Look for naturally plant-friendly cuisines
Some cuisines build vegetable and legume-based dishes into their everyday menu rather than treating them as an afterthought, Indian, Thai, Ethiopian and Middle Eastern food in particular tend to have several naturally vegan options without needing substitutions.
Watch for hidden animal products
Some ingredients aren't obvious from a menu description: fish sauce in Southeast Asian dishes, ghee in Indian cooking, lard in refried beans or pastry, honey in a dressing or glaze. Asking directly about a specific dish is more reliable than assuming based on the menu wording alone.
Call ahead for smaller or unfamiliar places
A quick call or message before you go, especially somewhere without a clearly vegetarian menu, avoids arriving to find nothing suitable. Many kitchens can adapt a dish on request if asked ahead rather than at the table.
Scout ahead when you can
Checking a place's listing before you go, menu, hours, whether it's fully vegan or just vegan-friendly, saves the awkward moment of arriving somewhere without good options.
Scout ahead before you go
Veggie Places lists vegan- and vegetarian-friendly places so you can check before you arrive, not after.
Scan with your iPhone to install Veggie Places
View on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
Is it rude to ask a restaurant about hidden animal ingredients?
No, it's a completely normal question at most restaurants, and staff generally appreciate being asked directly rather than guessing wrong.
Which cuisines are usually easiest for vegans?
Indian, Thai, Ethiopian and Middle Eastern menus tend to have the most naturally vegan dishes without substitutions, though it still varies by specific restaurant.
Should I call ahead even if a menu looks vegetarian-friendly?
It's not always necessary, but for a place you're unfamiliar with, or a special occasion, it removes any uncertainty.