not enough food for vegetarians?

Question

does anyone else find that their isnt a ton of food offerings in the food industry? whenever i go out to eat their seems to be only 1-2 things i can order that are vegy. the rest i have to ask to take the meat off or i cant even have it.

Answer 1

That's because vegetarianism is inherently wrong. Why would an establishment waste time and money catering to the needs of a cooky fringe culture?

Answer 2

I live in St. Louis Missouri. I used to think it was difficult to eat out as a vegetarian when I first made that choice in the early 80s.
Now, it's not hard at all. There are many more choices than there used to be.
I like Indian food the best, I also like Italian, Chinese and Mexican in particular.
It used to be impossible to find a Mexican restaurant that didn't use lard in everything, now only the most traditional Mexican restaurants do that.
India has a long tradition of vegetarianism, so Indian restaurants generally have many selections.
Chinese restaurants usually have something vegetarian; maybe there won't be a lot of selection, depending on the restaurant.
Italian restaurants usually have several dishes that are meat free.
If you're not sure, most restaurants don't have any problem with asking questions.

Answer 3

I guess I'm lucky enough to live in an area where there are plenty of vegetarian and veg-friendly restaurants. But you may be looking in the wrong places if you go to chain places and "American" food restaurants. Most Asian places can make you a very good veggie stir-fry. Most Indian places should have a vegetarian section. Most Italian places should be able to offer you a meat-free pasta dish.

Check out www.happycow.net to see if there's anything in your area.

Here is a website with a list of veggie options at chain restaurants: http://vegcooking.com/ChainRestaurants.asp

Here's another: http://www.naturalnirvana.com/Vegetarian/Vegetarian-Fast-Foods/Vegetarian-Fast-Food-Restaurants.htm

Answer 4

Depends where you are. I find that England isn't too bad for veggie offerings on the whole. There are some exceptions where they have their heads up their backsides and think that vegetarians only refuse to eat meat to spite the chef. But it's mostly pretty good.

Indian and Italian restaurants are generally a good bet for veggie options as standard.

I found France harder to eat veggie (a lot of eggs and cheese!). Ireland wasn't too easy either. The Gambia was nigh on impossible! Even the peanut stew sometimes had goat meat in it.

Answer 5

When you eat out, try eating at non-north american food places. Try some REAL Iranian, Thai, Japanese, Italian, Filipino, Russian, African, etc. places and you'll find most things on the menu are vegetarian. That's what I do. We just went to a Korean restaurant for the first time and half the menu was vegetarian -- easy and very good.

Answer 6

that is because 95% of the people eat meat so why would restaurants cater to 5% of the population. It just doesn't make good economic sense

Answer 7

i know!!! it's so annoying!!! at big, fancy, high-class restaurants, i can find a few things, and usually they taste pretty good, but sometimes i'm stuck just getting side dishes and salads because i don't like anything on the menu. and at fast food restaurants, all i can get is fries and onion rings. i don't eat out much, but it's annoying that when i do there's nothing much to eat.

Answer 8

I find this all the time. Wouldn't it be great if someone started a chain of vegetarian restaurants? I'm surprised no one has .

Answer 9

I totally agree with you. Sure, every restaurant known to man will sell you a hamburger, but what are we supposed to do? Personally, I feel kinda dumb saying "I would like a hamburger without the hamburger" (although it doesn't stop me). I wish there would be more options available also.

Answer 10

YES! Everywhere I go, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, ham. I mean come on people. Has america become this unhealthy??? We need more fruits and veggetables in the food industry instead of shake, burgers, and fries.

Answer 11

I wouldnt mind being a vegetarian, as I like rice and beans--but you are right, its easier being a carnivore if you eat out.