Eating out as a vegan
How to find vegan food when ordering takeaway or dining out.
When a vegan eats out, there could be a few less menu items to choose. Hopefully there should be something to eat, not nothing. Here are strategies to feel fulfilled when ordering takeaway or eating out as a vegan.
New vegans may face a particular shock. A new vegan can no longer just order anything from any menu. This is especially true for those who previously had no dietary requirements. However, most eateries will be at least a bit flexible.
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Here are ways to stay motivated and encouraged when struggling to find vegan options.
Remember your beliefs, values, morals and ethics.
Know why you are choosing to eat differently. Veganism is about animals. You may also be making changes for the environment and your health. Think about all these factors when selecting foods. Practical implementation will vary. Intention plays a big part.
Realise you are not the only person with dietary requirements.
You may worry about looking fussy when ordering vegan food and a non-vegan place. You are not the only person who has dietary requirements. Other people may have allergies, health conditions, weight-loss programs or religious diets. You are most likely not going to be the first person ordering differently.
Be slightly realistic about your options when also getting creative.
It's a balancing act. Be realistic about the surrounding options. Some geographic locations will have more fully vegan eateries. Many areas may barely offer vegan options. Opening hours could limit choices at odd times of the day or night. Let's be real about that reality.
That being said, there are ways to overcome problems around accessibility. These strategies should work most of the time.
Finding flexibility at non-vegan places
Emphasis is on finding flexibility. Cafes and restaurants have the freedom to do what they want. Hopefully if they truly want to serve customers' needs, they will find a way to help you. Here are some changes that could happen when eating at non-vegan venues.
Flexibility 1 - vegan options at non-vegan eateries.
It would be great if all vegans could order and dine with exclusively vegan eateries at all times. Here is a reality check. We live in a non-vegan world. Sometimes, we just need to eat. You can eat plant-based foods at non-vegan places.
Menus are now including more vegan options. This does not happen everywhere. But let's be grateful for the extra options anywhere.
Flexibility 2 - ask to customise menu items.
Some of the menu items may become vegan with some creative alterations. Ask for the smashed avocado without egg. Chances are, if a meal is made to order, nobody has anything to loose if an ingredient is omitted from the final product. Customisation is easier when foods are not pre-prepared. It's doesn't hurt to ask anyway.
Flexibility 3 - order sides, snacks and entrees.
Many vegans order a 'meal' of sides when they are the only plant-based menu items. In this situation, the foods are most likely to be accidentally vegan. Consider the side salad, cooked vegetables, bread, soup or fries. This could also save money and possibly better suit your appetite. We may feel social pressure to choose a main meal because that is the social norm. However, sometimes we are not hungry enough. Or you may wish you could try multiple dishes. Or it could be the best way to become a fed vegan. Proudly enjoy some delicious entrees or sides. Why not?
Flexibility 4 - Picnic of takeout, convenient foods and 'groceries'
Maybe you don't want a formal sit-down meal. You may be outside and struggling to make a decision. One cafe has a few plant based foods. A convenience store has a vegan pastry and sandwiches. The local takeout window may offer roasted vegetables. Make the most of the scattered options. Gather a bunch of foods from different shops and then enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors.
Quick research before going out
Research 1 - Happy Cow
The Happy Cow app is a vital source of information about vegan eateries and vegan options. It covers many locations on the map.
Research 2 - Social media
Search for a suburb on social media before visiting. See exactly what the locals will be serving up.
Research 3 - Menus at franchises.
You can feel prepared almost anywhere if you know the vegan options at major franchises.
Be fussy
Here is my most brave advice - be fussy. I would love to just have a good time and not worry about availability of food. But I eat abundantly and frequently. So if an area doesn't offer enough options to fulfil actual needs (such as calories and nutrient density), I move along.
If you realise a cafe or restaurant is not willing to provide a nourishing option, you could go somewhere else. If there are limited options nearby, peacefully encourage businesses to cater for an underserved market. You are a potential customer. Your opinion matters.
Abundance of vegan, plant based and accidentally vegan dishes. Lunch of smashed avocado, soup, salad and smoothie bowl. Image: iStock.
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