Going out to eat can be a fun and exciting experience, but for vegans, it can also be a bit daunting. Trying to navigate the menu and find suitable options can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the vegan lifestyle. But fear not, because with a few tips and tricks, you can enjoy dining out just as much as your non-vegan counterparts. From creative menu hacks to asking the right questions, being a vegan doesn’t have to mean missing out on delicious food and a great dining experience. So, get ready to discover how to navigate any menu and savor your vegan eats with confidence and ease.

1. Research before you go

Look up the restaurant’s menu online before you go, or call ahead to ask about vegan options. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary needs, but it’s best to give them a heads up in advance. Researching restaurants before you go out to eat as a vegan can save you time, effort, and frustration. Here are some ways to research restaurants and menus before you go out to eat:

Look for online menus

Many restaurants post their menus online, so check the restaurant’s website or social media pages for a preview of what they offer. Some restaurant review sites like Yelp and Google Maps also provide menus and user-generated reviews that can help you assess whether a restaurant is vegan-friendly.

Check out vegan-friendly apps

There are several apps that help you find vegan-friendly restaurants and menu items. HappyCow, for example, is a popular app that provides a database of vegan and vegetarian restaurants worldwide. You can also use apps like Yelp or OpenTable to filter for vegan options.

Read restaurant reviews

Reviews from other diners can be a helpful resource when researching restaurants. Look for reviews that mention vegan options or note the restaurant’s willingness to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Ask for recommendations

Reach out to your vegan friends, local vegan groups, or even your social media followers for restaurant recommendations. They may have personal experience with vegan-friendly restaurants in your area.

Call ahead

If you can’t find information online, call the restaurant directly to ask about their vegan options. Some restaurants may be more than happy to accommodate your dietary needs but may not advertise it on their menu.

2. Choose vegan-friendly restaurants

Seek out restaurants that are known for their vegan options. Some cities have entirely plant-based restaurants or vegan menus, which can make dining out much easier. Here are some ways to find restaurants that cater to your dietary needs:

Look for restaurants that specialize in vegan cuisine

This may seem obvious, but choosing a restaurant that specializes in vegan cuisine guarantees that everything on the menu will be vegan. Search for vegan restaurants in your area or look for vegan options on restaurant review sites like HappyCow.

Check the menu online

If you’re considering a non-vegan restaurant, check their menu online before going. Many restaurants list their menu online, and you can easily identify vegan options or dishes that can be modified to be vegan.

Look for plant-based options

Even if a restaurant isn’t vegan, they may have plant-based options on their menu. Look for salads, vegetable-based dishes, and sides that can be combined to make a complete meal.

3. Be friendly with the server

Your server can be your best ally when it comes to finding vegan options. Be friendly and explain your dietary needs, and they may be able to suggest menu items or ask the chef to make accommodations.

4. Scan the menu carefully

Even if a menu item doesn’t seem vegan-friendly at first glance, it may be possible to modify it to fit your needs. Look for dishes that can easily be made vegan by omitting certain ingredients or substituting them with vegan alternatives. When dining out as a vegan, scanning the menu carefully is essential to ensure that you find vegan options that are satisfying and nutritious. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Look for keywords

Look for keywords like “vegan,” “vegetarian,” or “plant-based” on the menu. These terms can help you identify dishes that are more likely to be vegan-friendly.

Check the ingredients

Read the description of each dish carefully and look for non-vegan ingredients like cheese, cream, butter, or honey. If in doubt, ask the server or chef for more information.

Be aware of cross-contamination

Even if a dish is listed as vegan, it may have been prepared on surfaces or with utensils that have come in contact with non-vegan ingredients. Ask the server or chef about how the dish is prepared to avoid cross-contamination.

Look for customizable options

Look for dishes that can be easily modified to make them vegan-friendly. For example, ask for a dish without cheese or substitute tofu for meat.

Consider side dishes

Look at the side dish options, as they may offer more vegan-friendly choices. You can also combine side dishes to create a full meal.

Ask for recommendations

Don’t be afraid to ask the server or chef for recommendations for vegan options. They may be able to suggest dishes that aren’t listed as vegan but can be modified to meet your dietary needs.

5. Customize your order

Don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions or modifications to make a dish vegan. For example, if a salad comes with cheese, ask for it to be left off or replaced with avocado.

6. Look for hidden non-vegan ingredients

Some dishes may contain non-vegan ingredients like butter, honey, or animal-based broths. Ask your server or the chef about these ingredients to ensure your meal is 100% vegan. Here are some ways to do so:

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask the server or chef about specific ingredients in a dish. Ask if there are any dairy, egg, or meat products in the dish or in any sauces or dressings.

Look out for hidden ingredients

Some ingredients that may not be obvious include honey, gelatin, and certain food additives like casein and whey. These can be found in many processed foods, so always read labels and ask questions.

Avoid cross-contamination

Even if a dish is vegan, it may have been prepared on a surface or with utensils that were also used for non-vegan items. Ask the server or chef if the dish is prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination.

Research restaurants ahead of time

Look for restaurants that have a clear vegan menu or indicate vegan options on their regular menu. This can save you time and effort when dining out.

Be prepared to modify dishes

Some dishes may not be vegan-friendly, but can be modified to meet your dietary needs. Ask if certain ingredients can be substituted or removed to make the dish vegan.

7. Ask about preparation methods

Some restaurants may use shared cooking surfaces or fryers for both vegan and non-vegan dishes, which can lead to cross-contamination. Ask about the restaurant’s preparation methods to ensure your meal is prepared in a separate area.

8. Don’t be afraid to bring your own condiments

If the restaurant doesn’t have vegan-friendly condiments like mayo or dressing, bring your own from home. Just be sure to keep them in a separate container to avoid any cross-contamination. Here are some tips for bringing your own condiments:

Consider portable options

Bring condiments that are easy to transport and won’t leak. Small containers or travel-sized packets of condiments like hot sauce, mustard, or vegan mayo are great options.

Be discreet

Some restaurants may not allow outside food or condiments, so be discreet when using your own. Use small amounts and don’t draw attention to it.

Check the restaurant’s policies

Before bringing your own condiments, check the restaurant’s policies to make sure it’s allowed. Some restaurants may be accommodating and others may not.

Communicate with the server

Let the server know that you’re vegan and will be using your own condiments. They may be able to provide additional information on ingredients or make recommendations for dishes that already meet your dietary needs.

Don’t forget about dessert

If you’re going to a restaurant that doesn’t have vegan dessert options, bring your own sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar to drizzle on fresh fruit.

9. Be creative

Sometimes, vegan options may not be listed on the menu, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Ask the chef to create a vegan version of a non-vegan dish or see if they can put together a custom meal for you. Being creative when dining out as a vegan can help you make the most of your dining experience. Here are some tips for being creative:

Build your own dish

Many restaurants offer build-your-own options, like salads, burritos, or bowls. Use this to your advantage and create a dish that is fully vegan.

Ask for modifications

Don’t be afraid to ask the server or chef to modify a dish to make it vegan. This could include substituting tofu for meat, or leaving off cheese or sour cream.

Think outside the box

Look beyond the usual vegan options like salads and vegetable dishes. Consider dishes that are naturally vegan, like Indian or Ethiopian cuisine.

Share dishes

If you’re dining with friends or family, consider sharing dishes to try a variety of vegan options.

Bring your own toppings

Bring your own vegan toppings, like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese, to add to dishes that may not already be vegan-friendly.

10. Show appreciation

When a restaurant goes out of their way to accommodate your vegan needs, be sure to thank them and leave a positive review. This can encourage more restaurants to offer vegan options and make dining out easier for everyone.