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If you’ve been following a plant-based lifestyle for any length of time, you’ve probably faced the unique challenge of eating out with a group. Whether it’s a work lunch with your boss or a girl’s night out, you don’t always get a say in the restaurant choice. And, let’s face it; restaurants rarely cater to the dietary needs and desires of a plant eater! Unless you are fortunate enough to live in a “health-conscious”, loaded-with-choices type of city. Even if you are just planning on joining the healthy revolution by becoming a vegan it may be helpful to know how to eat out with this potential new lifestyle.

With the following 10 hacks, you can make sure to satisfy both your appetite and need for socialization.

 

1. Check the Menu Online Ahead of Time.
These days very few restaurants don’t post their menus online. However, even if the cafe lacks an Internet presence, you can probably find reviews and photos of the menu on review sites like Yelp or Zomato. By scrutinizing the menu before you arrive, you won’t have to waste talk time scouring the offerings for something you can eat in front of friends who may not understand your eating habits fully.

 

 

2. Starters are Sensational!
The American concept of a main dish is almost synonymous with meat. That makes salads, soups, and appetizers the best places to find the vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts that make up a well-rounded plant-based diet. Order a garden salad with sweet potato fries and a hearty bean soup for a filling meal that avoids the main dish meats.

 

3. Get Friendly with your Server.
You know how most people are annoyed by all the dish changes or substitutions? Well, get friendly from the start with the waiters. Ask for their suggestions for non-meat dishes. Most people love to offer their input and will be less annoyed by your various alterations if you’re friendly, kind and receptive to their recommendations.

 

 

4. Bring along Protein-packed Toppings.
Let’s say you’ve checked the menu ahead of time, and you know that the salad offerings are paltry, the appetizers laden with bacon and the side dishes drenched in butter. Even if the only safe thing on the menu is iceberg lettuce with a tomato wedge and carrot shreds, you can sneak your own tasty toppings in your purse or pocket. Try pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds or cashews. If you’re feeling especially daring, bring along a single-serving container of your favorite vegan dressings.

5. Order “meat-and-three”, Hold the Meat.
Country cooking establishments often have a simple menu in which customers can choose a main dish (invariably meat) and several sides. If you don’t live in a small town, think Cracker Barrel. If you find yourself in the cozy and meat-centered culture of a country kitchen, ask to have a vegetable-only plate. Choose from green beans, yams, vinegar slaw, baked potato, corn on the cob, fried okra, summer squash. You might need to check whether the beans are simmered with bacon and request your potato to be served without butter. This same tip can work at any restaurant that boasts an extensive list of vegetable sides.

6. Eat Asian.
If you have any say in the restaurant choice, steer your hungry gang toward a spot that serves Asian food. Whether Indian, Chinese or Thai, vegetables often take center stage in their dishes. You will need to check with your server to make sure Indian dishes are free of cream and butter and that Thai or Vietnamese food does not contain fish sauce.

7. Or…Eat Italian.
Italian restaurants offer a number of vegetable rich options, from Pasta Pomodoro to white bean soup. It’s not usually the most nutritionally packed menu and is usually loaded with processed carbs BUT certainly one with the most amount of non-animal centered dishes.

8. Get Savy with your Words.
You might be wondering how language skills can contribute to a happier vegan dining experience. Well, knowing “aloo” means potato, “gobi” means cauliflower, and “saag” means spinach can be quite helpful when ordering off an authentic Indian menu. You’ll also want to know that “paneer” is cheese, even though it looks and tastes similar to vegan tofu. In some cases, knowing a few handy vegan food words in another language can earn you the admiration of the wait staff when you ask for off-menu dishes. You’ll be surprised how often chefs are happy to cook something special for you when you take the time to learn about their culture and cuisine. Use the power of Google to school yourself.

9. Be Satisfied before Entering the Restaurant.

Whenever I am invited out to a place that I know will not have my ideal eating options, I eat before going. I do this so I won’t make poor food choices while starving and it allows me to stick to something lighter while still enjoying the company and remaining satisfied. When the server arrives, order a dessert, such as a slice of fruit pie (if the crust is vegetable-oil based) or a cool sorbet.

10. Don’t Sweat it

Sometimes, no matter what tricks you have up your sleeve, restaurant eating might mean minimal eating. If this happens to you, try to focus on your dinner partners and enjoy being present with them. You’ll find that their good cheer goes a long way toward filling you up.

You can also always recommend a health conscious eatery for your next meal out. Who knows, your guests may really enjoy it and you may just spark some conversation on food and its sources. Check out the shop page for a few suggestions in some of my favorite cities. You can also explore some more blog posts on tips for going vegetarian or eating healthy during Holiday Parties.

Happy Exploring,

Victoria

 

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