I learned this s a vegan for most of my life
My biggest tip for living a vegan lifestyle is to research restaurants before you go out!
Don’t trust a website that says there are vegan options available, look at their menu and see if it’s an acceptable option. Most cooks aren’t vegan and some of the vegan options are embarrassing.
But if you take time to look up restaurants in advance you could find some incredible gems!
TikTok is a great resource, simply search ‘vegan (name of city you are in)’ and you will see videos of people showing off incredible vegan food they found!
Sometimes non vegan restaurants have insane vegan options that are even better than what you find at vegan restaurants- but do not blindly expect that at all places!
Also check Reddit, FB groups (there’s vegan specific groups for most cities/regions), IG, and of course the happy cow app.
I recommend starting a list to save all the places you want to try so when it’s time to go out you have a list of restaurants ready to go.
If you have to go out without researching a place first, try an Asian restaurant. It’s so easy to find delicious vegan options since most of their recipes are already dairy free and will often have tofu. Many places will have mock meats available too (try the mock duck if you can, it’s so good)
Living a vegan lifestyle can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its challenges, especially when dining out. One of the most valuable lessons for vegans is to always research restaurants ahead of time. Even if a website claims to offer vegan dishes, menus should be scrutinized to avoid disappointing or inadequate meals. Many kitchens are not fully vegan-aware, and some vegan options may lack flavor or substance. Modern social media platforms like TikTok have become game-changers for discovering authentic vegan dining experiences. By searching "vegan" along with your city name, you can find real-life video reviews showcasing meals and hidden gems that traditional listings often miss. Similarly, Reddit threads, vegan Facebook groups, Instagram accounts, and apps like Happy Cow provide community-driven recommendations that can help vegans find excellent eateries curated by fellow plant-based diners. When travel is involved, preparation is key. Whether exploring London, Paris, Berlin, or beyond, a little research can uncover vegan versions of local favorites—such as vegan scotch eggs or plant-based dupes of beloved comfort foods from before embracing veganism. Connecting with local vegan communities is invaluable for insider tips; often, locals can guide you to markets or restaurants offering surprisingly good vegan fare. If you're unable to research a restaurant in advance, Asian cuisine restaurants are often reliable fallback options. Many traditional Asian dishes are inherently dairy-free and can be adapted easily without sacrificing taste. Tofu, lentils, and mock meats, including standout items like mock duck, are common in Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino, Japanese, and Indian eateries. Just be mindful to ask about fish sauce or other animal-derived ingredients, and specifying a vegan or Buddhist preference can help clarify your needs. Building a personal list of vegan-friendly spots in your area or favorite travel destinations helps streamline planning and ensures you always have delicious options ready. This approach not only saves time but enriches your vegan lifestyle by opening doors to new tastes, cultures, and communities. By embracing these strategies, you can confidently enjoy eating out without compromising your values or hunger for satisfying plant-based meals.
