Do you cook meat for meat eating friends coming over for dinner? Why not?

Question

A questions for you vegetarians:

When I have vegetarian friends over for dinner I make vegetarian food for them.
But when I have dinner at their place, they don't cook meat for me.

Why is it okay for vegetarians to expects others to cook vegetarian food for them, but vegetarians don't return the favor for meat eaters?

Answer 1

I don't cook meat for others because I have no idea how to. Risking trying it out on my guests would probably end in a food poisoning disaster. My friends are understanding of my beliefs and diet and therefore do not mind having a vegetarian meal with me and are also quite happy to cook something veggie for me if I visit them.

If I visit someone who does not know I am vegetarian or does not really understand the concept of vegetarianism (eg those who are likely to cook me fish) I talk with them and agree to bring my own food to reheat in the microwave. This saves hassle for them as they do not have to make anything special for me, and saves me worrying I'll be fed something I cannot eat. If my meat-eating friends wanted to come over and bring their own meat dish to reheat it would be fine with me.

Answer 2

Vegetarian means to not only not eat meat but also not contribute in cruelty towards any animal either. Like someone has mentioned a lot of really hardcore veggies would not eat at places where meat is cooked. I dont even wear leather or silk...but thats a personal choice.You have a point. This is not about vegetarian v/s non-vegetarians. Its about courtesy and respect. If a friend had gone to great lengths to prepare something vegetarian for me, then I would try and reciprocate by ordering a meat dish or two from a restaurant.

Answer 3

I think it is because most meat eaters don't exclusively eat meals that include meat. I have been a vegetarian for 10 years now, but was raised in a meat-eating family and we would eat some meatless meals every now and then (spaghetti, grilled cheese and tomato soup, cheese pizza, stuffed shells, pirogi, etc). When I cook for meat eaters, I generally try to go with a more mainstream recipe rather than making "weird" vegetarian stuff that meat eaters don't like, so I do put in the effort for my guests. Of course, if I invite a guest with dietary restrictions, I will do my best to accommodate them. For example, when my parents are doing the Atkins diet, I realize that they will need to eat meat, and I will ask them what they want me to buy. Unfortunately, since I became a vegetarian at age 13, my meat cooking skills are quite limited, so I will usually either let them cook it, or we will eat out. Which brings me to another point: do you really trust a vegetarian to properly prepare a meat dish? Perhaps lack of skill is another reason why vegetarians don't prepare meat for their guests very often.

Answer 4

You have a very good point there. I do think though that true vegetarians will not have meat in there house no matter what. The best way to look at it, is vegetarians have a different look at things than meat eaters. It is kind of like how Jews feel about Christmas. You just have to respect the feelings of others, that have a different outlook on life.

Answer 5

I'm a really strict vegetarian (slowly going vegan) and I love to cook in general. I have no problem cooking meat for my boyfriend or my parents because they would cook it anyway if I didn't, and I'm in no place to force my vegetarianism on my loved ones. As long as I'm not eating it or buying more than the meat-eaters in my life will eat, I really don't see any reason to feel guilty about it.

I wish more vegetarians could be more laid-back about their life choice because dinner parties are no fun if everyone isn't accommodated for!

Answer 6

You make a decent point, but let me ask you this:

Would you want to eat meat cooked by vegetarians?

It probably won't be very good. This doesn't come up very often for me. A vegetarian dinner once in a while won't kill me.

Answer 7

I have been vegetarian for more than 2 years and I work at McDonald's, I know that is horrible!
Out-side of McDonald's I don't cook meat, when my non vegetarian friends come over I don't cook meat and they tend to like what I cook more than most meat dishes.

Answer 8

Yes..it's is OK. Vegetarians would not eat meat under any circumstances but omnivores can and will eat something meatless. An omnivore is not going against his beliefs making a vegetarian friendly meal but a vegetarian would be going against his/her beliefs if the situation was reversed.

For example...If I made a veggie stir fry over rice, that's a meal for everyone to enjoy. If I made a meat dish, that would only be for the omnivores to enjoy.

Answer 9

Non veg eaters can eat veg but not vice versa. Also, a pure vegetarian will not touch meat so as a polite invited guest -- this is an unfair request on your part. It may not be fair but as an Indian, we have always had a mixed group of veg & non veg eaters. Some people are so strict that if they know you are a non veg eater, they will never eat at your house. If they are your friends, accommodate them. Eating a veg meal once in awhile is good for the soul!

Answer 10

Would you expect Jews or Muslims to cook pork chops or ham for you when you come over? No, of course not. You eat what they eat. Expecting them to cook up something that is against their belief system to eat would be wrong. Same with vegetarianism.

Since it's not against your beliefs to eat foods from the plant world, it's perfectly fine, and very considerate, if you prepare vegetarian foods for your veggie friends. Not everyone does this, and it's much appreciated. However, it is against a vegetarian's belief system to consume flesh, so it is not okay to expect them to buy it, keep it in their home, and cook it.