7 Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Bangkok Near BTS
Grab garden-fresh meals at these 7 vegetarian/vegan restaurants with great ambiance in Bangkok along the BTS line!
After reports revealed that one-fourth of Americans between the ages of 25-34 are becoming vegetarians or vegans, The Economist - one of the world’s most influential publishers - names 2019 the year of vegan food.
This seems to be supported by statistics from The Vegan Society. They claim that the number of vegetarians and vegans in the US has increased by 600% - from 4 million in 2014 to 19.6 million in 2017 - and continues to grow each year.
As astonishing as these numbers are, they represent the US alone. Outside North America, the hype is especially strong in the UK, where the demand for vegan items has increased by 987% from that of 2017.
So why not get on the ‘food trend of the year’ train, and hop into these 7 vegetarian (and vegan) restaurants? They offer a wide variety of tasty veggie-based menus; even if you’re normally a meat lover, these healthy alternatives can fill your heart with joy.
Plus, these venues are only a short distance away from Sukhumvit BTS Line. That means they’re well within reach even for the busiest city dwellers.
Sit back, relax, and treat yourself to a wholesome meal right from nature’s pantry. Let’s see if any of these eateries will spring out at you!
Na Aroon (Ariyasom Villa Hotel)
Our first stop is Na Aroon - a wellness-focused restaurant in downtown Bangkok that serves Thai vegetarian menus. To get there, simply take the BTS to Ploenchit and walk to the end of Soi Sukhumvit 1. When a classic 1950s Thai villa comes into view, you’ll know you’ve arrived at the right place.
The restaurant is a part of an old estate - almost 80 years old, in fact - once owned by Khun Phra Charoen Visawakum, the first dean of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering. He’s also the grandfather of the current house owner, Khun Pariya “Ayre” Sheanakul.
After the house has been passed down through generations, it’s transformed into a boutique hotel named Ariyasom Villa, which boasts lavish Thai-style suites as well as the Na Aroon restaurant.
Since Khun Air and her husband have been vegetarian for over 20 years, the menu is almost entirely meat-free, save for some seafood items. This is a part of the impeccable services Na Aroon offers its health-conscious patrons.
The restaurant includes over 100 items in the menu, each clearly labeled to indicate if it’s vegetarian or seafood. That said, over 80% of them are vegetarian-friendly, which translate to a long list of appetizers and main dishes.
Our first recommendation is Deep-fried Spring Rolls (170 THB) - veggie-stuffed spring rolls deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re cut into bite-sized pieces and served with some sauce. The next is Pomelo Spicy Salad (175 THB) - sweet and sour, it’s a great appetizer and a quick pick-me-up.
For an authentic Thai taste, get the Vegetarian Chicken Massaman Curry (245 THB), which has an intense aroma and thick, flavorful broth. As with all curries, it should be enjoyed with rice for a delicious, nutritious meal. Choices include Rice Trio (55 THB), jasmine, butterfly pea, and brown rice, or Organic Rice (70 THB).
There are many vegetarian desserts to choose from. Coconut Sorbet with Water Chestnut Jellies (145 THB) is refreshing and not too sweet, or you might want to try Grass Jelly in Coconut Milk with Assorted Grains (85 THB).
Got a thing for European treats? You’ll love Na Aroon’s Chocolate Tart (245 THB) and Apple Crumble (240 THB). These are made by the house owner’s husband, Khun David, who prepares them in a true English style.
To quench your thirst, just order some tea, coffee, juice, or health-boosting smoothies. And since Na Aroon is a hotel restaurant, you can expect various alcoholic options as well.
If you can’t decide what to order, Na Aroon recommends Specialities Vegetarian (1,650 THB for two-person set / 850 THB for one-person set). The combo includes an appetizer, a main dish, some rice, and a drink.
The items go well together and make for a thoroughly delightful experience.
On top of authentic vegetarian Thai cuisine, you’ll also enjoy Na Aroon’s old world ambiance; classic vibes reverberate through the interior decor.
The owner preserves the original structure but has updated it with new items that blend into the traditional style. The furniture and decorative pieces are mostly woodwork and Thai textiles.
The estate has an open layout - high ceilings supported by walls lined with large windows that welcome natural light and air flow.
But if you prefer a more casual setting, chill by the outdoor poolside seating. Surrounded by large and small greeneries, the area feels so calm and tranquil.
The quiet escape, coupled with a healthful meal, can help you discover a new, simple way to reinvigorate yourself. Who knows, maybe you’ll even become a regular at Na Aroon.
Dosa King Bangkok
Established since 2002, Dosa King Bangkok is widely accepted as one of Bangkok’s Indian and vegetarian food forerunners. Located near BTS Nana, here is where you can experience the authentic Indian taste and bold flavors without actually having to travel to the country.
To get to Dosa King, take the BTS to Nana station, take Exit 3, then turn left into Sukhumvit Soi 11. From there, continue on foot for about 50 meters, and you’ll find a sign pointing to the restaurant’s entrance.
Dosa King occupies two shophouses; it’s spacious and decorated with a simple, elegant style. The seating areas spread across two floors, which means the venue can handle quite a lot of customers.
The restaurant’s main idea is to serve vegetarian Indian food that focuses on strong flavors and nutritional values. Take a trip through the menu and get a taste of various original Indian dishes, which include North and South Indian food, drinks, and desserts.
We recommend Paneer Tikka Dosa (a type of Indian crepe). The dosa is spread with spicy South Indian curry and served with grilled cottage cheese, coconut chutney, coriander chutney, and lentil soup.
Another recommendation is the Chilli Dosa - crepe stuffed with onions, bell peppers, banana peppers, and cottage cheese. It’s also served with coconut chutney, coriander chutney, and lentil soup.
It wouldn’t be an Indian restaurant without Lassi - sweet yogurt smoothies a.k.a. India’s favorite beverage. Dosa King serves Mango Lassi, with bright and refreshing sweetness from the juicy, ripe mango.
And to end the meal on an extra sweet note, there are sugary delights such as the Gulab Jamun - milk and wheat flour dough that’s fried and soaked in syrup - and Ras Malai - cottage cheese and milk bites soaked in condensed milk. The latter is a rather rare treat in Bangkok; just the thing to wrap up a hearty Indian meal.
May Veggie Home
May Veggie Home is a vegan restaurant with an unusual concept. Calling itself a “vegan restaurant for meat lovers”, it uses intense flavors to make the food just as delicious with or without meat. This place is open to anyone who wants to treat themselves to a healthy meal and not exclusively vegans.
The restaurant sits on the side of Ratchadaphisek Road at the Asoke-Sukhumvit intersection, only a 100-meter walk from BTS Asoke’s Exit 4. The venue is spacious and has a simple decor; the cozy atmosphere makes you feel like dining right in your own home.
As it runs an entirely homemade vegan menu, May Veggie Home uses organic vegan ingredients - no meat, animal products, nor additives whatsoever. The ‘meat’ is usually made of tofu, mushrooms, and grains.
The creative preparation gives the plant-based products a meat-like texture, making the meal more appealing and complete in terms of protein.
There are many tasty options ranging from Thai fusion, European, Japanese, to International dishes. We’ve tried their recommended BBQ Cheeseburger (249 THB), which comes in a jaw-dropping portion.
The giant buns are fluffy and aromatic homemade bread, while the patty is made with soybeans and topped with cashew nut cheese. The burger is served with onion rings and french fries on the side, along with May Veggie Home’s special sauce and ketchup.
Next on the course is Crispy Chicken Spicy Salad (159 THB). Hot, spicy, and satisfying, the herbs and lime give the dish an extra kick and zest. The ‘chicken’ is bite-sized soyabean nuggets; they yield a crunchy-yet-tender texture, just as you’d expect from the real fried chicken.
Another super healthy menu is the Avocado Spicy Salad (199 THB). Half of an avocado is tossed in Thai fusion dressing then topped with fresh vegetables and sesame seeds. Who said clean eating has to be bland?
To wrap up this healthful meal, why not take a cool sip of May Veggie Home’s fruit and veggie drinks. Mixed fruit juice with pulp (99 THB) is packed with nutrients from pineapples, beetroots, carrots, red & green apples, and guavas. Freshly blended for every serving, the drink is a refreshing way to cleanse your palate after a meal.
Rasayana Retreat : Raw Food Café
Rasayana Retreat: Raw Food Café stands out from other vegan eateries with its ‘raw’ principle. The restaurant uses vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains instead of flour, eggs, milk, butter, and processed sugar.
‘Raw’ food is typically prepared with less than 44 °C heat to preserve most of the enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. So rest assured, every one of Rasayana’s menus is good for your health and will give you the full nutritional values.
From Rasayana’s many recommendations, how about a starter to kick off the list? Mock Salmon Sushi (195) is made of almonds, carrots, lime juice, and shoyu soy sauce. The rice is replaced with bell peppers, avocados, carrots, tomatoes, and lettuce.
The dish is served with salad and bell peppers dressing. The tangy side dish gives this sushi a clean and refreshing finish.
Next is the main dish highlight - Pasta Carbonara (220 THB) - zucchini zoodles tossed in cashew nut cream sauce then topped with coconut bacon, yeast parmesan, and parsley. The raw food rendition is flavorful and tastes almost like the original cheesy version.
Don’t leave without trying the dessert; there are about 10 items available at any given time. For instance, Tiramisu Cake (180 THB) substitutes dairy cream with coconut sugar and almond milk.
Other treats include Raw Strawberry Cheesecake (180 THB), Banana Ice Cream (150 THB), and Carrot Cake (190 THB). Everything served is strictly raw vegan, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less appealing or tasty than their non-vegan cousins.
For the drinks, enjoy cold-pressed juice and smoothies such as Watermelon Smoothie (140 THB) and the amusingly named Red Alert (130 THB) - cold-pressed juice of beetroot, apples, limes, and ginger.
Not only that you’ll get your appetite filled, but your body will also reap health benefits from these concoctions.
Rasayana Retreat is located in Soi Sukhumvit 39 (Prommitr). After getting off BTS Phrom Phong, we’d recommend taking a ride directly to the venue. (It’s a walkable distance, but it might take you a while to get there)
The venue itself has a tranquil atmosphere. Large trees surround the open-air seating area, where you can take a seat and a breath of fresh air.
Other than serving raw vegan food, Rasayana Retreat is also a full-service wellness center. They offer rejuvenating treatments such as detox courses, therapeutic massages, spa massages, acupressure massages, and other health-related services.
Veganerie Concept
Veganerie Concept is a casual restaurant and bakery tucked away behind Benjasiri Park, one of many branches under the brand. For this venue, the owner wishes to make it a sort of community where health-conscious folks can hang out.
The decor has a raw industrial style, with some nature’s touch provided by decorative plants and wooden table sets. The seating layout is quite simple. You can sit at large, spreading tables, 4-person tables, or even the bar to gaze out at the outdoor dining area through the window pane.
The idea of Veganerie was conceived after the owner’s family became vegan and found out that their health had improved. Now, they want others to be healthy as well. They’re trying to change the common perception of meat-free diet being tasteless, boring, and only containing vegetables.
While chilling here, you can enjoy a complete range of sweet and savory items. Whether you’re craving a big bite or a tiny nibble, why not try some of their Thai fusion and European munchies?
Veganerie’s most popular item is Fried Chicken Som Tam (210 THB), which is served with fresh vegetables, an original recipe of ‘fried chicken’ made with snow mushrooms, and house special sauce.
Through careful preparations, the mushroom has a chicken-like texture. These nuggets are the primary source of protein for the menu.
Another one you should definitely try is Veganerie Italian Zoodle (260 THB). The low-calorie pasta is made from fresh zucchinis, while the sauce is a homemade blend of tomatoes, soy sausages, champignon mushrooms, oregano, and parmesan cashew nut cheese. Talk about (almost) authentic Italian flavors!
Since it was first established as a bakery, desserts and pastries are among Veganerie’s signature items. Spoiling its customers with decadent choices such as Almond Chocolate Fudge Cake (125 THB), Red Velvet Cake (140 THB), Italian Roll (75 THB), and Fruity Delight Waffle (185 THB), the brand truly doesn’t disappoint.
For the drinks, Veganerie serves Iced Cocoa (120 THB), which replaces dairy milk with soy and almond milk, Matcha Latte (120 THB), and many health-boosting smoothies. For example, Flat Berry Smoothie (180 THB) is a mix of berries which has a slightly sour flavor and a lot of nutrients.
Currently, Veganerie in branching out to attract more health-conscious customers. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, bring your friends over to Veganerie Soul at Siam Paragon (BTS Siam), Veganerie Cafe at Mercury Ville Chidlom (BTS Chidlom), or Veganerie Take-Home at Emquartier (BTS Phrom Phong). These branches are more focused on bakery items.
That said, you should also check out their newest branch at Silom Complex (BTS Silom), as it will introduce more experimental menus to the mix.
Broccoli Revolution
Broccoli Revolution combines the best things about healthy food and chill café vibes. Calling itself a 100% vegan restaurant, all of the ingredients the restaurant uses are plant-based. There’s no dairy milk, butter, honey, or animal products of any sort.
Most importantly, all items are sourced from organic farms. They’re used to create menus through the culinary skills and life experience of Broccoli Revolution’s founder - Naya “Nu” Ehrlich-Adam. She has traveled and lived in several countries in the Indo-China region, among many others.
This is why Broccoli Revolution can serve dishes from Asian and European cuisine. Some are highly unusual, and you may not have heard of them before. The restaurant takes inspirations from the original and makes something special of their own.
For example, Phnom Penh Tofu Salad (180 THB) is inspired by a Cambodian dish. It has cumin seeds, tofu, and assorted fresh vegetables, and is served with soy sauce and chilies. The flavor and aroma are quite unique.
Another menu that’s just as tasty is Pesto Tortilla Pizza (250 THB) - a veggie pizza on tortilla flour, which makes it thin and crispy. The colorful topping is packed with tomatoes and bell peppers, so feel free to grab as many slices as you want without worrying about the calories.
Looking for something lighter? Try Beetroot Salad (180 THB) or Black Quinoa Avocado Salad (250 THB) for a quick meal.
There are also lots of flavors of cold-pressed juices to choose from. We tried NO.9 (190 THB) - a mix of beetroot, carrot, green apple, and lime juice. It’s a glassful of veggie & fruity goodness that can freshen you right up.
The interior is decorated in an industrial/loft style. The raw, rugged edge of bare concrete and metal bars is softened by greeneries and decorative ferns that pepper the venue. Overall, the ambiance is incredibly cozy; it feels like you can spend hours and hours at the place and never be bored.
Tables are set quite far from each other. That, coupled with the glass-paned bar, the loft, and the second floor’s small mirror room, makes Broccoli Revolution very attractive for patrons who love their privacy. Here, you’re free to enjoy food and drinks undisturbed while gazing out at the streets and buildings in Sukhumvit district
Khun Churn
To wrap up this list, we have Khun Churn - a modern-style vegetarian restaurant with a cozy and casual atmosphere. It sits on the G floor of Bangkok Mediaplex in downtown. You can reach the building via the connected walkway at BTS Ekkamai.
The menu at Khun Churn includes over 100 classic Thai dishes from the four regions and single-dish meals. All vegetarian-friendly, of course.
What’s more, the food is prepared with fresh, top-quality natural ingredients. They’re clean, unprocessed, and free of any toxic substances or MSG. The freshness means they still have all the original flavors. So vegetarian or not, everyone can enjoy their meal without feeling like something’s missing.
The only twist? The meat in most dishes is replaced with plant-based alternatives such as mushrooms, tofu, and grains.
Among over 100 items in Khun Churn’s menu are appetizers, main dishes, single-dish meals, salads, and soups. First on the recommended list is the crowd’s favorite appetizer: Khun Churn Fresh Spring Rolls (110 THB). They’re served with a tangy dip that complements the natural sweetness of fresh vegetables.
Other items include Lemongrass-filled Leaf Wraps (110 THB) and Pomelo Spicy Salad (110 THB). With menus like these, you’ll enjoy all the health benefits from the herbs and leafy greens.
After getting started with some light appetizers, let’s move onto the main dishes. The star of this restaurant is Khao Soi Khun Churn (125 THB), served with condiments and deep-fried egg noodles.
The sides come on a rattan tray lined with banana leaves for an oh-so-Thai presentation. For the meat, the restaurant uses textured vegetable protein. Try a spoonful of Khun Churn’s authentic northern-style curry broth; you’ll get a taste of Khao Soi that could’ve been from a local shop in Chiang Mai.
We’ve also tried the Burmese Shrimp Butter Fried Rice (125 THB) - brown rice fried with chili paste, shiitake mushrooms, and eggs until crumbly. It’s served with fresh beetroot, shredded carrots, and cucumbers. Careful though, this one brings the heat to the table.
To chase it all down, you can sip on Khun Churn’s various iced herbal drinks such as Jasmine and Plum Tea (60 THB) or Lime Tea (70 THB), or enjoy any freshly-pressed juices of your choice.