The Best Apps for Finding Vegan Restaurants in South Africa

Discover the best apps for finding vegan restaurants in South Africa.
Knowing where to eat is key whether you’re travelling, new to plant-based eating, or just seeking fresh options.
The good news?
Some fantastic apps help you track down delicious vegan-friendly spots without the hassle.
I’ve personally tried many of these apps, and let me tell you—some are game-changers!
These apps help you find the best vegan restaurants in South Africa. No more wandering around and hoping for plant-based options on the menu.
Just a few taps and you’re set!
They include user reviews, menus, and navigation features. This makes your experience smooth and stress-free.
In this guide, I’ll discuss the best apps for finding vegan restaurants in South Africa.
These apps simplify plant-based dining in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, or a small town.
Let’s dive in!
1. HappyCow: The Best App for Vegan Restaurant Discovery
If there’s one app I can’t live without when travelling or looking for new vegan eats, it’s HappyCow. This app has been around forever and is the go-to platform for vegans worldwide.

Why I Love HappyCow
- The vast database covers over 240,000 listings in 185 countries, including South Africa.
- User reviews & ratings: You can see what others think before committing to a restaurant.
- Filters: Narrow your search by price, type of cuisine, or dietary needs.
- Interactive map: No more guessing where a place is—follow the map.
I’ve used HappyCow in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, and it’s never let me down.
This app is perfect for a vegan café or good plant-based choices.
2. abillion: A Community-Powered Vegan Food App
If you enjoy sharing vegan finds and supporting eco-friendly businesses, abillion is for you. It’s not just a restaurant finder—it’s a full-fledged social platform for conscious eaters.
What Makes abillion Stand Out?
- Community-driven: Users post reviews of vegan dishes, and you can engage with like-minded people.
- Global reach: Works well in South Africa and beyond.
- Charity donations: Each review you post earns credits. You can donate these credits to organizations that focus on sustainability.
I use abillion to discover new spots and contribute to a growing vegan movement. It’s rewarding to know my reviews can make a difference!
3. Fussy Vegan Pro: The Ultimate Vegan-Friendly Guide
Fussy Vegan Pro is worth checking out if you want to shop beyond restaurants for vegan-friendly grocery products, beauty items, and more.
Source: Not Only Carrots
Why Fussy Vegan Pro is a Must-Have
- Barcode scanner: Instantly check if a product is vegan-friendly.
- Comprehensive directory: Covers restaurants, supermarkets, and even cosmetics.
- Filters for allergens: Avoiding gluten, nuts, or soy is helpful.
While this app is originally from Australia, it’s also surprisingly helpful in South Africa. I love using it when grocery shopping to ensure I choose products that align with my values.
4. Other Handy Apps for Finding Vegan Food in South Africa
Besides the big names, there are a few other apps that deserve a mention:
- World of Mouth: Curated recommendations from chefs and foodies worldwide.
- Mapstr: Let’s pin your favourite spots and share them with friends.
- Pao: Perfect for discovering hidden food gems (though currently iPhone-only).
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Vegan Restaurant Finder Apps
Using these apps is easy, but here are some tips to get the best experience:
- Use filters: Want a raw vegan spot or gluten-free options? Filters will save you time.
- Read multiple reviews: One bad review doesn’t mean a place is terrible, so get a balanced perspective.
- Leave your reviews: Help other vegans by sharing your experiences.
- Check for updates: Apps improve over time, and new places pop up regularly!
FAQs: Your Vegan App Questions Answered
Are these apps free?
Most have free versions, but some offer premium features or require a small purchase.
Can I use these apps offline?
Some, like HappyCow, allow you to save favourites for offline access, but you’ll generally need the internet for full functionality.
How accurate are the restaurant listings?
These apps depend on user input, so they’re accurate. But it’s wise to double-check before you go out.
Do these apps cover all of South Africa? Big cities have more listings, but smaller towns are growing their vegan options, too. Your contributions help expand the database!
Conclusion: The Best Apps for Finding Vegan Restaurants in South Africa
Finding vegan food in South Africa doesn’t have to be a struggle. With these apps, you’ll always have a great meal just a few taps away.
Whether you’ve been a long-time vegan or are just curious about plant-based eating, these tools help make life easier and more delicious.
So, why download one (or all) of these apps today? Trust me—you won’t regret it!