A Week for Veggie Kings

Thetsakan kin che, or “The Vegetarian Festival,” is celebrated throughout Thailand, but Phuket takes it to another level. For nine days, the island turns vegetarian. People dress in white, temples buzz with prayers, and firecrackers echo through the streets. But before diving into the intense rituals, let’s talk about the real highlight: the food.

A Vegetarian’s Paradise

Living in Phuket as a vegetarian was already pretty good, but during the festival, it was like I hit the jackpot. Every street was lined with stalls selling vegetarian versions of traditional Thai dishes. Normally, I’d end up at restaurants just to avoid the language barrier, but during the festival, all the veggie stalls were marked with bright yellow flags. It was like a sign from the food gods saying, “Eat without worry!”

Breaking Down the Language Barrier

Usually, trying to explain my diet was a headache. The word “vegetarian” doesn’t translate well in Thai, and it’s often confused with veganism. Some vendors couldn’t understand my stance on eggs vs. meat, and it was easier to get a “Sorry, no hab” than to explain my dietary choices.

But during the festival, everything was labeled, and it was all vegetarian. I could eat my way through Phuket without having to overthink every bite. It was liberating.

A Nine-Day Food Fiesta

The festival lasts for nine days, and it feels like the whole island joins in. People in white outfits are everywhere, from scooter riders to office workers. Even 7-Eleven joined the fun, stocking fake meat versions of their popular frozen foods. It felt like the entire island was in on the celebration.

Food from All Corners

While the food has a strong Chinese influence, with buns, Chow Mein, and roasted chestnuts, other cuisines sneak in too. I found crepes and sushi alongside Thai favorites. It was a mash-up of flavors that made every meal an adventure.

Don’t Judge a Spring Roll by Its Cover

One of the best things I tried was a Chinese meaty spring roll. It didn’t look particularly appetizing, but it was bursting with flavor. It had all the crunch and juiciness of a regular spring roll, just with a meatier twist. Don’t let appearances fool you—this was easily one of the tastiest things I tried.

Feast Your Eyes

Here are some snapshots from the festival. If you ever find yourself in Phuket during the Vegetarian Festival, come hungry and leave your doubts behind. It’s a foodie’s paradise.