Gluten-Free and Vegan Tourism: Countries Where It's Easier to Find Food

Not long ago, traveling with gluten intolerance or on a strict plant-based diet felt like a survival quest with protein bars in your backpack. However, in 2026, the hospitality industry made a huge leap: now entire metropolises compete for the title of most vegan and gluten-free friendly. Restaurateurs understand that dietary restrictions are not a whim, but a lifestyle or a medical necessity.

If you decide to buy tickets to Lisbon on Kupi.com, Tel Aviv, or Bali, this list will be your reliable gastronomic compass, saving you from annoying mistakes and empty plates.

Italy: Rome and Milan

Italy is the most astonishing example of how a country of triumphant pasta has become a world leader in the fight against gluten. Here, celiac disease diagnosis is conducted at a state level, and every restaurateur undergoes training in cross-contamination rules. Italians have transformed gluten-free baking into a high art, so here you won't be offered a dry cracker instead of bread – you'll be offered a masterpiece.

• In Rome, the restaurant Mama Eat (in the Trastevere area) should be a mandatory stop. The establishment has a unique feature: two completely isolated kitchens. One is classic, the other is entirely gluten-free, with separate ovens and utensils. Be sure to order their “Senza Glutine” lasagna with a rich béchamel sauce or a pizza with a crispy crust that is almost indistinguishable from traditional.
• In Milan, head to GluFree Bakery. This place is a true legend among locals. Here you'll find freshly baked panettone, arancini (rice balls with filling), and Sicilian cannoli, all completely safe for your health. If you have already booked tickets for the St. Petersburg – Milan route, this cafe should be first on your breakfast list.

Israel: Tel Aviv

Israeli cuisine is inherently incredibly friendly to plant-based diets. Thanks to an abundance of fresh vegetables, legumes, and the traditions of kashrut (where the separation of meat and dairy is a strict norm), Tel Aviv has become a place with the highest concentration of vegans per capita. Here, “plant-based meat” is not an exotic item, but a basic product.

• In Tel Aviv, visit 416. This iconic loft-style place serves an incredible vegan seitan steak and baked mushroom pâté with truffle oil. The cocktail menu here is no less impressive than the main menu.
• For traditional flavors, head to old Jaffa to Abu Hassan. Order their legendary masabacha – a warm, tender hummus with whole chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice. This dish is vegan and gluten-free by default. If you've decided to buy tickets to Tel Aviv on Kupi.com, prepare for a true gastronomic delight that will begin right in the city's markets.

Thailand: Bangkok and Phuket

The Kingdom of Thailand is a true salvation for those avoiding lactose and wheat. Historically, rice is the staple of the local diet, and coconut cream is widely used instead of cow's milk. Even the most ordinary street food here is 80% safe for “gluten-free” eaters. However, vegans should be wary: Thais have a fondness for fish and shrimp sauces, which they add even to vegetable stews. To enjoy food without worries, look for signs with the red hieroglyph “Jay” on a yellow background – this is a sign of a strict Buddhist vegan diet.

• In Bangkok, check out Theera Healthy Bake Room. This cozy cafe specializes in hypoallergenic food. Try their gluten-free brown rice pancakes or vegan flourless chocolate cake. It's the perfect place to take a break from the city heat.
• In Phuket, Pure Vegan Heaven is a must-visit. Be sure to order vegan Pad Thai (rice noodles with tofu, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts) or a Smoothie Bowl with dragon fruit and homemade granola. If you've taken tickets for the St. Petersburg – Phuket route, you'll find that local street food can be not only delicious but also surprisingly healthy.

Indonesia: Bali (Ubud and Canggu)

Bali is perhaps the only place on the planet where it's significantly easier and cheaper for a vegan or someone on a gluten-free diet to live than for a steak lover. Here, food is elevated to the philosophy of health, beauty, and unity with nature. In the Ubud and Canggu areas, competition among “green” cafes is so high that chefs from all over the world come here to create masterpieces from jackfruit, tempeh, and chia seeds. Almost every menu is equipped with clear “GF” (gluten-free) or “V” (vegan) icons, and waiters understand allergen requirements without a second thought.

• In Ubud, check out Gluten Free on Bisma. This place specializes entirely in safe food for people with celiac disease. We recommend their Egg Benedict on their signature gluten-free bread or zucchini pasta with a rich cashew sauce.
• In Canggu, go to I Am Vegan Babe. Try their vegan “Big Mac” or cauliflower nuggets in a crispy breading. If you've decided to buy tickets to Denpasar on Kupi.com, prepare for your diet to consist of the brightest tropical flavors and superfoods.

Germany: Berlin

Berlin officially holds the title of Europe's vegan capital and fully lives up to it. In this city, an ecological and ethical lifestyle is not a temporary trend, but an established social standard. The world's first vegan supermarkets are opening here, and the largest plant-based food festivals are held. Even in the most conservative German beer garden, you can now find vegan sausages and gluten-free beer. Berlin's approach is a combination of high technology in food tech and genuine environmental concern.

• In Berlin, Kopps is a must-visit. This is a fine vegan dining restaurant, awarded green Michelin stars. Try their tasting menu, where seasonal vegetables play the main role, for example, fermented kohlrabi with blackcurrant sauce.
• For an informal dinner, Vöner is suitable. This is the world's first place to make vegan kebab with soy “meat” that will fool anyone with its taste and texture. If you already have tickets for the St. Petersburg – Berlin route in your pocket, you will definitely appreciate the scale of the local vegan street food.

United Kingdom: London

London is a city where care for guests with special needs is legally enshrined. The British were among the first in the world to introduce the strictest labeling of all 14 major allergens on the menu of any establishment – from a railway station snack bar to a Michelin-starred restaurant. The capital of Great Britain offers an incredible variety: from traditional Sunday roasts in vegan versions to gluten-free fine dining. Here, there's no need to search for specialized places – menu inclusivity is a rule of good etiquette in any pub in the city.

• In London, check out Mildreds (Soho). This legendary establishment has been feeding vegetarians since 1988. Their sweet potato and cashew curry with jasmine rice is an absolute hit.
• If you're looking for gluten-free classics, head to Indigo at One Aldwych. The entire menu here is completely gluten-free and dairy-free, while maintaining the polish of fine dining. Order Fish and Chips in gluten-free batter – it's a British classic in a safe version. 

Portugal: Lisbon

Over the past few years, Portugal's capital has made an incredible leap, transforming from a conservative city of cod lovers into one of Europe's “greenest” and most photogenic capitals. Lisbon successfully integrates its maritime traditions into a modern Healthy Lifestyle format. The city has filled with bright, stylish cafes where the emphasis is on superfoods, farm-fresh vegetables, and aesthetic presentation. Veganism here is perceived as part of modern urban culture, closely linked to surfing, the ocean, and conscious consumption.

• In Lisbon, you should visit the restaurant Organi Chiado. We recommend trying their tofu steak in seaweed marinade and definitely saving room for dessert – avocado-based chocolate mousse.
• For breakfast lovers, Nicolau is open all day. Their buckwheat pancakes with berries and coconut yogurt have become a city landmark. 

Georgia: Tbilisi

Georgian cuisine is a hidden treasure for vegans and people avoiding gluten. Thanks to centuries-old traditions of strict church fasts (which collectively last almost half a year), Georgians have learned to make vegetable dishes incredibly hearty. The foundation here is walnuts, pomegranates, fresh herbs, and legumes.

• In Tbilisi, the restaurant Cafe Leila is considered a true icon. Located in the old city, it offers a completely vegetarian menu in a fabulous interior. Be sure to order an assortment of pkhali – balls made from spinach, beetroot, or cabbage with walnut paste. Instead of bread, mchadi – corn flour flatbreads, which are gluten-free by default – are perfect with them.
• For those who appreciate modern street food, Muhudo is open. This intimate spot serves the city's best falafel in a bowl with tahini, quinoa, and pickled mango.
• If you've decided to buy tickets to Tbilisi on Kupi.com, remember: local ajapsandali (eggplant and pepper stew) is the benchmark for a vegan dinner. And at Shavi Lomi restaurant, try gomi – corn porridge, which is an ideal gluten-free alternative to any side dish.

Practical tips for an easy journey

1. Special meals on board: when booking airline tickets, select code VGML (vegan) or GFML (gluten-free). 
2. HappyCow app: an indispensable assistant that will show you the nearest verified spots with suitable food and honest reviews from like-minded people.
3. Cards in the local language: save the translation of the phrase: “I am allergic to gluten” or “I do not eat animal products.” In small family taverns, this is more reliable than any English.

Traveling with special preferences is not a reason for restrictions, but a way to discover the world from its healthiest and most surprisingly delicious side.