Simple plant-based eating swaps

Enjoying a plant-based lifestyle while eating out does not have to be a complicated process, as long as you apply a few simple steps.

More and more mainstream restaurants are offering fantastic options on their menus, and the number of pure veg food outlets are also on the rise. However, from time to time you might find yourself in an unpalatable predicament with limited or no plant-based options in sight. These simple steps, by Leozette Roode from Humane Society International – Africa, will help you avoid socially awkward situations – deliciously.

Research online:

When dining out as a group, offer to be responsible for picking the restaurant and do some research on veg-friendly eateries in the area. This is especially important when visiting an unknown town or going on vacation to a new destination. Refer to plant-based blogs, influencers and websites that provide honest restaurant reviews. Take a look at our tried and tested restaurant favourites.

Phone ahead:

If you don’t see a plant-based option on the restaurant’s online menu, phone ahead to inform the staff that you are plant-based and ask whether it would be possible for the chef to create a dish for you. If the staff is unsure of what to whip up, suggest a few options that are in line with what they have on offer, using the ingredients you can identify on their menu.

Spot the plant-based potential:

Try to have a quick scan through the menu before the table place their orders. If there are no plant-based mains options available, order a few starters or get creative with sides.

Speak to the chef:

On (very) rare occasions you might not find anything to munch. In this case, kindly ask the waiter to call the chef, or excuse yourself from the table to speak to the manager or chef. Restaurants are usually extremely accommodating and often make your meal with extra care.

Say thank you:

If you’ve had an incredible meal at a restaurant that usually doesn’t have a plant-based offering, encourage the chef to add your meal to their menu. You can post a photo of your meal on social media and tag the restaurant in your post, write an online review or email the restaurant with gratitude and suggestions the day after.

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