Share this link via
Or copy link
We're starting a new part of our series where we learn about people who inspire us by combining veganism and a love for vegan lifestyle. In our exclusive interview series, meet Ashley Castellanos, the globetrotting food storyteller, whose dedication to plant-based living is as radiant as a Balinese sunset. Join us as we discover more about Ashley's exciting journey!
Ashley's journey began not with a map, but with a plate. Her travels around the world, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the sun-drenched beaches of Bali, opened her eyes to the incredible diversity and deliciousness of plant-based cuisine. It wasn't just about replacing meat with "rabbit food," it was about discovering a whole new spectrum of flavours, textures, and cultural experiences waiting to be savoured.
Find out how Ashley Castellanos manages being vegan while travelling, with insights into challenges and successes.
It made me more excited about food. While I was overseas, it was fascinating to see how classic dishes are being made vegan or are already naturally vegan. People think that you’re losing something when you go vegan but in reality, you’re not.
It’s a matter of learning to adapt and how to replace one thing with another in order to still create a delicious dish. Witnessing this made me want to learn and experience more!
I became vegan when I was living in Hanoi, Vietnam. Hanoi is a haven for all kinds of food, including Vietnamese and international cuisines. I was there from 2016 to 2017, and there was a lot of vegan food then. Eating out in Hanoi was cheaper, so I would go out for lunch and dinner every day. I would go to a vegan place or an omni place that is vegan-friendly.
I remember going to a Tex-Mex restaurant owned by a guy from Austin, Texas, who had incredible vegan options for their tacos and enchiladas. There were also Vietnamese lunch buffets that were fully vegan, which became my go-to spot for a very affordable meal. Seeing Vietnamese and international food places with incredible vegan food opened my eyes to what veganism can look like and made it easier for me to transition.
It has shown me that vegan food is just food. It doesn't have any animal products. Today's marketing of vegan food and the introduction of many vegan products can make it seem like vegan food is a new thing and that it's all processed. But that's not true; some cultures and religions have had vegan dishes for many years, and they're all made with whole foods.
Take hummus, a word almost everyone loves and a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It's made with simply chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil and salt and it is delicious! There is good food everywhere you go, no matter what country and what cuisine happens to be vegan or can be made vegan. I want my page to be welcoming for everyone who wants to explore food.
Some airports are more vegan-friendly than others. Sometimes, I have a layover in an airport and walk past every food vendor to see which ones have vegan options. Sometimes, if I'm lucky, that terminal has no vegan options or just one. I try to eat before a trip or pack snacks and food I can eat.
Firstly, research where others might be more vegan-friendly to get the best bang for your buck. I recently went to Copenhagen, and while I loved the city and there were great vegan options, it wasn't the most vegan-friendly I've been to. So, while vegans should go because the choices they did have were incredible, it would be a place to go for only a few days. When planning where you want to go, you want to see what makes the most sense to spend your money, especially if you plan to go for a longer period.
Secondly, I find vegan bloggers on social media who are local to the city/country I want to visit. They have places you might not easily find on Google or Yelp. That's how I found restaurants for my recent Euro trip in 2023 and also why I launched my Vegan Portland Map for anyone coming to Portland, Oregon. I trust other creators more when it comes to finding food recommendations. Thirdly, I use Google Maps like no other. I like to see where vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants are, where I'd like to stay, and all the sightseeing I'd like to do. It helps me plan an itinerary. This is partly why I launched my interactive Vegan World Map for subscribers. This is so people can see where I've gone so they can plan their upcoming trip, too.
I enjoy working with passionate brands. People passionate about what they do shine through with their work ethic, ethos, and the quality of the product/service they provide. Working with brands like that excites me and makes me feel confident about who I am supporting and sharing with my community.
Bali overall is a vegan haven. I lived there for eight months, and the vegan options were plenty and delicious. On this trip, we'll go to some of my favourite spots that are vegan or vegan-friendly with an extensive vegan menu. We'll get to eat a mix of local Balinese and international foods, so there's a bit of everything for everyone to try. Perfect for the adventurous eater who is vegan. We will also go to a Balinese farm and take a cooking class. A great way to learn to cook something new!
I share different things that excite me, which also excites me. It's not just about food but also the people behind the food. I also love experiences; your life should be whole, and I want to share that.
It's evolved and grown so much since I became vegan in 2017, and I am excited to see how it continues to evolve and grow. Especially internationally.
Research! It's essential to learn more about nutrition before changing your diet to help ensure you're giving yourself the right amount of nutrients for your body. Some people dive into a plant-based diet without adequately educating themselves, which sets them up for failure. It also doesn't have to be instant. It took me six months to transition and cut things out to get comfortable. When it comes to travel, again, research some places that are more vegan-friendly than others, and you want to plan to help ensure you're able to enjoy all the great food spots.
Follow us in our interview session as we talk to vegan influencers and individuals who not only enjoy eating plants, but also love them! We ask them questions about their personality, work, and the best advice for all those who want to follow vegan lifestyle. Are you a vegan business, brand, organization, or individual generating positive change? We would love to chat with you!