How to Enjoy Vegan Dining At Any Restaurant
Going out to have a meal is great fun. It’s not only a great way to have a good time with friends but also to explore culinary treats. However, dining out can prove to be challenging when you’re a vegan even when you are in good company. It can be a challenge to identify meals that you can eat. Many vegans end up having a salad. Whether you’re a vegan or simply want to enjoy a vegan meal, you don’t always have to limit your meal to a salad. Below, we share our top tips for vegan things to eat when you go out.
The Problem with Vegan Dining at Restaurants
Preparing a vegan meal at home is easy. You’re in complete control over the ingredients included in the meal. However, eating out vegan is totally different. You’re not in control over what goes into your meal. Even a salad could have ingredients that you wouldn’t include in your diet. This is especially true when it comes to sauces and dressings. However, this shouldn’t deter you from going out or venturing beyond a salad. You can enjoy a meal outside your home too with the tips provided below.
The Ultimate Vegan Eating Out Guide
1. Dine at a vegan restaurant
One of the best ways to ensure that you’ll eat aligns with your diet is to go to a restaurant that is entirely vegan or vegetarian. The meals in these restaurants are prepared with care. Ingredients are selected to ensure that they align with the dietary needs of their customers. You can search online for these restaurants or ask for recommendations from others.
2. Search for vegan things to eat on the menu
If you’re going out with friends and family who would prefer to eat meals that include meat, they may not be willing to eat at a vegan restaurant. You may also not be able to find a restaurant offering only vegetarian or vegan meals in your area. If this is the case, you should look for things that you can eat off the menu.
At the Alpine Diner, we’ve made it easy for everyone to identify meals that align with their dietary preferences. Vegan and vegetarian meals are clearly marked on our menus with a ‘v’. We are careful not to include any ingredients that do not align with these dietary choices. We offer a variety of options for vegan eating out too. You don’t have to stick to a boring green salad.
3. Make a meal out of the side dishes
If you’re dining at a restaurant that doesn’t provide meal options that align with your dietary preferences, you will need to get creative. The side dishes in many restaurants, including steak houses, can be a great meal if you’re willing to try. Side dishes such as rice or pasta can be paired with steamed broccoli and other vegetables to make a delicious and satisfying meal. You can enjoy great company and save money on your meal. It’s a win-win.
4. Play with the items on the menu
While a restaurant may not offer options that align with your dietary preferences, you can make the options they do offer vegan-friendly. You can substitute non-vegan parts of the meal with options that you prefer. For example, you can remove items such as meat in a meal and have it replaced with something like beans or even guacamole.
Some Vegan Meal Options
Below are some vegan-friendly meals to consider when dining at a restaurant.
Vegan burritos - You can substitute the meat in the burrito with beans. Vegan burritos feature black beans, spinach, tomatoes, quinoa and roasted potatoes. This is topped up with guacamole for a hearty meal.
The classic BLT - Ask if the restaurant has veggie bacon. You can have this replace the bacon in the sandwich. Add avocado for a creamy and filling sandwich.
Vegetable spring rolls
Vegetable dumplings
Minestrone soup
Vegetable fried rice
Steamed vegetables
Classic fries - Add a side of salad or guacamole.
Vegetable-topped pizza - You can ask for the cheese to be excluded.
Visit the Alpine Diner and explore our menu for an even greater variety of options. There’s something for everyone.