Where to find vegetarian recipes in the world

Vegetarian dishes are a big part of cultures across the globe, and each region boasts its own unique flavors and ingredients. Let’s take a culinary trip across the continents to explore the best vegetarian recipes from each part of the world.

Africa

1. Shiro wat (Ethiopia & Eritrea)
Chickpeas turn into magic when they’re slow-cooked into a creamy stew, spiced with berbere, and served with injera, the ultimate edible utensil. It’s vegan, protein-packed, and seriously satisfying.

2. Maakouda (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
Fried potato cakes with herbs and spices. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. They’re street food in North Africa, but you’ll want them for every meal.

3. Yassa veggie (Senegal)
A lemony, tangy vegetable dish with onions and mustard. It’s usually made with chicken, but the veggie version is just as bold and satisfying, often served with rice.

4. Zeytoon parvardeh (Iran)
Olives marinated in pomegranate molasses, garlic, and walnuts. It’s tangy, rich, and has a Mediterranean flair, perfect as a starter or side.

5. Diri ak pwa (Haiti)
Haiti’s famous rice and beans combo, packed with spices. Simple but flavorful, and a must-try if you love hearty, comforting dishes.

6. Foul medames (Egypt)
This is breakfast at its best: fava beans simmered in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Top with hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, or a sprinkle of cumin.

7. Mloukhieh (Egypt)
A leafy green stew made with Jew’s mallow, served with rice or bread. It’s slightly slimy, but once you get over the texture, you’ll love the garlicky goodness.

8. Mahjouba (Algeria)
Imagine a crepe, but savory, stuffed with caramelized onions and tomatoes. Algeria’s street food game is strong with this one.

9. Ugali with sukuma wiki (Kenya)
Cornmeal porridge served with sautéed greens, usually kale. It’s the daily staple for many Kenyans, simple yet comforting.

10. Bobotie (South Africa)
A spiced lentil pie with a creamy egg topping. It’s the vegetarian cousin of the meat-based original, and it’s just as flavorful.

Asia

11. Taameya (Egypt)
Egyptian falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas. Light, crispy, and stuffed with herbs, these little fritters are falafel’s fluffier cousin.

12. Koshary (Egypt)
A carb-lovers dream with rice, lentils, chickpeas, and macaroni all mixed together, topped with fried onions and spicy tomato sauce. Street food doesn’t get much better than this.

13. Dal tadka (India)
Indian lentils cooked to perfection and topped with a tempering of spices. This is home-cooked comfort food at its best.

14. Soondubu jjigae (Korea)
Spicy tofu stew bubbling in its clay pot, with a rich broth and loads of veggies. Tofu skeptics, this will change your mind.

15. Spanakopita (Greece)
Flaky pastry layers filled with spinach and feta. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or just a snack to go. Greek food is winning with this one.

16. Ratatouille (France)
This colorful vegetable stew from Provence is the reason we love French food. Eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes cooked down until they melt together. It’s as simple as it is delicious.

17. Yemista (Greece)
Tomatoes and peppers stuffed with herbed rice and baked until soft and slightly charred. Greek summers in a dish.

18. Tandoori paneer (India)
Cubes of paneer cheese marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled. Perfectly charred and smoky, it’s India’s vegetarian answer to BBQ.

19. Misal pav (India)
A spicy curry made from sprouted lentils, served with fluffy buns. It’s street food that bites back, with a tangy, spicy kick.

20. Bibimbap (Korea)
A vibrant rice bowl topped with sautéed veggies, a fried egg, and a dollop of gochujang. Mix it all up for a flavor explosion in every bite.

21. Gado-gado (Indonesia)
A peanut sauce-drenched salad with a mix of steamed veggies, tofu, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s hearty, crunchy, and super flavorful.

22. Tempeh goreng (Indonesia)
Fried tempeh, fermented soybeans’ funky cousin. Golden brown and crispy, perfect with rice and sambal on the side.

23. Banh mi chay (Vietnam)
Vietnam’s classic sandwich gets a vegetarian makeover with marinated tofu, pickled veggies, and herbs stuffed into a crispy baguette.

24. Zaru soba (Japan)
Cold buckwheat noodles served with a soy-based dipping sauce. It’s simple, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days.

25. Miso soup with tofu (Japan)
A light, warming soup made from fermented soybean paste, filled with tofu, seaweed, and green onions. Japanese simplicity at its finest.

Europe

26. Fattoush (Lebanon)
A salad of mixed greens, fresh veggies, and toasted pita bread, all tossed in a lemony dressing. Fresh and crunchy with a hit of sumac.

27. Pisto (Spain)
Spain’s take on ratatouille. Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and onions simmered together, often served with a fried egg on top.

28. Frittata (Italy)
An Italian-style omelet packed with veggies, often featuring zucchini, potatoes, or spinach. Great hot or cold.

29. Käsespätzle (Germany)
Soft egg noodles baked with cheese and topped with crispy onions. It’s Germany’s answer to mac and cheese, and it’s incredible.

30. Trofie al pesto (Italy)
Twisted Ligurian pasta smothered in fresh basil pesto. Every bite tastes like a summer day in Genoa.

31. Vegetarian Moussaka (Greece)
Layers of eggplant, potatoes, and béchamel sauce. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for a big family dinner.

32. Cauliflower gratin (France)
Cauliflower baked in a rich cheese sauce, topped with breadcrumbs. It’s golden, bubbly, and everything you need on a cold day.

33. Pierogi (Poland)
Poland’s favorite dumpling, filled with potatoes and cheese or sauerkraut and mushrooms. Fried in butter and served with sour cream, of course.

34. Leek and potato soup (France)
A velvety, creamy soup that’s all about simple flavors done right. Leeks, potatoes, and cream make the perfect bowl of comfort.

35. Grilled halloumi (Cyprus)
Salty, squeaky cheese that holds up to the grill. Pair it with a simple salad, and you’ve got a perfect Mediterranean meal.

North America

36. Guacamole (Mexico)
Mashed avocados mixed with lime juice, onions, cilantro, and a little heat. It’s fresh, creamy, and utterly irresistible.

37. Chilaquiles (Mexico)
Crispy tortilla chips drenched in salsa and topped with fried eggs, crema, and avocado. It’s a breakfast you won’t forget anytime soon.

38. Macaroni and cheese (USA)
Pasta smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. A simple, classic comfort food that never goes out of style.

39. Black bean tacos (Mexico)
Soft tortillas filled with spicy black beans, avocado, and salsa. Vegetarian tacos that pack serious flavor.

40. Smoky beans and greens (USA)
Beans and greens simmered together in a smoky tomato broth. It’s Southern comfort food with a vegetarian twist.

41. Collard greens with plantains (USA)
Crispy fried plantains mixed with collard greens in a fresh, tangy salad. Southern flavors that are perfect for any table.

42. Vegetarian chili (USA)
Spicy, hearty, and packed with beans, vegetables, and a little heat. A big pot of this will satisfy any crowd.

43. Sweet potato casserole (USA)
Mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. Sweet and savory all in one dish.

44. Jackfruit tacos (Mexico)
Shredded jackfruit mimics pulled pork, seasoned with spices and served with avocado and salsa. It’s the veggie taco filling you didn’t know you needed.

South America

45. Humitas (Ecuador, Peru, Argentina)
Steamed corn cakes wrapped in corn husks, filled with cheese and spices. Each country has its own take, but they’re all delicious.

46. Ajiaco vegano (Colombia)
A creamy potato soup with corn and capers. This vegan version skips the chicken but keeps all the soul-warming flavors.

47. Tacu tacu (Peru)
Rice and beans are mashed into a crispy patty and served with a fried egg on top. It’s the perfect way to use leftovers, Peruvian style.

48. Locro (Andes Region)
A thick stew of potatoes, corn, and squash, often served during festivals. It’s hearty, warming, and just what you need on a chilly day.

49. Pão de queijo (Brazil)
Chewy, cheesy little bread rolls made from tapioca flour. They’re gluten-free, delicious, and dangerously addictive.

50. Chipa guazú (Paraguay)
A savory corn pie made with fresh corn, cheese, and eggs. It’s soft, cheesy, and perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.

Oceania

51. Grilled halloumi salad (Australia)
Grilled halloumi over a bed of fresh greens with a light vinaigrette. It’s salty, squeaky, and refreshingly simple.

52. Mushroom & vegetable pot pie (Australia)
Flaky pie crust stuffed with mushrooms, carrots, and a rich gravy. It’s warm, savory, and the ultimate comfort food.

53. Vegetarian barbecue skewers (New Zealand)
Skewers loaded with grilled veggies and halloumi, perfect for outdoor gatherings. New Zealand knows how to do BBQ right.

54. Aussie meat(less) pie (Australia)
A plant-based twist on the classic Aussie meat pie, filled with mushrooms and lentils in a buttery crust. Still savory, still satisfying.

Ready to try these dishes?

Vegetarian dishes are truly global, each culture adding its own unique flavor and twist. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring meatless meals, these dishes from around the world will keep your palate excited and your belly full.