Sometimes you really want a take a break from cooking and want to eat out. Here is a quick guide to help you when eating out as a vegan.
Now let me say if you are a strict vegan, it may be be hard to find many options, unless you actually visit vegan friendly restaurants. It is all about being prepared and doing your research beforehand (the internet is your friend). Eating out vegetarian on the other hand is so much more easier, as it is more common, however many restaurants will make up for no meat by replacing it with tons of dairy.
In October, last year I converted to veganism. Then came Christmas and we were a little stuck when it came to the social aspect. We have decided to have no dairy or eggs at home, but will have it on occasion if eating out and or traveling. Being vegetarian got a little out of hand (we bought a huge block of cheese and started eating pizza regularly), and this is why I am back on the wagon currently doing a 21 day vegan and gluten free challenge!
Now keep in mind, these are only ideas and if you are a strict vegan, it pays to ask if certain items contain egg, dairy or animal products.
So with no further adieu here are some ideas for your next food adventure...
Asian cuisine is often safe, as traditionally we do not eat many cow's milk products, however you still need to watch the egg. Specify or check that they do not use: fish sauce, oyster sauce or shrimp paste.
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| Yummy St Pierre's sushi at Lunn Ave |
Japanese
Vegetable sushi rolls (cucumber, avocado, tofu, etc.), inari, seaweed salad, miso soup (without bonito fish flakes), vegetable tempura (check egg), and edamame beans.
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| Tofu teriayaki from Kensan on Anzac Ave. |
Thai
Most vegetable and tofu stir fries, pad thai without egg and shrimp, vegetable pad thai, coconut curries, rice wraps, vegetable spring rolls and sticky rice with mango.
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| Delish stir fried veges with tofu from New Flavour Restaurant on Dominion Rd. They have vegan dumpings too! |
Chinese
Stir fried vegetables, noodle dishes, fried tofu, some dumplings and dim sims, and vegetable soups (check soup stocks).
Indian
Now here comes the flip side, indians who are vegetarians mostly do not eat egg but they consume cow's milk! So watch out for ghee (clarified butter) and paneer (cheese).
Poppadums, samosas, vegetable bhajis, vegetable or chickpea curries, dahl, byriani, rice and roti. Check whether they use ghee (clarified butter) in any of their dishes.
Italian
Antipasto such as olives, sun dried tomatoes and artichokes. Tomato and vegetable based risottos and pastas (with no egg), pizza with plenty of vegetables and no cheese, garlic breads and bruschettas.
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| Falafels with rice at Queens Kebabs in Panmure |
Middle Eastern
Falafel kebabs, couscous, samosas, flat breads, hummus, dolmas, vegetarian moussaka (no cheese), tabbouleh salad. Specify no dairy or yogurt sauce.
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| The California Burrito Company, in Ellerslie. They have soy sour cream and soy cheese (all vegan!) |
Mexican
Bean burritos, tacos, nachos, corn chips, salsa and most guacamoles. Specify no cheese, sour cream and beans cooked with meat.
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| Soy flat white from Charlie & George Cafe in Stonefieds. |
Cafes and Other Restaurants
Soy coffees, hash browns, mushrooms, baked beans, breads and dips such as hummus, baba ghanoush and tapenade, bruschetta, pasta, baked potato, hot chips, stir fries.
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| Tofu burger from burger fuel! Hold the aioli! Yummo, they have lots more vegan options too. |
So there you have a few options already! If you live in Auckland you you are craving pizza check out Hell's Pizza, and also check out Burger fuel for some delicious vegan burgers and snacks!
Now if don't get it right and don't stress! You can't be 100% sure when you eat out. Don't be hard on yourself, at least you are trying :) :) :)
Kim xx
