When I tell people I'm vegan, they often say "that must be so challenging to eat vegan!" Well, no, I think it's really easy actually.
At home being vegan is as easy as eating any other kind of diet. I only buy vegan groceries, so therefore I only have vegan food in my house. When I go to grab a snack or make a meal, I don't even have to give it a second thought because my only options are vegan food. It's not like I look in my fridge and see cheesy dishes and chicken wings!
The only part of a vegan diet that can be challenging is dining out. All of the control is in someone else's hands. But, I LOVE going to restaurants. So what do I do? Here are my tips for how to eat vegan at any restaurant (and not order salad).
Call ahead.
As someone who is horribly phone shy (I get nervous just ordering a pizza), this tip is not my favourite, but it's REALLY helpful. If you have plans to go to a restaurant and you aren't sure of the vegan options, just give them a ring and ask. If the restaraunt really doesn't have any vegan options, you can change your plans, (although I have never had that response before). It also let's the chef know ahead of time that you are coming so if they want to prepare something special they have the time to do so. Then when you get to the restaurant you can relax because you already know the options. I have even called a restaurant and been thrilled and surprised when I was told they had a separate vegan menu! I wouldn't have know that unless I asked. You can also try looking the menus up online, but it can sometimes not be clear if items are actually vegan, so I always suggest a call.
Be clear.
When I first made the switch, I hated saying the dreaded word "vegan" as I was somehow worried chefs would get mad at me. This isn't true. I have heard from both chef and waiter friends that they much prefer someone being clear in their limitations so they can address it correctly and without confusion. When you first walk into a restaurant, if you haven't called ahead, ask the greeter about vegan options. They will be able to tell you before you even sit down. If there is no greeter, ask the server right away. The last thing you want to happen is that you already have your drinks, everyone places an order and then you realize there is nothing for you to eat. Asking as soon as possible ensures a relaxing dining experience.
Be nice.
When you ask, just be polite. You don't have to shout at the world, don't make a million demands, and don't try to deconstruct the ingredient list, just ask if there are any vegan friendly options with a smile on your face. Not everyone understands what vegan is, so if they don't know, help them out by just telling them what you don't eat. No animal cruelty talk here, this isn't the place or time. If you're nice, people will be nice right back.
Look for the codes.
Menus often have little icons next to items that indicate which items are vegan or vegetarian, just like they do if it is spicy. Sometimes it's a little "v", sometimes a leaf, or other fun icons. Just look for the guide so you can know what they stand for.
Be a clever subber.
Most menus have vegetarian options which can easily be made vegan. Just ask if the dairy or egg can be removed from the dish to make it vegan friendly. Sometimes when you remove an ingredient the dish might need something else to boost it up a notch, so what I like to do is peruse around the menu and if I see another ingredient I think would be great, I might ask for a substitution. A good example of this is if I am ordering a veggie burrito, I would ask for the cheese and sour cream to be removed, and instead replace it with guacamole. Saying the word sub or replace is key because then hopefully they don't charge you extra! Sometimes if there are no main dishes that are easily made vegan, I will look to the sides. Often there are lots of side dishes that are vegan friendly, or can be adapted, so I will order a big plate of those.
Get the apps.
There are lots of great apps or websites that will help you find great veg friendly restaurants near you. This can be especially great for travel. My favourites are Happy Cow and Vegman, which find restaurants in your area that are vegan friendly, and VeganXpress which helps you find vegan options on popular chain restaurant menus.
Vegan Restaurants
The beauty of vegan restaurants is you actually have a whole menu to choose from! I know, joy! Go ahead, feast away!
Vegetarian Restaurants
Just check to make sure the items you are ordering are vegan, the servers understand your language, so they will know how to edit a dish if needed to make it vegan friendly.
Thai Restaurants
I love a good vegetable pad thai, vegetable cold rolls, green mango salad, lemon grass or coconut soup, vegetable curries, and vegetable rice dishes. Just make sure to ask for no egg, no fish sauce (in everything), and that curry paste use is vegetarian.
Japanese Restaurants
I order edamame, vegetable sushi rolls, vegetable tempura, miso soup, fried tofu, and noodle soups. Just make sure to ask for no egg, no fish sauce, and no bonito flakes (dried fish flakes).
Chinese Restaurants
Vegetable spring rolls, vegetable dumplings, vegetable soups, vegetable fried rice, vegetable noodle dishes, and beancurd are all great options. Again, just make sure to ask for no egg, no fish sauce, and no oyster sauce.
Italian Restaurants
Bruschetta, grilled artichokes, bean salads, olives, bread with olive oil and balsamic, salads, pasta with marinara sauce (most pastas don't contain eggs, so just ask to be sure), vegetable pizzas with no cheese. Double check that there is no cheese or eggs in your dishes. I often say no parmesan as well as they sometimes toss it on right at the end.
French Restaurants
I find French can be one of the most challenging options as they use so much butter and cream in their recipes, but sometimes you can get away with vegetable soups, roasted veggie platters, bread, salads, or ratatouille might be vegan. Ask about butter, cream, and chicken/beef stock.
Greek Restaurants
Hummus, tahini, olives, pita bread, vegetable dolmades, panfried potatoes, Greek salad, roasted eggplant, grilled veggies, and grilled veggie wrap. Just make sure to ask for no cheese or yogurt.
BBQ or Steak Restaurants
You might think I'm crazy, but I have eaten at BBQ restaurants and lived to talk about it. Try deep fried pickles, french fries, sweet potato fries, vegetable chili, BBQ vegetables, sometimes they even have BBQ tofu, vegetable sandwiches, salads, and baked potatoes. Make sure to ask for no cheese, sour cream, butter, mayonnaise and make sure the batters don't contain buttermilk. I sometimes find it's easiest to order several side dishes, and ask for them on a plate all together.
American or Canadian Restaurants
French fries, onion rings, potato wedges, veggie burgers, and veggie dogs. Ask about mayonnaise, cheese, and eggs in the ingredients.
Ethiopian Restaurants
Lentil, bean, and pea dishes, cabbage, and other greens, and injera (flatbread). Ask about butter, cheese, and egg.
Middle Eastern Restaurants
Falafels, coucous, tahini, vegetable samosas, pita bread, tabouleh, and rice. Just make sure to ask for no cheese or yogurt.
Indian Restaurants
Vegetable samosa, vegetable pakora, saag, dal, rice, channa masala, naan bread (check that it isn't made with yogurt or butter), and a lot of other great veggie dishes. Just make sure to ask for no butter, ghee (clarified butter), cream, or paneer (cheese).
Jamaican Restaurants
Fried plantain, veggie or potato roti, jerk vegetables, callalloo, festival, rice and peas, ackee (no salt fish), curry vegetables, bammy, and vegetable patties. Just make sure to ask for no butter, or eggs.
Mexican Restaurants
Salsa, guacamole, tortilla chips, vegetable or bean burritos, rice, vegetable tacos, vegetable fajita, and vegetable chimichanga. Ask about sour cream, cheese, lard, and that the rice isn't made with chicken broth.
Do you have any other tips or discoveries? Leave them in the comments!
Will says
Heads up - I grew up in a Japanese family and often music soup and noodle soup bases will have Bonito dashi, a fish-derived broth flavoring, in it.
Sam Turnbull says
Thanks for the heads up Will!
Rachel Estes says
I am officially gonna need a notebook for my purse for all these vegan 101 tips. So helpful thanks
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! You could print them if that helps? So happy you love them Rachel 🙂
Beth says
Great post and comment thread! I wanted to add for those who do no cheese pizza that I've had great experience with taking my home made vegan cheese in to the restaurant and they are happy to put it on the pizza when they bake it. Even in the south US in rural locations, so that's always a great option!
Sam Turnbull says
Ooh great idea Beth! Love it 🙂
Noah Schweizer says
Have to ask about the dough and sauce. Lot of times not vegan
Debbie Grey says
Some pizza joints [e.g., Mellow Mushroom] brush the crust with butter. Another "grill the server" point....
Mandy says
Since mellow mushroom has a vegan cheese option, they seem to be more aware, and when I've ordered pizza there with vegan cheese and forgot to mention no butter/parm on the crust, the servers have actually pointed it out!
Rachel says
In Greek restaurants, Baba ganoush is also vegan! 🙂 It's a roasted eggplant dip (I wasn't sure if that's what you meant by roasted eggplant). It's SO good and it looks/tastes creamy. It's amazing!!
I've found that a lot of naan bread isn't vegan, but that roti bread (similar, but not as thick) in Indian restaurants is almost always vegan!
I don't go out to eat very much because I'm vegan mainly in part to food allergies (allergic to dairy and eggs, but was already veggie for 7 years due to health/environmental reasons before the food allergies emerged), but I've just been diagnosed with Celiac's, so this will be an interesting transition!
Sam Turnbull says
Yes baba ganoush is awesome! Vegan and gluten free can be tricky for sure, but I have found it more common these days in Toronto anyways. Hopefully there are some good options for you where you live!
Kelly says
Great tips, thank you. I am also very hesitant to talk on the phone! I order online whenever possible. I'd rather type a zillion words that call someone.
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! Yeah, I am getting better at the phone. I figure, what's the worst they could say, they don't have anything vegan, then I just move on. At least I am bringing awareness to the demand for vegan food even if they aren't accommodating!
Tim Hordo says
Hi Sam, great post! Calling ahead is an amazing tip! It usually results in getting the most interesting, and arguably most carefully prepared and best meal at the table 🙂
But on the odd occasion where we find ourselves going somewhere that we have no control over (like for a birthday or something) I usually just eat ahead or quickly eat a protein bar on the way there and hope they have good fries, or steamed veggies or something...it usually works out.
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Tim!
Thank you! I love when special meals get made for me, it's the best! I have found that gerneally chefs are excited to make something off menu. When in doubt eating ahead is always a safe idea as well! 🙂
Tim Hordo says
I agree, totally worth the call ahead...and to think some say we 'miss out' being vegan 🙂
Linda Hart says
Some restaurants have told me that they don't have separate cooking facilities for vegans so the food will be cooked where meat or fish has been cooked. Not ideal but what can you do? Also I recently ate Thai and they told me everything had fish sauce in it and egg in all the noodles so
I ended up with white rice with soy sauce and a few veg not very appealing!
Sam Turnbull says
Oh that's awful! I love Thai food. I always ask about fish sauce, because sometimes the "vegetarian" options use it, but they can often make the recipe without if asked. Most rice noodles don't use egg, so that restaurant must have been doing something weird! That's why it's always good to call ahead if you can. Hope you find better restaurants in your area 🙂
DX says
Great post! But please be aware that most Chinese restaurants sauté their vegetables, tofu and noodles in chicken broth. I learned this the hard way--our local Chinese place even had a special "vegetarian" menu, but when I asked (always ask) I was told that the gluten, tofu and vegetables were cooked in chicken stock. And it's well known that Panda Express prepares its eggplant and tofu dish in chicken broth as well. ALWAYS ask.
Sam Turnbull says
Agh! Why do the do that!? Great to be aware of, thanks DX!
Lauren says
Thanks so much for this post! I am a vegetarian but try to eat vegan where I can. I used to get so angry at myself because I cannot seem to go fully vegan very easily, but I have completely cut meat out of my diet so I need to remember that that is a start and is better than doing nothing! I have soya milk for my home now instead of cows milk and vegan spread instead of butter 🙂 Thanks for this it helped a lot!
Sam Turnbull says
Congrats on your adventure towards veganism Lauren! Don't beat yourself up, every step is an awesome step!!! I found with myself, and with my friends that people tend to get more vegan over time. It's a lot to learn all at once! Let me know if you ever have any questions or need any support. So happy this article helped 😀
Victoria says
what about bread!? how do I know if it has eggs or milk?.. should I ask?
also which alcoholic cocktails are safe to order at a bar?
thank you love this post!
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Victoria! Bread is usually vegan safe, unless is challah (egg bread), or a more flavoured bread, but it is a good idea to ask just in case. As for alcohol, I recommend getting the app Vegaholic which tells you which brands of booze are vegan friendly. Don't even bother asking the bartender, they will have no idea! You can see more apps I recommend that will help in my post Top 8 Must Have Vegan Apps. So happy you loved the post 🙂
Rebeqa says
When it comes to fried foods a lot of them are deep fried in animal product.
Sam says
Usually fried foods are deep fried in vegetable oil, but often the meat or fish would be fried in the same oil. So it depends if you are ok with that or not.
Rebeqa says
I work in a restaurant that uses beef tallow to fry everything. It's cheaper apparently. So I would definitely recommend asking before assuming they use veg oil.
Sam says
Good tip! Thanks.
Hannah says
Do you have any advice for polish food? I'm going on holiday for the first time as a vegan so unsure how to navigate it in a different country with unfamiliar foods. Thanks
Sam says
Hmmm, Im not very familiar with Polish cuisine. With all traveling I suggest to bring snacks such as bars or trail mix just in case. Use the app HappyCow to find vegetarian restaurants in the area you are in. Always speak to the waiter or host to make sure the restaurant can accommodate you. You may be able to find vegan soups (ask about the broth), potato dishes, cabbage dishes, sauerkraut, pierogis that are filled with mushrooms, potato, and buckwheat dishes. Hope that helps!
Amanda Rogers says
In dicey situations where you're not really trusting the establishment maybe it would be a good idea to say that you are a vegetarian who has a severe allergy to eggs, fish/ seafood and dairy. Many restaurants might just think "what they don't know won't hurt them". Not very many restaurants are cool with a guest having a full-out anaphylactic reaction during the appetizers. Sure, it's a little white lie, but what they don't know won't hurt them:)
Sam says
Yeah, generally I am against saying I have allergies, because I try to bring awareness to veganism, but you're right Amanda, sometimes in dicey situations it can be the way to go!
Carol says
I do agree Amanda, sometimes people who are unaware of how vegan "works" are certainly aware of how to avoid cross-contamination of allergens and will go to great lengths to avoid any tragedies from happening! However, I do want to add that, from someone who used to work in a hospital dietary-setting, the food preparers would probably just rather know the truth and that it's perhaps an intolerance rather than a full-blown allergy. If it's an allergy, great measures need to be undertaken with regards to separating food, utensils, cutting boards etc. to avoid ANY sort of cross contamination. We used to get new moms in obstetrics saying that they were allergic to all sorts of things, when it was likely, more often than not, just a dislike (which we were always pleased to accommodate). For example, a lot of people don't like tomatoes. Thinking it was an allergy, we'd have to go and check the ingredients of absolute everything that could possibly contain tomatoes in any form (because we were told it was an allergy), including soups, casseroles, and sauces, when more often than not these items would have been fine for the patient with the dislike of 'raw' tomatoes. I guess what I'm trying to say is that people in the service industry are usually more than willing to accommodate dietary preferences, and can usually spot from a mile away those who cry 'allergy' when really it's just a dietary preference. Ever since watching the movie 'Waiting' with Ryan Reynolds I'm overly cautious about biting the hand that feeds me, lol!!!
Ingrid says
Love these tips, thanks a lot!
Sam says
You're very welcome Ingrid!
Don says
Thanks for this really interesting article!
I am from Germany and the numbers of vegan restaurants are growing significantly!
If you are visiting Germany I can recommend you guys these following vegan restaurants.
Berlin and Munich got the most vegan restaurants. 😉
https://www.hugit.com/collection/vegane-restaurants-in-deutschland-aa6510193a703e7aecc495ffc0bd193c
Sam says
You're welcome Don! I definitely want to go to Germany and eat vegan!!! Someone book me a ticket? haha. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jennifer McInnis says
I recently went to Germany and Austria and found Munich to have tons of vegan and vegetarian restaurants! I was in heaven!
Sam Turnbull says
Oooo I want to go!
Sam says
I have recently started transitioning to mostly eating vegan (I am ok with ethically and sustainably harvested game meat). The other day I had a horrible experience at a very nice italian restaurant even tho i didnt even try to order vegan but im really looking forward to going out again. I live in a small town of only a few thousand people and we have a great little italian restaurant bellow my studio. Last time i was there so was the govenor general. I cant wait to ask the chef to create something and see what he comes up with. Unfortunetly my other favorite restaurant in town burnt to the ground a week ago 🙁 i believe being a regular somewhere really helps to make sure you get something that you will be confident in as well as enjoy.
Sam says
Congrats on your transition Sam, and great name by the way 😉
Yeah not every experience will be great... I was literally served a bowl of hummus once. Yes, that was my dinner, a bowl of hummus. Yippee.... Haha, but you're right being a regular helps, especially if you are very nice. Make sure you call ahead so the chef knows you are coming. I hope you get some tasty dishes!
Jennifer says
I have recently "gone vegan" primarily for health reasons. I have a trip to England coming up. Does anyone know how vegan-friendly I will find pubs in general? Meat pies, gravy, scones, cream tea, ham...and to make matters worse for me, I am allergic to several fruits. I fear I may well be eating many salads and dry toast.
Hannah says
I am from England. Most pubs are modernizing, and serve vegetarian options - although these are often heavy in dairy products, so pure vegans may have to make do with combining a side salad, chips (french fries), and nuts. (And of course, skipping the traditional buttery puddings.) My advice: do what the English do - go to pub; drink booze at pub; drink more booze at pub; stagger to the nearest Indian restaurant, and order a good spicy curry! (Be aware - popadoms will probably come before the curry. The lime pickle and mango chutney is vegan, but I'm not sure what is in the popadoms themselves.)
Sam says
Great advice Hannah! Thanks for sharing. I would also recommend to download the app Happy Cow. It's an app that shows you where all the nearby vegan, vegetarian, or veg-friendly restaurants are around you and it works all over the world! Have fun in England!
Jessie says
I am vegan in London if this helps - Happy to say you will be spoilt for choice Jen! Check out Manna in Primrose Hill, lovely pubs nearby for a "London Pub" experience/predinner drinks to enhance the tourist experience in a really untouristy part of town 🙂
Tibbits & Mildreds are lovely and handy when in Central London, and there are many more on Happy Cow (as suggested by Sam - I love Happy Cow!).
Lots of chains have vegan options (Costa Coffee even a vegan cake/slice thing now!) - Pizza Express, Yo Sushi, Giraffe....
And we even have a vegetarian pub - with mixed reviews 😉 (I suggest eating downstairs, but other people love the twee upstairs!) http://www.thecoachandhorsessoho.co.uk/
See the Green Note in Camden for amazing music, and veggie "bar food" (Ticketed music but a neat place to go!)
I hope you have a lovely trip 🙂 Bring a coat - it's taken a turn for the cooler this past week!
Sam says
Great tips Jesse! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Annareka says
Fed by Water in Dalston is also an incredible restaurant serving Italian Cuisine. They have vegan and non-vegan pizzas, calzones, pastas, salads, breads, and more! Funny though, last time i was there they served the garlic bread in the shape of a fish haha
Jules says
Loving the tips! I'll be living in Bath for a few months next spring and I was a bit worried.... Glad to hear there'll be options!
Eva says
I'm supposed to go to a fancy seafood restaurant for a business dinner tomorrow night so I called ahead and asked if their veggie burger (the only vegetarian item on the menu) could be made vegan. I was told no, it could not. I then asked if they had any other vegan options, maybe side dishes? Again I was told no and then the person abruptly hung up on me. If I can't convince my boss to take our business partners to a different restaurant, I don't think I will join them as it would be awkward for me to go to a place that clearly does not welcome vegans and where I can't eat anything.
Sam says
Wow! That's so rude! I am so sorry you had that experience Eva. 🙁
I have never had such a negative response from a restaurant. Good thing you called ahead at least, so you didn't have to deal with that attitude in person. I was in a restaurant last night, that was definitely meat focused, I was literally staring at a big display of hanging salamis. They were so kind and made me so many delicious vegan things! That's the way all restaurants should be, it's a service based industry. Hopefully your boss is kind enough to take your business to a different location. Best of luck!
Eva says
Thanks! This was the first time I've had a negative experience like that. My boss did take our clients to a different restaurant but I ended up working late at the office and never made it to the dinner anyway.
On a positive note, I went to Chili's today and ordered four different side dishes (garlic roasted asparagus and tomatoes, steamed broccoli, black beans, and corn on the cob without butter) which made a delicious and filling vegan meal!
Sam says
That's awesome! Sometimes the sides are the way to go! 🙂
mary says
have the veggie burger with mustard lettuce and tomato or order a salad or restaurants have salads.
Sam says
I love veggie burgers!
Tammy says
We occasionally eat at Denny's. I know they have a veggie burger thats ok, and s few sides, but I talked with the manager, and now order a skillet that is very good. They have a Bourbon chicken skillet. Now I have them remove the chicken and sub it with wild rice. They steam the veggies and bourbon sauce on the side. Its very good.
Tammy
Sam says
Oh that sounds delicious! Thanks for the tips Tammy! Always a good idea to ask 🙂
Tammy says
I forgot to mention another idea. I often order the Apple Pecan chicken salad from Wendys, minus the chicken and cheese. They usually deduct anywhere from .60 to $1 off. I do splurge on the pomegranate vinagrette, and add a plain baked potato.
Ps, Love your blog.
tammy
Sam says
Thank you Tammy! Both for the helpful tips and for the blog love 😀
Arriel says
This is an awesome article! I have been vegan/vegetarian for going on for years, and I live in the rural parts of the South. It can be really challenging just ordering even vegetarian because everything down here is deep fried and covered in bacon, lol! Most of the restaurants here in my area are American or steak houses. This really helps a lot 🙂
Sam says
Haha, deep fried and covered in bacon, oh no! I'm glad you find this helpful Arriel 😀