How to Eat Vegan at a Restaurant

“The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world.”-Dr. Paul Farmer

Okay, so you have found your vegan recipes and can successfully shop for and cook your own vegan meals. However, it is not fair that being vegan means that you have to cook for the rest of your life – that you have to give up the convenience and pleasure of going to a restaurant. At a restaurant you can sit and relax, letting people bring food to you. You can still have that being vegan.

A little more effort will be required when picking the restaurant. As a common rule, ethnic restaurant are always easier to eat at than American ones. That is not to say that you can not still go to an American restaurant. There are simply less options. Generally, you have a safe bet ordering a salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. Having just lettuce and dressing is not ideal, though.

You can always order other salads and take out from non-vegan ingredients. A garden burger seems safe, but it can get tricky. When ordering a garden burger make sure to ask if they butter the bun and to check all ingredients. Sadly, it is very common for garden burgers to be held together with egg. That does not mean that there are not vegan garden burgers, though.

Fast food is pretty much out, but that is okay, because it is extremely unhealthy. However, you can still get some fries if you have a craving, just make sure that they are not cooked in meat grease or fat. Fast food chains can be very unreliable in knowing their facts. I personally do not want to support that industry, so there is always the option of slicing up some potato wedges and roasting them in your own oven.

Italian food is harder because you have to get pizza and pasta without cheese. However, some restaurants will offer Daiya substitution cheese. Also, if there is nothing else you can have pasta with marinara sauce. Generally, it is easier to order more vegetable oriented dishes, however.

Asian restaurants are generally great. You can have curries and other spicy vegetable and rice dishes. The two main things to worry about are eggs and fish sauce. You need to make sure to avoid egg noodles and ask if a dish contains egg. Pad Thai usually contains egg. Also, remember to ask if the ingredients in your dish are cooked in fish sauce.

Indian restaurants have more options if you are vegetarian, but they are still a viable option. My personal favorite, often overlooked, ethnic food paradise is Ethiopian food. Most of the food at these restaurants is vegan and delicious. Mexican restaurants have some plain bean burrito options. Just make sure to ask if the beans are cooked in lard and what all of the ingredients are.

Mediterranean restaurants are also great. Eat your fill of pita, hummus, dolmas, and falafel. Beware of tzatziki sauce, though. Now, if you live in a larger city you might be graced with completely vegan restaurants. This a wonderful miracle, take advantage of it. At a completely vegan restaurant you can order anything off of the menu. Not asking questions and painfully scanning through options is pure bliss.

There are some general rules to help you out. First, make sure to look at the menu of the restaurant you are going to online before going. Second, always ask about ingredients and what the ingredients are cooked in. Third, never hesitate to modify your order by taking off some non-vegan items or putting in additional vegan ones. Finally, be aware that ethnic restaurants are always easier to order at. Enjoy not having to cook all of your meals.