How do you politely tell someone that you don't eat meat?

Question

I am invited to a friend's house this weekend for dinner and they don't know I am a vegetarian. How do I politely let them know that I don't eat meat when some sort of meat dish is going to be served?

Answer 1

I think a good idea is to bring a vegetarian dish to add to the dinner menu - it's a great gesture and a wonderful way to let your friends know and to show them how great a vegetarian meal item can be!

Answer 2

Hi! It's nice of you to be thoughtful. You have two options really. The first is to go to the party without telling them, and tell them there, letting them know that it's alright and not to feel bad. (if there is no vegetarian dish.)
The second is to call up beforehand, let them know politely ("Just calling to let you know about the dinner - I'm afraid I'm vegetarian, but I'd be happy to bring a nice vegetarian dish for all of us to share!"). This way, you'll be sparing the meat dish portion that would have gone to waste otherwise, and introducing and adding an extra yummy dish to the menu.

It's up to you =] I've always been lucky as the hosts have somehow found out, and have been very very helpful and thoughtful, preparing a nice veggie option. And remember, lots of dishes are meat-less, so just check with the host if you haven't told them. (I'm sorry does this dish have meat in it?") That's also a way of letting them know!
Good luck, hope I helped xx

Answer 3

I tend to tell people at the time they invite me. Most people can think of at least one or 2 really easy things to make that don't involve meat and it's not a big deal. At least give them some warning so they don't find out when you're sitting down to dinner and suddenly there's a plate full of chicken that nobody is going to eat and they have nothing but rice and salad to feed you.

Maybe you should call them as early as seems polite tomorrow and let them know. You can say, "I'm sorry I think I forgot to tell you before, but since you invited me to dinner, I guess you should know I'm a vegetarian." If it seems like they'd already planned a meal involving meat and now they don't know what to do, you can offer to bring over some vegetarian dish to contribute to the meal.

Answer 4

1. take the direct route by calling them ahead of time and explaining but they MIGHT not know how to accommodate you (some folks aren't that sophisticated or they may resent having to do so this close to the party)
2. go and eat everything but the meat when someone asks
or inquires why then state it then....
3. you could always also call ahead and offer to bring a vegetarian main dish however some resent others "altering" their menu

Since these are obviously people you are not close to; I think #2 is the most polite path.

Answer 5

First apologize for not telling your friend as soon as you were invited. Hopefully they didn't already go shopping for the dinner. Then tell them to please not go to any trouble, that you would like to bring a salad, and I'm sure someone will insist they accomodate you and so then you tell them what it is you don't eat (just meat, or meat and eggs, or meat and eggs and dairy - whatever's apropriate).

I'm going to my first big family function this weekend since going from vegetarian to vegan. At least before there was a ton of stuff I would still eat, now there's a bunch of traditional family dishes I won't eat. My husband and I both will be getting teased mercilessly, but that's okay. I'll be bringing a huge plate of vegan oatmeal cookies!

Answer 6

let them know in advance this way they do not prepare a portion for you of meat, call your friend and politely & offer to bring a dish, that way you will be sure to have something to eat - call them just say

"I am very much looking forward to your dinner party this weekend, I was wondering if there is anything I can bring, I am not sure if your aware but I am a vegetarian and i know some wonderful side dishes i would love to bring for everyone to try."

your offering to bring something will show that you are not trying to put them on the spot to feed you a vegetarian dish seperately.

Answer 7

Do it straight up, and if you can, do it before the dinner is prepared. I myself am a meat eater, but am quite willing to make allowances for those that are not. In fact, I prepared a roast dinner and made sure the vegetables didn't come in contact with the meat, and were baked in vegetable oil, because my nephew's girlfriend was vegetarian. I even asked her if the cheese sauce for the vegetables was acceptable, and she said it was.
I think that you will find most people will make allowances, if you let them know early enough. No reason why you can't have vegetables without the meat, and join them at the table too.
Just be sure, that if they are making allowances for your choices, that you do the same and make allowances for theirs.

Answer 8

just be honest and let them know. it's not rude, it's the truth. they'll understand. if not, well what kind of a friend is that? just be honest and open. it always works best. my best friend is a vegetarian and i didn't know that because she used to eat meat and then one day she up and decided that doesn't want to ever touch it again. she told and me and i was shocked but i respected her for it and never made anything with meat in it when we had dinner parties. a true friend always listens and understands.

Answer 9

Whenever I am invited over for dinner by a new friend, I always mention that I am vegetarian when I am asked...especially if they mentioned that meat will be served.

Answer 10

I go have fun don't really come to eat since you know there will be alot of meat, but maybe thier will be salad and rice or other foods you can eat. They might say oh im sorry for not preparing a meal for you , but insure them what they have there if great enough and that you enjoy it. Don't actually say it wait to the food is served and be happy that you see something you can eat and SMILE.