Every year, Thailand comes alive during the “Tessagan Gin Jae” (Vegetarian Festival), where plant-based eating meets rich traditions. From bustling street markets to high-end restaurants, vegetarian and vegan dishes take centre stage.

But what should you try? Here are 8 must-eat delights that will make your trip both delicious and memorable.

1. Tom Jab Chai (Vegan Mixed Vegetable Stew)

Tom Jab Chai is a soothing, slow-cooked vegetable stew that’s perfect for anyone looking for a comforting, nutritious meal during the Vegetarian Festival. This savoury dish is made with a blend of vegetables such as cabbage, daikon radish, carrots, and tofu, simmered in a light broth. The flavours are delicate yet rich, providing a warm and wholesome experience that’s perfect for balancing out the spicier offerings of the festival.

2. Pad Thai Jae (Vegan Pad Thai)

Thailand’s signature noodle dish gets a plant-based twist during the festival. Made with rice noodles, tofu, crunchy peanuts, bean sprouts, and a tamarind sauce, Pad Thai Jae is packed with flavour while staying completely vegan. You’ll still get the same sweet, savoury, and slightly sour taste that makes Pad Thai a global favourite, but with none of the fish sauce or eggs.

3. Som Tum Jae (Spicy Vegan Papaya Salad)

Som Tum is a zesty green papaya salad that’s a must for anyone visiting Thailand. During the Jae Festival, it’s prepared without fish sauce or shrimp paste, using soy sauce instead. This dish bursts with flavours from lime, chillies, garlic, and tomatoes, making it a spicy, refreshing treat perfect for a hot day in Thailand.

4. Khao Soi Jae (Vegan Northern Thai Coconut Noodles)

Hailing from Northern Thailand, Khao Soi is a coconut-based curry noodle soup. The Jae version is made with crispy noodles, coconut milk, tofu, and a fragrant blend of spices. The creamy broth combined with the crunchy noodles creates an irresistible contrast in every bite. It’s a comforting and filling dish, perfect for those wanting something hearty.

5. Larb Jae (Vegan Spicy Minced Tofu Salad)

Larb is typically made with minced meat, but during the Vegetarian Festival, mushrooms or tofu take the spotlight. This spicy and sour salad features roasted rice powder, lime juice, chillies, and fresh herbs, offering the same bold flavours you’d expect from the traditional version but with a lighter, earthier bite.

6. Kuay Teow Lui Suan Jae (Vegan Fresh Spring Rolls)

If you’re craving something light yet flavourful, Kuay Teow Lui Suan Jae is the dish to try. These fresh spring rolls are packed with vegetables, tofu, and rice noodles, all wrapped in soft rice paper. Served with a spicy, tangy dipping sauce, these rolls are perfect for a quick snack or a light meal.

7. Pad Kee Mao Jae (Vegan Drunken Noodles)

Spicy, fragrant, and full of stir-fried goodness, Pad Kee Mao Jae (Drunken Noodles) is a must for spice lovers. Flat rice noodles are stir-fried with Thai basil, garlic, chillies, and a variety of vegetables, making for a dish that’s both fiery and flavorful. You’ll love the rich flavours and the punch of spice that make this dish a standout during the festival.

8. Tao Hoo Song Kreung (Stir-fried Tofu)

Tao Hoo Song Kreung is a light dish made from various types of tofu stir-fried with vegetables and soy sauce. It’s a delicious, protein-packed option full of flavour and texture, perfect for those looking for a healthy and satisfying dish during the festival.

Foods to Avoid During the Jae Festival

During the Jae Festival, participants follow a plant-based diet and adhere to specific restrictions for physical and spiritual purity. They avoid meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, as well as seasonings derived from animals, such as fish sauce and chicken broth powder.

In addition, five pungent vegetables are strictly prohibited: garlic, onions, chives, leeks, and shallots. These foods, which belong to the allium family, are believed to disturb emotional balance by increasing anger, lust, and other passions, making them inappropriate for the festival’s spiritual goals.

Participants also steer clear of alcohol and stimulants to focus on simplicity, fostering a clear mind and balanced body during this period of spiritual and physical cleansing.

Why You Should Explore Thai Vegetarian Festival Dishes

Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival isn’t just about skipping meat; it’s an opportunity to indulge in bold, creative plant-based dishes. With a variety of unique vegan and vegetarian options to explore, you’ll discover the richness of Thai flavours in a whole new light. Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just beginning to explore plant-based eating, these dishes are bound to leave a lasting impression. When visiting Thailand during the Jae Festival, make sure to dive into these vibrant, flavourful dishes and truly savour the best of Thai vegetarian cuisine.

Similar read:

• Ignite Your Taste Buds: 8 Regional Variations of Nam Prik You Need to Try
• Spice Up Your Life: Top 10 Best Thai Dishes for Spicy Food Lovers
• Plant-Powered Pleasures: 7 Vegetarian and Vegan Thai Delicacies

Sources: masalathai, eatingthaifood, jamiesphuketblog, Lub d, Nestle Thailand, True ID