The 10 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
The trend of healthy eating hitting Thailand – itself boasting a perennially nutritious cuisine anyway – has firmly made it to the small Andaman paradise of Koh Phi Phi. Whether you’re working your way through Thai favourites or hankering for a dose of Western comfort food, check out these top restaurants on the island known for their vegetarian fare.
Dow Restaurant
Restaurant, Thai, Mediterranean, American
Just off the main pier you’ll find this local vegetarian treasure trove. Focusing on fresh ingredients and high quality cuisine – at the right price – Dow’s menu is extensive, offering hard-to-find vegan curries totally free of pesky add-ins like fish sauce that all too often limit a vegetarian’s available fare. They’ve also got more than a few excellent meat-eater options, and Western veggie snacks available like hummus, deep-fried cauliflower, and falafel.
Unni
Restaurant, Thai, Swedish
This Scandi-centric eatery has long been a Phi Phi Island favourite, and just released a new vegan menu including a wrap with beetroot hummus and the ever-popular avocado smash. The menu is a great mix of Thai and Western delights, and the cocktail menu is strong – both in variety and by pour!
Efe Mediterranean Cuisine
Restaurant, Mediterranean
A Mediterranean and Turkish haunt, Efe has been doling out some of the island’s tastiest respite from Thai food for years. While neither cuisine is known for being overwhelmingly vegetarian, Efe has spun up excellent variations like its vegetarian kebab, playful falafel dishes, vegan spinach pizza, and tons of appetizers.
Full Moon Restaurant
Restaurant, Israeli, Vegetarian, Thai, Indian
Vegetarians and vegans on Koh Phi Phi flock to its best Indian restaurant, packed with menu items like dahl, curries, and biryani, along with Thai classics, veggie-style. The staff is also well-attuned to dietary restrictions or wishes, so even if your choice dish doesn’t have a plant-based alternative, they’ll do their best to accommodate if possible.
Only Noodles
Restaurant, Thai, Vegetarian
The blessedly simple concept – noodles done well – is channeled into every dish at this eponymous local staple. A favourite among foodies of all diets, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike rave at the quality and freshness of the noodle dishes, all served completely customised, quickly, and at one of the lowest price points around.
Cosmic Restaurant
Restaurant, Italian, Thai, Mediterranean, Mexican
Though many restaurants on Koh Phi Phi are happy to swap out meat on their menu items, Cosmic Restaurant’s menu itself is already jam-packed of plant-based specialties ensuring nothing gets lost in translation on your dinner order. The massive menu features vegetarian lasagnas and risottos, as well a healthy range of options from Thai, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines.
Garlic 1992
Restaurant, Thai
A humble Thai joint in the middle of the main stretch, Garlic 1992 has consistently achieved full marks for service, value, and quality of food year after year. The menu has tons of options – and no MSG to be found – and offers a lot of variety even within vegetarian dishes, a nice reprieve from typical tofu-based meals.
Banana Bar
Restaurant, Bar, Mexican, Fusion
Affectionately dubbed “the Mexican place,” Banana Bar is a long-loved local haunt among island residents, famous for its great happy hours and theme nights. The kitchen has recently amended its menu to offer a great variety of vegetarian options to complement the meat classics like burritos, tacos, and nachos.
Grand PP Arcade
Restaurant, American, Thai, Fusion, Vegetarian
Acqua Restaurant
Restaurant, Cafe, Thai, Fusion, American, Vegan, Vegetarian
A beautiful little restaurant in the middle of town, it’s got a quaint, romantic atmosphere with the menu – and wine list – to match. Check out any of the Thai dishes, most of which have vegetarian options, and get your day started with a range of healthy breakfast items or dig into some comfort food like veggie burgers and vegetarian wraps.