Jay / Mangsawirat
Reviewed by the Samui Local Hub team ·
Pronunciation
jay / mang-sa-wi-rat
Thai script
เจ / มังสวิรัติ
Meaning
Jay = strict vegan festival food (also no garlic/onion); mangsawirat = vegetarian. Look for yellow flags with เจ.
When to use it
Vegetarian visitors: ask 'mee ahan jay/mai?' or look for yellow เจ flags, especially during the October Vegetarian Festival.
Summary
Two useful food words: 'jay' (เจ) is Chinese-Thai vegan food, common during the Vegetarian Festival; 'mangsawirat' (มังสวิรัติ) is the general word for vegetarian.
Details
Two useful food words: 'jay' (เจ) is Chinese-Thai vegan food, common during the Vegetarian Festival; 'mangsawirat' (มังสวิรัติ) is the general word for vegetarian.
Local tips
- Yellow เจ flag = vegan stall; 'mangsawirat' = vegetarian
Frequently asked questions
How do I find vegetarian food in Thailand?
Ask for 'ahan jay' (เจ food - strict vegan, marked by yellow flags) or say 'mangsawirat' (มังสวิรัติ, vegetarian). 'Jay' stalls are everywhere during the October Vegetarian Festival.
Sources
Plus local research.
Your next step
Let the free planner turn this guide into a day-by-day plan for you.
Free trip planner