5 Best Vegan Restaurants in Krabi, Thailand

Narrowing my list of vegan restaurants in Krabi, Thailand down to five was more of a challenge than I’d originally thought.

I have so many amazing memories among the towering limestone karsts and crystal-clear waters that characterize this stunning province, most of which involve incredible meals and fantastic company.

From Indian delights to Western classics and Thai dishes that sing on the plate, Krabi has something vegan for every occasion.

But the region is big. Choosing five restaurants to cover it all wasn’t easy. I did my best and focused on the areas you’re most likely to visit (or should be visiting, at least). Those areas are Ao Nang, Krabi Town, and Koh Lanta.

Vegan Restaurants in Phuket: The Best of Both Worlds

If you’ve read my Phuket article, then you’ll already know there are two types of vegan restaurant in Thailand. One is geared towards tourists, with familiar flavors and higher prices. The other, Jay restaurants, are authentic, traditional, and cheap.

I’ve only included one Jay restaurant on this list for a reason. That’s because I want you to enjoy arguably the best part of traveling in Thailand, going on a journey of discovery for yourself.

Jay food is everywhere. Once you spot the yellow flags with red lettering and simple canteen-style dining, you know you’re in the right place. Learning to find them, step inside, and order with confidence is a skill you’ll carry far beyond Krabi.

If you want a complete guide to Jay restaurants in Thailand then let me know down in the comments! But I digress, let’s get stuck into the top five vegan restaurants in Krabi, Thailand.

It’s time for the only Jay restaurant on the menu. But I must admit, I did have a bit of inner conflict deciding exactly which one to focus on, as there are two in Krabi Town that I love. So I’ll give an honorable mention to Tim Vegetarian, but it doesn’t officially make the list due to it being slightly more difficult to get to.

In the heart of Krabi Town, Somkid is a local gem that’s been feeding locals long before veganism hit the travel blogs. You can feel the authenticity the moment you walk in. It’s built around simple, comforting, and affordable Thai vegan food, not trendy plant-based concepts.

What really won me over was their gaeng som. Often considered a litmus test for regional Thai cooking, their version here balanced sour, spicy, and fragrant notes beautifully. It’s one of my favorite dishes in southern Thailand, you should give it a go. Another highlight was the fried sweetcorn fritters, perfectly crisp on the outside but soft and gooey on the inside, and even better when dipped in sweet chili sauce.

But I’ve been to Somkid more times than I can remember, and I’ve eaten dishes that I couldn’t name, let alone tell you what was inside. Eating at Jay restaurants, from Somkid in Krabi to Phuket and beyond, is always an adventure. Unpretentious, friendly, and honest, Somkid is always a pleasure. Dishes are straightforward, unfamiliar in the best way, and deeply rooted in Thai home cooking. Spending over $3 is a challenge.

If you’re in Krabi Town and want a taste of traditional vegan Thai food, Somkid is well worth a stop.

We’re heading back to Ao Nang now, for a restaurant that’s even closer to the waves. And although Zenith is vegetarian rather than fully vegan, it’s still a solid option for plant-forward eating, great coffee, and the best brunch you’ll get by the beach.

Their ethos centers around wholesome, mostly vegan dishes that are nourishing and super healthy. They prioritize fresh ingredients, familiar flavors, and dishes ideal for travelers easing into the flow of their time in Thailand.

But before we get into the food, I’d like to give them full marks for creating such a gorgeous atmosphere. It’s bright, comfortable, and the ideal place to recharge away from the beating Thai sun on Ao Nang.

It was almost inevitable that I chose their jackfruit burger. It’s one of those ingredients I completely fell in love with in Thailand, a fruit that can somehow do it all. Here, it’s savory and succulent, tucked into a generous burger with grilled eggplant and other scrumptious veggies. Their menu generally leans international, with bowls, Italian-inspired dishes, and beautiful brunch plates. Portions are big, flavors are clean, and everything arrives looking as good as it tastes.

And another thing that really stands out at Zenith is the coffee. I was there every morning during my stay. So even if you’re not stopping for food, this is the spot to get caffeinated. But if you’re not stopping to eat at least once, you’re missing out. Zenith fits seamlessly into an Ao Nang day, offering a delightful vibe alongside dishes that wow, and coffee that you won’t forget in a hurry.

I saved the best for last. Not only is SweetSoul my favorite restaurant on this list, it’s also on my favorite island in Krabi. If you don’t know Koh Lanta yet, you will after reading this. Nestled in the south of the province and only about 15 miles from north to south, far less from east to west, sits Koh Lanta. Accessible by ferry from the mainland or a longer trip over from Phuket, it’s the perfect size for space and adventure.

Despite a notable tourist presence on the island, it is much quieter than other places like Ao Nang and Phuket. It’s got a truly authentic feel and there’s just something special about it. Most of the locals are Thai Muslims. Hearing the call to prayer in the morning as the island wakes up is beautiful. There’s a fantastic animal shelter that you shouldn’t miss on your visit, too. And there are so many breathtaking beaches just waiting to be explored.

One of those beaches is Khlong Noen. That’s where you’ll find SweetSoul. Once you’re surrounded by bamboo, your feet in the sand, and the smell of vegan Thai curries in the air, you know you’re in the right place.

Their menu is small but it packs an almighty punch. The one dish you cannot miss is their massaman. It’s the stuff dreams are made of. Their watermelon salad with fermented tofu was the best type of surprise, and grilled tofu with peanut satay was top. There are a handful of dishes with egg, but they’re clearly marked.

If you take one thing from this blog, it’s that Koh Lanta is the place to visit in Krabi, and SweetSoul is the place to eat when you’re there (thank me later).