Dining out
Dining out as a plant-based eater has never been easier—or more delicious!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro at ordering plant-based or just starting your journey, this guide will help you navigate menus, communicate effectively with restaurant staff, and discover delicious options wherever you go.
Tips for ordering
1. Scan the menu for clues
Look for icons (like a leaf or “V”) denoting vegan/vegetarian items. Review ingredients listed under each item to find promising options.
2. Customize with confidence
Most restaurants are happy to make substitutions. Ask for:
- No cheese, dairy, or egg
- Extra vegetables, beans, grains, or avocado
- Dressing and sauces on the side
3. Ask questions
Don’t hesitate to ask your server about:
- Hidden animal products (like chicken broth or fish sauce)
- Cooking methods (e.g., butter vs. oil)
- Potential for substitutions
Common menu items
You might be surprised by how many naturally plant-based dishes exist in different cuisines. Whether you’re dining at a family-owned restaurant or a mainstream eatery with global influences, you’ll often find plant-based options hiding in plain sight. Here’s what to look for:
ASIAN CUISINE
Many Asian restaurants offer tofu-based stir-fries packed with vegetables and served with rice or noodles in soy sauce or garlic-ginger-based sauces. Vegetable sushi rolls, miso soup, and curry dishes made with coconut milk are also great plant-based choices—just double-check for hidden ingredients like fish sauce or egg.
MEXICAN CUISINE
Look for veggie tacos filled with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, or choose hearty bean burritos with rice—just be sure to ask for no cheese or sour cream. Dishes like rice and beans, fresh guacamole with tortilla chips, and sizzling fajitas with vegetables are flavorful, filling, and often easily made entirely plant-based.
ITALIAN CUISINE
Spaghetti marinara is typically made with a simple tomato sauce and can be enjoyed without cheese, while pasta primavera is a colorful vegetable-based option—just ask for no cream or cheese. Minestrone soup is usually veggie-packed and satisfying, and pizzas can be customized with a variety of vegetable toppings and no cheese for a delicious plant-based meal.
INDIAN CUISINE
Chana masala (spiced chickpeas), dal (lentil stew), vegetable biryani, and aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower) are flavorful, protein-rich Indian dishes that are often naturally vegan. However, it’s a good idea to ask if any dishes are cooked with ghee (clarified butter), cream, or paneer (cheese), which can usually be left out upon request.
MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE
Falafel made from chickpeas or fava beans is a savory, crunchy option that pairs perfectly with creamy hummus, fresh tabbouleh, and baba ganoush (smoky eggplant dip). Lentil soup, stuffed grape leaves, and pita with a variety of dips round out a vibrant and satisfying plant-based Middle Eastern meal.
THAI CUISINE
Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors, fragrant herbs, and colorful ingredients—many of which can be made plant-based with minimal adjustments. Dishes like vegetable pad Thai (ask for no egg or fish sauce), green or red curry with tofu and coconut milk, fresh spring rolls, and stir-fried vegetables with basil and chili are often customizable and packed with flavor.
Explore options in your city
Technology makes eating out easier than ever. Try these apps for recommendations:
Yelp – Use “vegan” or “plant-based” in your search filters.
HappyCow – The gold standard for vegan/vegetarian restaurant reviews globally.
abillion – A community-driven app rating plant-based dishes and products.
Vanilla Bean – Clean interface with filters for vegan, gluten-free, and more.
Take the guesswork out of eating plant-based
Whether you’re navigating restaurant menus for the first time or you’re a seasoned vegan seeking new inspiration, Love Veg is here to make dining out both easy and enjoyable. With helpful tips, delicious ideas from global cuisines, and practical tools at your fingertips, plant-based eating has never been more accessible.
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