Asia, you might find it difficult to make sure that you adhere to your diet. A lot of dishes in the Southeast Asian region are made with meat and/or dairy products so you have to be extremely careful about what you eat.

With a lot of research and proper planning, you shouldn’t be left starving to death because you couldn’t find meals to fit your vegan diet.

Here are some of the best vegan dishes that you ought to try in Southeast Asia:

1. Som Tum (Thailand)

This papaya salad is just as mouthwatering as it looks and sounds. Basically, this dish is a combination of freshly shredded green papaya, peanuts, and tomatoes, mixed with garlic, lime, sugar and tamarind juice. It is normally served with dried shrimp or fish sauce so make sure to mention mawng sa vee rat (vegetarian) or gin jay (vegan) when you order.

2. Pho Chay (Vietnam)

Pho Chay is a popular Vietnamese soup which traditionally uses meat broth, just like most pho dishes are. However, you can request for a vegan version of this soup - one where vegan ingredients such as mushrooms, herbs and spices are steeped in hot water.

3. Jaew Mak Khua (Laos)

This 100% gluten-free, vegetarian dish is actually a dip made of smoked eggplant. In many cases, fish sauce is added to this Lao dip so be sure to tell them ahead that you don’t want any. This dip is usually served with sticky rice and eaten with bare hands - you will surely enjoy eating this healthy meal!

4. Lahpet Thok (Myanmar)

Myanmar showcases a lot of salads in their meals and the lahpet thok is one example. This, however, might taste a little weird on taste on one’s tongue as it is made of fermented tea leaves. Fresh tomatoes, cabbages, peanuts, dried peas, garlic, chili, and lime are also added to complete the dish.

5. Ginataang Puso ng Saging (Philippines)

This traditional Filipino side dish is as vegan as it can get. It is made from the puso ng saging (literally, heart of the banana), or banana blossoms, which is simmered in coconut milk. Tasty and healthy!

6. Com Ga Chay (Vietnam)

Com Ga Chay is like chicken and rice in Vietnam, added with lots of sweet-spicy ginger. Chay refers to the chicken but can easily be replaced wth wheat tofu that has been shredded, seasoned to taste and fried!

7. Vegetable Amok (Cambodia)

Fish Amok is a popular Cambodian dish that comes with a version that is friendly for vegans and vegetarians. Instead of using fish or chicken, tofu or vegetables are added to the delicious yellow curry sauce. However, you will have to be very careful because Cambodians often use shrimp or fish sauce in their traditional Amok recipes.

8. Tahu Sambat (Malaysia)

Tahu Sambat is actually fried tofu that has been stuffed with vegetables. The julienned vegetables found inside the tofu sandwich are often cucumbers, carrots, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, and cilantro. It is best paired with chili sauce that will make you wanting for more.

9. Sambal Goreng Tempeh (Indonesia)

If you want to make sure you want to stay on the safe side when eating, give the tempeh a try. This Indonesian dish is fermented soybean paste, which probably does not sound very attractive to anyone. It is then fried in a wok, added with a chili garlic sauce called sambal, then with kecap manis or sweet soy sauce.

10. Tao Hoo Song Kreung (Thailand)

This is perhaps the safest dish on the list as it is just mixed tofu. As simple and bland as it may sound, this dish is pretty mouthwatering. Different types of tofu and other protein supplements are mixed together and added with basil, then paired with a plate of rice.

Which is your favorite?

Don’t let your strict dietary requirements stop you from enjoying all those delicious dishes that various countries in Southeast Asia has to offer. Now you can go and travel - and not have to worry about starving yourself!

On an added note, Southeast Asia is home to a looot of fruits for cheap so while you’re there, why not get your unlimited fill of the freshest fruits?

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About the Author: Pam is an outdoors-loving millennial momma who loves to hike, trek and camp in the beaches and mountains with her partner and their kiddos.