Is anyone here vegan? Is it possible to eat out at "normal" restuarants?

Question

What would you eat at a restuarant-- plain salad, fruit, ...???

Wow, thanks for all of the comments everyone! These are very helpful.

Answer 1

Nope and that is one of the reasons am only a vegetarian and not a vegan. You would need to eat at Vegan establishments only and those are not plentiful where I live.

Answer 2

Hi hon,
I'm also vegan. It really depends on how hard-core vegan you are and where you live. If you want to avoid places that cook with the same utensils as meat, that limits your options.
Fast-food places are pretty much out of the question because of their work ethics and uncleanliness and contamination. They don't pay their employees enough to care if the meat touches the french fries or anything else.
Salads are often a pretty safe bet. You can ask for oil and vinegar, and often you can see the ingredients for a vinaigrette. Those are often safe, but again you have to check the label.
Thai and Indian restaurants are the easiest to eat normal foods. The only things you have to ask about are fish sauce, chicken stock, ghee (clarified butter), eggs, and dairy.
It's a good idea if you know where you're going to call ahead of time and find out which items are vegan or can be made so, and write them down, so you can just hand the paper/card with your order to the waiter/waitress. That saves time on both ends and prevents not-so-understanding friends from being frustrated or embarrassed.
Hope this helps! Thanks for being vegan :)

Answer 3

I have worked in restaurants for 8 years. It is next to impossible to find a vegan meal in a regular restaurant. You can order fruit, vegetables, salads, potatoes (or fries), some pastas with marinara or other tomato sauce, but that is about it. Even then there is often butter in veggies as they are prepared for general consumption. Don't be fooled by vegetable soups. 90% have chicken stock, very few are tomato based. If you are really particular you might not want to know this: there is always a good possibility that your vegen or vegetarian foods have come into contact with surfaces that have been used to prep dairy and/or meats unless you ask specifically. Most knowledgable service staff will be happy to help you out. There are a lot of vegetarians in the biz. That's why they are there, make them earn those tips.

Answer 4

I totally agree with some of the previous responses. I have personally emailed some chain restaurants (while some have nutritional info on-line) and you might do the same (to those near you). One is Ruby Tuesday's...they have a veggie burger that if you get w/o cheese or mayo is vegan. I also order the steamed broc w/o "buttery sauce" and get a salad with it...then I'm full:) Also some pizza places have suitable crusts and sauces, so you can get a cheeseless pizza--again email or check nutritional info on their pages. I have also called many places before going and most didn't have any suitable meals:(

Answer 5

I'm am.

It's very possible, you just have to choose wisely. Sometimes places will surprise you. For instance, Applebee's has nothing, and wile the people were very helpful I ended up eating a pretty lame salad, and I'm not a big fan of salads.

Last night we went to T.G.I Fridays, and they had this vegetable grill that I got without the balsamic vinaigrette because they said it had eggs in it. It was amazing! I highly recommend it.

Most places will at lest have a few options. Aside from the large chain places, ethnic restaurants are your best bet.

Answer 6

Heavens NO I eat out all over. You just need to look at the menu with a different eye. Looking to side dishes & veggies is a start.
Example: Salads of course ordering with out any animal products,,cheese, bacon eggs etc.
If they have Pasta dishes they all can be made by asking for steam veggies with plain pasta.
I have found if you clearly state your needs & are as pleasant as you can be they will try to help you eat well.
I have a huge list of food allergies & I rarely have a problem. I am kind to my server & for all the extra service I tip well.

Answer 7

Check out the website below.
Peta has a great list of what you can eat even at fast food restaurants. Quiznos has a great sandwich and even Burger King has a veggie burger! Even McDonalds has one in CA and NY!

I think people are really lazy and just want convenience over their convictions.

It is not hard to be a vegan! It just takes sticking with your decision.

Answer 8

Is is simple, just call ahead to let the chef know about your dietary restrictions. Be specific about animal stocks, cheese, butter, fish, meat, etc. Pasta, polenta, salad, baked potatoes with xvo and chives, soups, and steamed veggies are always alternatives for arrogant chefs that think the general public should gorge themselves by adding as much meat to meals as possible.
Also, look at menus and if items are made to order, figure out what to eliminate on your own rather than trying to have a carnivore try to do it for you.

Answer 9

Hmm ... I'm not vegan but vegetarian. When I go to restaurants I just order something made entirely out of vegetables. So I think it would be safe for you to get something like that since there's no dairy products or honey in those kinda dishes.

Answer 10

I was a vegan for a few years (I'm still a vegetarian). It is usually possible, but not too exciting. Most restaurants will make you steamed veggies if you ask for them. A baked potato is another option (plain, of course). Best of luck!!