What do vegans eat at a restaurant, other than chips?!?

Question

I've just gone back to being vegan again, after falling off the wagon 7 months ago. Before that I managed for 12 months to be a strict vegan. But, one of the hardest things was not being able to go out for dinner.
I actually ended up getting a bit sick of chips (believe it or not). And I don't really like salad that much unless it's got mayonaise or cheese or it. Obviously now that's out.
I know a lovely restaurant, which cooks everything fresh. They have told me that they are happy to cook to order (because I was vegetarian at that time. )What shall I ask them to cook me?

Lots of people have been suggesting pasta. But if it's fresh, as I assume it will be, then it will be made with eggs surely.
And in terms of bread, won't that have eggs and milk in it?
You see my problem?!!!

Answer 1

pasta with a chunky veg + tomato sauce
a veggie risotto, mushroom,...,+ rice
I go to a mid eastern restaurant that has a lovely hugh plate with 3 types of salad, (bean, green..,) couscous, hummus+ pitta,, +flafel + vine leaves stuffed with rice (dolmades) + olives
also does a chargrilled veg plate, and veg samosas

Answer 2

Well, as everyone else has said, eat pasta. One of my favorites is penne pasta with olive oil and then you can add roma tomatoes, garlic, and other stuff like that. But, when you can't do that, you can always order off the "sides" menu. I know how you feel because I am vegan also and I don't always end up at vegan friendly restaurants. Sometimes I get stuck ordering a side of fries (as long as they are cooked in vegetable oil) or baked potato, not always the most healthy choice, but at least it's food. Also, if you are at an Italian restaurant, try minestrone soup, its usually a vegan soup, but I have met a couple of restaurants that use meat, so ask.

Answer 3

I guess it depends where you live, but if you live in the south west you'll be spoilt for choice as there are some amazing Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants to choose from.

My favourite is Demuths in Bath - it's in a side street near the abbey and they serve the most amazing food, particularly the vegan chocolate fudge cake!

Fresh and Wild in Bristol is also great, but it's more serve yourself than a proper sit down, relax and get attended to.

Angel Cafe in Stroud, Gloucestershire (my home town) has a great selection of vegan stuff on the menu, and they're always happy to let you know what's in stuff and whether it's suitable or not.

Failing that, I would recomend asking for stir fried vegetables with golden marinated tofu (the restaurant should be able to get hold of it for you if you request in advance). Also, there are some brilliant vegan mayonaises available, ask them to get hold of a jar so you can have a salad!

Also, see if there's a vegan website for your area, they usually have reccomendations for places to eat out etc.

If you're ever in the south west, let me know and I'll try to give you directions to these places, they really are awesome!

H.

Answer 4

To be honest I don't see your problem, I am not a vegan myself though I was vegetarian for about 15 years and although not any more avoid red meat.
Surely there are alternatives for vegans if you object so strongly to eggs and milk being used in any food? We all know that soya milk is an alternative to cows milk. As for Eggs there must be something else that vegans use?? As a vegetarian I always ate eggs because of the iron content

Answer 5

It's really depending on which restaraunt you're going to, if you go to an Asian restaraunt most of their food consists of tofu, so you can enjoy their dish with lots of different tofu soups and meals as well as fresh green vegetables. If you're at all-American restaurants, you can ask for fries for a veggie burger which is absolutely delicious but without the mayo and cheese, and you can eat fries and substitute eggs as well. There are lots of vegan food that you can also make at home too. Check bhg.com for vegan recipes trust me I found alot.

Answer 6

Lentil Dhal and mixed vegetable fried basmathi rice with plenty of salads. It's a Indian vegan dish. There are more vegans and vegetarians in India then anywhere else in the world.

Answer 7

Jsut tell the chef to do something with vegetables. If they can't you're in the wrong place. With such great flavours and variety, why do we insist on a "focal point" like meat, nut roast, pasta etc.

I go to the garden each night and just pick what i fancy, don't even think about it.

btw, there are very few chips that are veggie. Impossible in a fast food place, most of Europe, all of the far east.

Answer 8

Vegetables. Pasta. Rice. Couscous. Bread. Fruit. Nuts. Seeds.

Come on, use your imagination - most vegetarian restaurants cater for vegans and even regular restaurants should accommidate you. Go for pasta with vegetable based sauces. Vegetable kebabs with rice or couscous. Sandwiches. Jacket potatoes with beans/veg(and without butter!) Vegetable risotto. Veggie burgers. Vegetable stir-frys.

Veggie curries may be tricky as many have dairy products included but you can adapt them at home.

Answer 9

Hi Sam. There are many vegetarian foods that you could indulge in. Going by the content of your question I gather that you are on a strict diet. You could try visiting any middle eastern restaurants in your city. They serve good grilled veggies, or cottage cheese (which by by the way does not affect the dieter's system). Try looking for a menu that would suit your palate. Italian and Frnech are good too.

Answer 10

Go to a restaurant that actually has a decent menu. Chips are not necessarily vegetarian. What type of oil are they fried in?
When I eat out I like a mushroom risotto or stuffed peppers. Ask the chef to think of something.

Answer 11

ok some of you people are starting to piss me off cheese IS NOT vegan STOP SUGGESTING IT anyway.... im turning vegan and im having the same problem but the restaurants my family goes to doesnt serve chips so i end up eating nothing maybe you could ask them if their pasta is made with eggs. i wish you the best of luck