They don't eat meat, but a slew of Asian stars have shown enough flesh to put them in with a chance for the title of the world's sexiest vegetarian.

Radical animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) says Asian celebrities are mounting up huge scores in a worldwide vote for the most vivacious veggie, a contest hoped to promote meat-free eating.

Frontrunners so far include Hong Kong actress Maggie Q, Taiwan singer Elva Xiao, Indian film hero Amitabh Bachchan and Filipino model Isabel Roces.

Taiwan star Barbie Xu is currently leading the Asian pack, a PETA statement said on Friday.

"Celebrities are shunning meat faster than you can say tofu", PETA Asia-Pacific director Jason Baker said in a statement. "After all, what's sexier than someone who's both passionate and compassionate?"

In the lead in the worldwide vote are American Idol winner Carrie Underwood, Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne and actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Among men, British Batman Begins star Christian Bale is ahead of American actor Samuel L. Jackson and Britain's Coldplay leader singer Chris Martin.