Vegetarian Festival 2025: Top Spots to Visit and Foods to enjoy

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival, one of Thailand’s most famous events, is also called the Nine Emperor Gods Festival or Jay Festival. It happens every year on the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, running this year from October 20 to 29, 2025. Participants follow a strict vegetarian diet, take part in street processions, and some engage in extreme rituals, including acts of self-mutilation. Here’s a guide to experiencing the festival and its highlights.

Where to go in Phuket to join the celebrations and rituals?

Phuket has over 40 Chinese shrines taking part in the festival. Some of the most notable celebrations happen at Put Jaw Shrine, Jui Tui Shrine, Bang Neow Shrine, Kathu Shrine, Sam Pai Kong Shrine, and Wat Sri Sunthon. For a full list of shrines hosting festival events, check out our detailed article.

To catch the largest processions, visit Baan Tha Rua Shrine on Thepkrasattri Road, near the Heroines’ Monument, or Jui Tui Shrine. At Jui Tui, you’ll see devotees dressed as Chinese goddesses and fierce Chinese warriors. The warriors perform intense acts of self-mutilation, making this a spectacle you’ll remember—but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

What to eat during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival

During the festival, look for food stalls and restaurants flying yellow flags with red “เจ” lettering—this signals they are serving “Je” cuisine. Even large grocery chains and convenience stores, like 7-Eleven, often remove non-vegetarian items from their shelves for the festival.

“Je” food (อาหารเจ) goes beyond standard vegetarian or vegan diets. It follows strict rules designed to purify both body and mind.

Key points about “Je” food:

1. Plant-based focus: All animal products—including meat, fish, and dairy—are off-limits. The festival emphasizes vegetarianism and spiritual cleansing, so participants avoid any animal-derived ingredients.

2. No pungent ingredients: Garlic, onions, scallions, chives, and leeks are avoided because they’re thought to trigger strong emotions and physical reactions.

3. Protein substitutes: Tofu, mushrooms, and legumes take the place of meat in many dishes. These ingredients provide protein and can be prepared in ways that replicate the taste and texture of meat.

4. Even with these restrictions, “Je” cuisine offers a wide range of tasty and inventive dishes. Vegetable dumplings, tofu creations, and coconut-based desserts are especially popular during the festival, making them must-tries.

5. Carbohydrate staples: Rice and noodles form the base of most “Je” meals, paired with vegetables and flavorful, garlic-free sauces.

5 best vegan restaurants in Phuket

If you are having trouble picking the perfect restaurant to enjoy vegan cuisine, here are our top picks:

1. Soul Vegan Restaurant Phuket
2. The Vegan Table
3. Pure Vegan Heaven
4. Vegan Junkie
5. Go Vegan Cafe