Menu Options

When you decide to eat in an Asian restaurant, the staples are rice, tofu, and vegetables which means vegans shouldn’t find it hard to get a tasty lunch or dinner. If you’re not sure what to order, Tofu is a safe and delicious bet. You can try a wide range of options including, Cashew, Sweet and Sour, Garlic, Mongolian, Orange, and Kung Pao Tofu. Remember, tofu is the perfect vegan substitute for meat, and it works really well with a large number of sauces.

Now that the main part of the meal is taken care of, you can safely add vegetable chow mein, or fried rice with garlic eggplant, sautéed green beans or steamed vegetables for a filling meal. Alternatively, try ramen noodles with mixed mushrooms or shichimi.

Although Mexican restaurants are best known for beef and cheese, vegans can easily find a wide range of great meals. Did you know that most Mexican cooking staples are vegan? Think about it: Guacamole, salsa, refried beans, pinto beans, corn or flour tortillas, jalapenos, black beans, and vegetable chilli are also vegan!

One of the great things about Mexican food is that it is made up of so many elements. As a result, it is easy to take things out or swap them. You can have vegan tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Simply ask for no sour cream and cheese, and request extra guacamole, salsa, and vegetables. Also, we recommend asking if fried potatoes, onion rings, etc. are put in vegan oil.

A pizza restaurant is arguably the best choice if you’re a vegan. Certain chains have created special menus, and there are even 100% vegan pizzas on offer now. How does one find a full vegan pizza you ask? Very easily is the answer. Aside from vegan dough, the introduction of vegan-cheese is a game-changer. At this point, it gets easy as you can add tomato sauce, and as many vegetables as you like. Peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and even pineapples are all traditional toppings, so you don’t have to change a great deal.

If for some reason you enter such a restaurant and don’t want pizza, most chains have a range of sides and appetizers to tempt the taste buds. Vegan options include garlic bread, soft pretzels, and minestrone. Some chains have created a gorgeous marinara sauce which you can add to vegetables or pasta dishes.

It is hard to beat American restaurants when it comes to the sheer choice of food on offer, and it is no different if you are vegetarian. While a salad dish is clearly a great choice, don’t forget to browse the appetizer section for hidden gems. Vegetarian options there include fried pickles, guacamole, vegetable dishes, and even hummus.

Don’t forget sides! You can combine a few with appetizers for a filling meal. Vegetarian options here include sweet potato fries or regular seasoned fries, and brown rice with almonds. One of the staples of any good American restaurant is the vegetable patty. Add salad options such as onions, tomatoes, and lettuce, and you’re left with a burger no different to the ‘traditional’ version.

Unfortunately, seafood restaurants are one of the hardest places for vegans to find a good meal because there is often a complete lack of vegan options. Remember, they specialize in fish which means you’re not likely to find a veggie burger. In the worst-case scenario, ask the chef to make you pasta with vegetables and olive oil.

However, if you believe that all sushi restaurants are off your list of vegan options, think again! Rice is your big savior here, and you can top it up with unusual yet delicious tasting vegetable options including carrot and marinated mixed seaweed.

In a lot of cases, a trip to a sandwich restaurant happens at lunchtime and if you are supposed to go back to work, time is of the essence. Fortunately, finding vegan-friendly sandwiches is a walk in the park. The only problem is keeping your selections to the bare minimum!

Another issue is finding the right selection of ingredients to create truly wonderful sandwiches. Vegan falafel wraps are always a solid choice as they contain hummus and no mayo. If you’re feeling adventurous, try an exotic bread such as Chana Chaat Flatbread with mango compote, salad, vegan coconut yoghurt and spicy chickpeas. Experiment with bread and fillings until you find your dream date!

A pizza restaurant is arguably the best choice if you’re a vegan. Certain chains have created special menus, and there are even 100% vegan pizzas on offer now. How does one find a full vegan pizza you ask? Very easily is the answer. Aside from vegan dough, the introduction of vegan-cheese is a game-changer. At this point, it gets easy as you can add tomato sauce, and as many vegetables as you like. Peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and even pineapples are all traditional toppings, so you don’t have to change a great deal.

If for some reason you enter such a restaurant and don’t want pizza, most chains have a range of sides and appetizers to tempt the taste buds. Vegan options include garlic bread, soft pretzels, and minestrone. Some chains have created a gorgeous marinara sauce which you can add to vegetables or pasta dishes.

These days, a burger chain that doesn’t have vegan options won’t be staying in business very long. It is ALL about the vegan vegetable patty. Load up with vegetables galore including avocados, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers. For a filling and healthy meal, throw in a side salad and green beans.

One of the best creations dreamed up by burger restaurants is the lettuce wrap instead of a burger bun. While you can have a vegan bun, there’s something amazing about seeing a vegetable patty wrapped in a lettuce leaf!

As always, ask if the veggie patties are created and cooked separately from the beef patties and make sure you don’t accidentally add a non-vegan dressing.

The most obvious vegan option in a fast food restaurant is a veggie burger on a vegan bun. These plant-based patties are becoming increasingly delicious, and you can load up on vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and lettuce, just hold the cheese! It’s also important to make sure that your burger has no special ‘burger sauce’ or mayo.

Practically every fast food restaurant in America has a breakfast menu so you can enjoy your first meal of the day on the go if necessary. Examples of great vegan options include flavored oatmeal such as maple and brown sugar or hash browns. You can even try some French toast sticks if you’re really treating yourself.

Although your meal choices won’t be as restricted as they are at seafood restaurants, it isn’t easy to find something suitable at a steakhouse. In most cases, the best you can hope for is a made-to-order salad with Italian dressing. Make sure you avoid the croutons, egg, and cheese. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a steakhouse that creates a huge, filling salad that compares to what a vegan restaurant can offer.

Otherwise, you’ll have to get creative and look for a side sampler. You should find a steakhouse that offers seasoned fries, black beans, a side salad, and sautéed mushrooms. Alternatively, try a baked potato with no butter and steam vegetables.