Dining out as a vegan

Dining out as a vegan has been made significantly easier in recent years as more and more restaurants introduce plant based and vegan options to their menu. Not only that but a ton of exclusively vegan eateries are also opening up catering to both existing vegans and those looking to eat more ‘plant based’. Of course, the availability and quality of these vegan dishes vary across different restaurants, making it important to pick the right restaurant in order to enjoy a meal as a vegan.  

What to look for

The first step to having a good meal in a restaurant is to find a place with vegan options. A great way to do this is to research ahead of time, look at menus online and see what vegan options they have. It’s easy enough to check out reviews online and ask fellow vegans for advice (our Instagram community is a great place to ask questions!). You should get a good gauge of which places have good vegan meals and which ones to avoid.

Many restaurants now have separate vegan sections on their menus or label the vegan options (VG, VGO- vegan option), making it easier to see at a glance what the vegan choices are. If you’re still in doubt, it’s worth asking the waiter for advice as they should be able to tell you what is suitable. 

Ordering as a vegan

When ordering food at a restaurant as a vegan, it’s important to be mindful of your dietary requirements. Check with the waiter if any modifications need to be made to a dish in order to make it vegan. Don’t be afraid to ask if there are any vegan options if you don’t see one. You are most likely not the first that has asked. By being brave and asking questions you can encourage restaurants to expand their culinary options and make vegan dining more accessible.

Here is a helpful list of some food to avoid when dining out:

• Foods containing dairy or animal products (e.g. eggs, cheese, milk, cream, ghee, butter, honey).
• Foods containing animal fats or lard.
• Foods containing processed meats (e.g. bacon, ham, sausage, chicken).
• Foods containing fish or seafood
• Soups or sauces containing meat broth
• Non-vegan desserts (e.g. ice cream, custards, jelly, panna cotta).
• Non-vegan condiments (e.g. mayonnaise, fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce).
• Salads with non-vegan dressings or croutons.
• Fried foods (can often be fried in animal fat or lard)

To play it safe you can always choose an all-vegan restaurant. They are more common than what you may realise, it’s just a quick google search away.

Final Thoughts

With these tips, you should be able to find an exciting and satisfying vegan meal no matter where you go. Whether you’re travelling across the country or just popping out to your local cafe, keep your eyes open and you’ll find something delicious. So grab your vegan pals, put on your adventurous hat, and get out there to explore all the delicious vegan options awaiting you at your favourite restaurant.

Bon Appetit!

Fan of Bali? check out our favourite vegan eateries in Ubud or perhaps our guide to Melbourne Dining for something closer to home.