Check Please: How To Eat Out At A Non-Vegan Restaurant (and enjoy it!)
Eating out can be one of the most stressful things to do as a vegan. It’s even worse when everyone thinks you just “eat grass” so you’ll be okay with having a side salad.
I’m usually not okay with just eating a side salad while everyone has a full on dinner.
It also still astonishes me that in 2018 there is not a vegan option on EVERY SINGLE menu.
But I digress for now…
After almost 2.5 decades of not eating meat I’ve learned a few tricks to navigate eating out.
Check the menu in advance and call ahead. A lot of the times I didn’t get to enjoy dinner out was because I was so stressed that I was going to be the “annoying” one when it came time to order. So I started to look at the menu online and call ahead with my questions. Some time I couldn’t get all of the answers but could find out if the kitchen was willing to work with me and create a special dish.
Explain exactly what it is you do and do not eat. I went to a party recently and the lady understood that I didn’t eat meat but asked if they can cook the vegetables in butter. I had to explain what was okay and not okay. I also usually do this with soup. I NEVER ask if the soup is vegan, I always ask about the broth specifically and then ask if there are other meat products in it. People often forget about the broth. and will tell you that something is vegetarian because it doesn’t have chunks of animal products in it. It’s better to be very specific so that there is no confusion and no stress when your meal does come!
Sides + Salad. I know having just a salad is not ideal, but often times the veggies are lurking in the side dishes. I check to see which sides interest me and ask if they can make those into a plate for me. Adding all those veggies, a side of rice or potatoes + a salad can make a delicious meal.
Find a dish I like and remove the meat. A lot of times I find myself saying oh that sounds good, if only it didn’t have (insert meat here). When this happens I usually ask if I can sub the meat for a vegetable and make that work! Don’t worry if the waiter gives you a sideways look when you order the Chicken Stir Fry with no chicken!
Use Happy Cow. If I am searching for a restaurant in a neighborhood with vegan options I usually turn to Happy Cow. It will list which restaurants near you will have a vegetarian or vegan option for you.
Pack a snack. I usually carry a protein bar or a pack of nuts in my bag just in case my meal was not satisfying enough. This helps me from getting hangry and let’s me enjoy my night out.
Remember that when you’re eating out with friends and family it’s more about the company than the food.