Dining Out: Vegan Style

By Caroline Yoder

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In a family of omnivores it is often difficult to convince the entire group to dine at a veg-friendly locale. Thus, I must often settle and frequently eat at restaurants that are not exactly "vegan-minded." When dining at more mainstream restaurants, it is often necessary to do a little prior investigation and/or menu tweaking once you arrive. However, dining out is not impossible as a vegan nor is it unpleasant; with a few tips and tricks, meals at the typical restaurant can become a satisfying and memorable eating experience.

Italian

As you might expect, Italian restaurants are quite fond of sprinkling, or often smothering all their dishes with cheese. For this, you might want to ask if your dish includes cheese, even if it is not listed on the menu. Many Italian eateries include cheese even in the marinara sauce. You might request a cheese-free tomato sauce or that the marinara sauce be left out of the dish.

You also might want to inquire about the ingredients in the pasta used at the restaurant. Sometimes homemade pasta includes egg ingredients.

One of my favorite things to order when dining at an Italian locale is a bowl of minestrone soup with a salad. Beware of Caesar salads, however, because Caesar dressing typically contains anchovies, and the salad itself may contain eggs and grated parmesan cheese. Sometimes minestrone is made with chicken broth.

A cheeseless pizza is another option; pile it high with veggies and tomato sauce. Whole wheat pasta with a variety of vegetables in marinara sauce always makes a tasty, healthful vegan meal.

Chinese

Chinese restaurants frequently offer several vegan options on the regular menu, so dining out at these places should be less difficult. Tofu is a Chinese staple; it often appears in stir-fry, soups, and appetizers such as steamed dumplings.

Broth-based soups are often a safe bet. Pair a vegetable-tofu soup with some brown rice and you'll have a healthful, satisfying meal. Beware Hot and Sour soups, however, because they often contain beaten egg and chicken broth.

If you are searching for a vegan-friendly Chinese locale, look no further than PF Chang's China Bistro. Their menu includes an entire section designed specifically for vegans and vegetarians. Also, they will transform any meat dish into a vegan delight by substituting tofu and alternative sauces.

Japanese

Japanese restaurants also offer quite a variety of vegan-friendly dishes, ranging from sushi to soba; often there is even a vegetarian special on the menu.

Frequently Asian restaurants offer a variety of meat alternatives in addition to tofu, such as mock chicken or faux beef. These alternatives are most often derived from wheat-gluten and soy.

If the restaurant at which you are dining does not offer a vegetarian special or meat substitutes, there are still plenty of options. Vegetable-based sushi (avocado or cucumber rolls are perhaps the most common), steamed edamame, and miso soup make up just a few vegan dishes that are widely available in Japanese eateries.

Mexican

Vegan fare in this type of cookery is a tad more difficult to come by due to the abundance of lard and cheese. Seemingly harmless side dishes of beans are often cooked in lard and/or smothered in cheese. Vegetables and tortillas may also be cooked in the same manner.

First, it might be a good idea to ask how vegetables are cooked. If you request that oil be used instead of lard or butter, you can make a meal out of veggie fajitas. Request extra salsa or pico de gallo instead of cheese and sour cream.

Not too keen on making so many special requests? Simply order black bean soup with a few tortillas chips and a side of guacamole.

Some eateries, such as Moe's Southwest, even offer tofu as a meat option. Sans sour cream and cheese, you can enjoy almost anything on the menu, from a substantial taco salad to a stuffed burrito.

American

Many diners and restaurants that serve American fare now offer a veggie burger. While most restaurants will indicate on the menu if the patty contains dairy products, you might ask your server if the veggie burger is milk and cheese-free. Be sure to ask for no mayo or cheese and request that the bun be left un-buttered.

Other options include a veggie sandwich (no cheese or mayo please!) or a self-constructed veggie plate (ordering a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables and a baked potato makes a great meal).

Clearly, dining out as a vegan is not impossible. With a few requests and a little research, you can enjoy meals with your friends and family even at the most conventional of restaurants. If the meal suggestions above don't appeal to you, there is another option—ask the chef! Often if you explain your food preferences, the chef will seize the opportunity to display some creativity. The dish conjured up will likely be the envy of the table!

Caroline Yoder is currently a student at Duke University, studying English and Psychology. She hopes one day to become a writer in the health field.

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