Must-Try Vegan Recipes from Around the World

The beauty of vegan cuisine is that it draws from culinary traditions across the globe, making it easy to explore new flavors and ingredients while sticking to plant-based principles. From hearty stews to fresh salads, savory snacks to decadent desserts, vegan recipes offer a rich variety of tastes that are both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just beginning to experiment with plant-based cooking, here are some must-try vegan recipes from around the world that will expand your culinary horizons and delight your taste buds.

1. Chana Masala (India)

Chana Masala is a popular and hearty dish from India that’s packed with bold flavors, protein, and fiber. This chickpea curry is made with a rich, aromatic tomato-based sauce, flavored with a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. It’s perfect served with basmati rice or warm naan.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 cup water or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden.
3. Stir in garlic, ginger, and diced tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes break down.
4. Add all the spices and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. Add chickpeas and water or broth, bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Season with salt, stir in lemon juice, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
7. Serve with rice or naan.

Why You Should Try It:
Chana masala is a great introduction to Indian cuisine and a perfect example of how vegan meals can be rich, flavorful, and filling. The use of spices adds layers of depth to the dish, making it a favorite in many vegan households.

2. Vegan Sushi (Japan)

Vegan sushi takes the traditional Japanese dish and gives it a plant-based twist. Instead of fish, you can fill your sushi rolls with fresh veggies like avocado, cucumber, and carrots. For extra flavor, pair it with tangy pickled ginger and a drizzle of soy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Nori sheets
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• Soy sauce for dipping
• Pickled ginger (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions, then transfer to a bowl.
2. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved, then pour over the rice. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Place a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
4. Lay avocado, cucumber, and carrot along the bottom edge of the rice.
5. Roll the sushi tightly using the mat, then slice into pieces with a sharp knife.
6. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.

Why You Should Try It:
Vegan sushi is a fun, customizable dish that showcases the fresh flavors of vegetables while being light and refreshing. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep or a social gathering.

3. Vegan Tacos (Mexico)

Tacos are a beloved Mexican street food, and vegan versions have become increasingly popular. You can fill your soft corn tortillas with anything from seasoned beans to sautéed vegetables, crispy tofu, or even jackfruit for a “meatier” texture. Top with salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a perfect bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Soft corn tortillas
• Salsa or hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until tender.
2. Stir in the black beans, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
3. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan for a few seconds on each side.
4. Assemble the tacos by adding the black bean mixture to the tortillas, then top with avocado, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and salsa.
5. Serve immediately.

Why You Should Try It:
Vegan tacos are incredibly versatile and easy to make. The combination of smoky spices and fresh toppings makes for a delicious, vibrant meal. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, these tacos are sure to satisfy.

4. Falafel (Middle East)

Falafel is a popular street food from the Middle East, made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices. These deep-fried balls of deliciousness are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them perfect for serving with pita, salads, or in a wrap with tahini sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain them before using. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly.
2. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but holds together when formed into a ball. Add flour if the mixture is too loose.
3. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
4. Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
5. Heat oil in a pan and fry the falafel balls in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
6. Serve with pita, hummus, or tahini sauce.

Why You Should Try It:
Falafel is an iconic dish with a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a great vegan option that can be enjoyed in wraps, salads, or as a snack on its own.

5. Vegan Moussaka (Greece)

Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish, often made with ground lamb or beef, but the vegan version swaps out meat for hearty lentils, making it just as comforting and rich. Layers of eggplant, lentil filling, and a creamy béchamel sauce make this casserole-style dish a filling and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup cooked lentils (or canned lentils)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• 1/4 cup flour (for béchamel)
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Roast for about 25 minutes until tender.
2. In a large pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and cinnamon. Cook for 15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
3. For the béchamel: melt vegan butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add almond milk while whisking, and cook until thickened. Stir in nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.
4. Layer the roasted eggplant, lentil mixture, and béchamel sauce in a casserole dish. Repeat the layers, ending with béchamel on top.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

Why You Should Try It:
Vegan moussaka is an indulgent, comforting dish that’s perfect for family meals or special occasions. The layers of eggplant, lentils, and creamy sauce come together to create a hearty and satisfying vegan alternative to the classic Greek moussaka.