Life Hack: What To Order At Any Restaurant If You're Vegetarian or Vegan

Ahhhh I'm a vegetarian! Or worse - a vegan! I'll never be able to eat out with my friends again! My social life is over! Ok, not so fast. Bookmark this page the next time you're invited out for dinner and you'll know for sure exactly what you can order... and exactly what to avoid.

Italian restaurants
Order: Bruschetta, grilled artichokes, bean salads, olives, bread with olive oil and balsamic, salads, pasta with marinara sauce (if vegan), pasta with white sauce and vegetables (if vegetarian), vegetable pizzas (omit the cheese if vegan).
Ask to omit: Parmesan.  Make sure the pasta is eggless (if vegan).

Thai restaurants

Image: @severinemenem

Order: Vegetable pad thai, vegetable cold rolls, raw mango salad, papaya salad, tom yom soup (check for veg stock), vegetable curries, sides and rice dishes.

Ask to omit: egg (if vegan), fish sauce, and double check the curry paste is vegetarian.

Japanese restaurants

Image: The Seasoned Traveller

Order: Edamame,  vegetable sushi rolls, vegetable tempura, miso soup (check for veg stock), tofu dishes, ramen noodles.
Ask to omit: Egg (if vegan), fish sauce, bonito flakes

Chinese restaurants

Order: Vegetable spring rolls, vegetable dumplings, vegetable soups, vegetable fried rice, vegetable noodle dishes, vegetable and tofu dishes (check for veg sauces).
Ask to omit: Egg (if vegan), fish sauce, oyster sauce.

Middle Eastern restaurants

Order: Falafels with tahini, couscous, hummus, moutabel, muhammara, pita bread, tabouleh, fattoush, rice, vine leaves, labneh... the list is endless!
Ask to omit: If vegan, yoghurt-based dips and halloumi.

Greek restaurants

Order: Vegetable dolmades, olives, pita bread, panfried potatoes, Greek salad (with no feta if vegan), roasted eggplant, grilled veggies, vegetable moussaka, tzatziki (if not vegan), gemista, fava dip, bean dishes...
Ask to omit: Double check there is no meat in the dolmades.

Mexican restaurants

Image: Tesco Real Food

Order: Salsa, guacamole, tortilla chips, vegetable and/or bean burritos, rice, vegetable tacos, vegetable fajitas, quesadillas and enchiladas, and vegetable chimichanga.
Ask to omit: If vegan, omit sour cream and cheese. Always ask about lard and whether the rice is made with chicken broth.

Indian restaurants 

Image: Megs Blogged

Order: Most Indian restaurants are extremely veggie friendly.  For vegans: vegetable samosa, vegetable pakora, saag, dal, rice, channa masala, naan bread.
What to omit: If vegan, ask for no butter, ghee, cream or paneer.

Jamaican restaurants

Image: Lovely Pantry

Order: Fried plantain, veggie or potato roti, jerk vegetables, callalloo, rice and peas, curry vegetables, bammy, and vegetable patties.
What to omit: If vegan, ask for no butter or eggs.

As a general tip, it's best to call ahead to alert the chef that you are vegetarian or vegan.