5 Tips for Enjoying Plant-Based Dining Out

Julio Neves
November 9, 2024

Navigating a plant-based diet in the world of dining out can seem tricky, but it’s easier and more enjoyable than ever with a little know-how. Whether you’re committed to veganism, exploring plant-based options for health, or just craving something new, there’s a wide range of delicious plant-based options that can fit any taste and lifestyle. While there may be a few extra considerations when ordering, knowing what to look for—and how to ask for it—can make a huge difference in your dining experience. Here are five practical tips to help you make the most of plant-based dining, turning every restaurant visit into a satisfying culinary adventure.

1. Research the Restaurant

A little research goes a long way when dining out plant-based. Before heading to the restaurant, check their menu online to see if they offer any plant-based options. Many restaurants have become more transparent about their offerings, labeling vegan or vegetarian items clearly on the menu. Sometimes, restaurants even provide separate plant-based menus, or indicate dishes that can easily be modified. Reading reviews on sites like Hausion, Google, or dedicated vegan forums can provide helpful insights. Reviewers may point out specific plant-based dishes or offer suggestions for ingredient swaps, giving you a head start before you even sit down.

For those times when you’re craving a particular type of cuisine, research which dishes are likely to have plant-based versions at different types of restaurants. For example, Italian restaurants often offer pasta dishes with marinara sauce, while Mexican restaurants typically serve veggie tacos or bean burritos. When you’re traveling or just looking to try somewhere new, plant-based apps like HappyCow or abillion can help you find vegan-friendly spots nearby. These apps have a growing community of reviewers who provide valuable information on plant-based options, ingredient swaps, and even staff friendliness toward dietary requests. Just a few minutes of research can ensure you’re fully prepared to order plant-based without stress.

2. Ask Questions and Make Special Requests

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and make special requests—most restaurants are more than willing to help you find or create a plant-based option. You’d be surprised how accommodating staff can be when you politely ask for adjustments to dishes. Many chefs appreciate the opportunity to get creative, so don’t be afraid to ask about customizing dishes to fit your needs. For instance, if you see a salad that comes with cheese or a stir-fry made with fish sauce, ask if they can leave those ingredients out. Similarly, if a dish is served with dairy-based sauces, ask if there’s an alternative, like olive oil or a vinaigrette.

Approaching these requests with kindness and patience can make a big difference. Let the waiter or waitress know upfront that you follow a plant-based diet and ask if the kitchen can modify a particular dish. If the staff seem unfamiliar with plant-based terminology, try using simpler language like “no meat, no dairy, no eggs, please” or “all plant ingredients.” And if the restaurant is willing to create a custom plate, suggest a few ideas based on what’s already on the menu. You could ask for roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a side of beans. Remember, plant-based dining is a growing trend, and many restaurants are familiar with accommodating dietary preferences. Even in places without official vegan items, you might be pleasantly surprised by the options the kitchen can create on the spot.

3. Explore Plant-Based Cuisines from Around the World

One of the most exciting aspects of dining out plant-based is exploring international cuisines that are traditionally plant-friendly. Many cultures incorporate plant-based ingredients and recipes into their everyday meals, meaning you can often find naturally vegan options at global restaurants without any modifications. Middle Eastern cuisine, for instance, features a variety of plant-based staples like hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh. Indian restaurants offer a wide range of vegetarian dishes thanks to centuries-old traditions of vegetarianism within the culture. Look for dishes made with chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, and spinach, and be sure to ask about ghee (clarified butter) if you’re aiming for a strictly vegan meal. Thai and Vietnamese restaurants also have plenty of options, from green curries with tofu to vegetable-based pho soups.

Exploring global cuisines can open up a world of plant-based possibilities. Latin American restaurants, for instance, often serve dishes made with rice, beans, and avocado. In Mexican cuisine, dishes like veggie tacos, burritos, and guacamole with chips are typically vegan or easily modified. At Japanese or Korean restaurants, you can find vegetable sushi, tofu-based dishes, and rice bowls packed with plant ingredients. These culinary experiences offer rich, authentic flavors that expand the concept of plant-based dining. Plus, trying international dishes adds excitement and variety to your plant-based lifestyle, giving you a chance to taste the world without compromising on your dietary choices.

4. Be Mindful of Hidden Ingredients

Hidden animal-derived ingredients can sneak into seemingly plant-based dishes, so it’s helpful to be mindful of these when ordering. Sauces, dressings, and seasonings are often where non-vegan ingredients hide. For instance, soups may contain chicken or beef broth, while pasta sauces might have cream or cheese. Asian cuisines, in particular, sometimes use fish sauce or oyster sauce as a base in dishes, so asking about the ingredients is important. Fortunately, many restaurants now understand that diners want more information about what goes into their food, so it’s often easy to double-check if a dish is truly plant-based.

If you’re dining at a restaurant that serves traditionally meat-heavy dishes, don’t shy away from asking about specific ingredients. Politely mention your dietary needs when ordering and clarify any specific ingredients you want to avoid. For example, ask if the vegetable broth is truly plant-based, or inquire if a sandwich’s bread contains dairy or eggs. Once you start asking these questions, you’ll get a better sense of which ingredients to be mindful of and which substitutions are feasible. And as more people opt for plant-based dining, restaurants are becoming increasingly transparent about their ingredients, making it easier than ever to make an informed choice.

Another helpful tip is to familiarize yourself with common names of hidden animal products. For instance, parmesan cheese contains rennet, a byproduct from animals, and some wines are filtered with isinglass (from fish bladders). Learning these names can help you ask more specific questions, especially when dining at restaurants that may not be familiar with plant-based diets. Over time, you’ll become more confident in recognizing which dishes are safe to order and which ones may need a little adjustment.

5. Embrace Plant-Based Apps and Dining Communities

Plant-based dining communities and apps can be your best friend when navigating the dining scene. Apps like HappyCow, abillion, and Vegman have been created to connect plant-based diners with vegan-friendly restaurants, sharing reviews, menu highlights, and insider tips. These platforms are especially helpful when you’re traveling or exploring a new city where you might not know which restaurants are plant-based friendly. HappyCow, for instance, allows you to filter restaurants by vegan, vegetarian, or veg-options, helping you find the best spots nearby. These apps can also give you a heads-up about restaurants that have vegan-specific menus or plant-based promotions.

Beyond apps, connecting with plant-based dining communities on social media can provide great recommendations and support. Online groups, forums, and Instagram accounts dedicated to plant-based dining often feature reviews and meal photos, offering a virtual guide to help you find the best plant-based dishes around. These communities can be especially useful if you’re in an area without many plant-based restaurants, as other users may suggest modifications, swaps, or off-menu options they’ve tried and loved. Engaging with these groups also lets you share your own tips and discoveries, contributing to the growing world of plant-based dining.

Dining out plant-based is more accessible, varied, and enjoyable than ever, thanks to a combination of global cuisine options, increased restaurant awareness, and innovative plant-based communities. While some additional planning and questions may be necessary, these steps open up a world of satisfying meals that fit seamlessly with your plant-based lifestyle. By researching restaurants, asking about ingredients, exploring international dishes, being mindful of hidden ingredients, and connecting with plant-based communities, you can create memorable dining experiences that are as flavorful and satisfying as they are animal-free. Embrace the adventure and enjoy each meal, knowing that every dish is a chance to explore new flavors while staying true to your plant-based path.