Vegan: Going Out to Eat
So, you’ve made the transition to become vegan, or you are starting to make the transition: CONGRATULATIONS! I am SO proud of you! I’ve been asked SO many times what it’s like to go out to eat being vegan. Here’s the answer: it’s SIMPLE!
It really is. I’m not exaggerating. Eating out as a vegan is MUCH easier than people think.
At first it can be a challenge, for sure, but it does get easier.
I’m breaking it down into a simple system that I use when I go out to eat:
Prepare yourself- Whether it’s a ‘vegan friendly’ restaurant or not, there are always options. Before I go to any restaurant, I take a look at the menu online ahead of time. That way, I am not wasting anyone’s time with ordering and asking a billion questions, how annoying.
Be practical- Obviously when you go out to eat, you want to have a satisfying meal. That doesn’t mean ordering a side of fries and calling it a day. It means getting creative. For me, I know the sides are a winner most of the time, so if I ask for a side of vegetables without butter and a side salad then I’m GOOD. Be reasonable with yourself and think about getting yourself a nutritious meal.
Vegan options everywhere- As I mentioned previously, there are always, or more often than not, side options. At any restaurant, there is usually a side house salad (ask for no cheese), steamed vegetables, and french fries. As for salad dressings, usually if it is a vinaigrette then it’s just vinegar based without dairy or eggs (it’s better to ask), but you can always opt for balsamic vinegar and oil. Bread and pasta are almost always vegan unless they make them from scratch, which isn’t all that often (again, better to ask). It’s okay to ask some questions, but let’s not get crazy. I say this because the server doesn’t always know, I know this may sound ridiculous, but it’s true. I have serving experience so I am familiar with that one person with the restrictions and how it can be a bit time consuming for their guests. It’s better to keep it as simple as possible.
The questions that are OK to ask- Instead of asking your server a billion questions, I have broken it down for you. The questions that are simple and always okay to ask are:
Is this made with butter? If yes, then ask for it to be made with olive oil or cooked steamed instead.
Is there any dairy in this dish? Sometimes people think ‘cheese’ or ‘eggs’ isn’t considered dairy, but it’s okay to ask to be specific.
Are the french fries cooked in the same fryer as the meat? There have been times french fries have been cooked in duck fat (ew, gross), so it’s always better to ask.
Eat beforehand- So, your friends or family want to go out to eat but they are meat eaters, they choose a restaurant with very little options, AND you’re really hungry! Don’t panic, just eat a small snack before! As a matter of fact, feel free to eat an entire vegan meal before. It doesn’t really matter. The point is to enjoy time with people you love and, more often than not, that’s over a meal. Not everyone in your life will want to eat at a vegan restaurant and not everyone in your life will be vegan, too. So, just do yourself a favor and have a little something beforehand. It’s all good. They don’t have to know. ;)
I hope these tips help you out! I know it can be a challenging time when you want to just be ‘normal’ and eat out like everyone else. You totally can! There are options and anything is possible.
Have anymore tips that you’d like to share or questions? Comment below. :)
Sending you all the LOVE and LIGHT,
Ash x
