Celebrating the Vegetarian Festival in Bangkok

The Vegetarian Festival in Bangkok, based on the Chinese Lunar calendar, runs from 3 to 11 October 2024. Known in Thailand as “Tesagan Gin Je,” this 9-day event is celebrated nationwide, as well as in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

The festival honors the 9 Emperor Gods, with devotees following a strict vegan diet to cleanse their bodies. This means avoiding meat, poultry, seafood, and all animal products such as milk and eggs, along with garlic, onions, Chinese single-bulb garlic, and Chinese chives. Many restaurants in Bangkok serve special plant-based “meat” dishes during this time.

A major highlight in Bangkok is the vibrant celebrations in Yaowarat, or Chinatown. This bustling area is the heart of the festival, where you’ll find rows of food stalls offering an array of meatless dishes, snacks, and sweets. The best time to visit is in the early evening, around 5 p.m., when you can enjoy delicious food, visit temples, and watch traditional Chinese opera performances. Don’t forget your camera—there are countless unique photo opportunities in this colorful part of the city.

During the festival, look out for bright yellow flags displayed at food stalls and restaurants, indicating that the food complies with the festival’s vegan standards. You’ll also see these signs across the city, from small vendors to large shopping malls.

At The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, we’re excited to join in the celebration with a premium vegetarian menu. Enjoy fusion-style vegetarian à la carte dishes or indulge in our Cantonese All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum with over 30 delicious options. Available at both The Berkeley Dining Room and The Mulberry Chinese Cuisine on the 10th floor, this is a culinary experience you won’t want to miss. Celebrate the Vegetarian Festival in style with us!

For more information or reserve a table, please contact 02 309 9999 ext. 3134, 3143