by Jacqueline Rosser

Created on: June 15, 2010   Last Updated: June 29, 2010

Tomato soup is vegetarian.  Right?  In reality, when at a restaurant, the answer is not always.  Eating out at a regular restaurant as a vegetarian can be tricky.  Since you are not actively engaged in the preparation of food at a restaurant, it can be difficult to know how it is really made.  Do they sauté vegetables with chicken stock?  Is there chicken stock in the mashed potatoes?  Is the potato soup going to come out of the kitchen topped with bacon?  The possibilities are endless. A vegetarian must take special care when eating at a regular restaurant to ensure that the meal received is actually vegetarian.

The best advice for a vegetarian to follow when eating out at a regular restaurant is to be open about being a vegetarian.  Your server is your advocate with the kitchen.  If they understand your needs, they will be better prepared to accommodate them.  There is nothing wrong with letting your server know before ordering that you are a vegetarian.  Ask them which items they would recommend.  Ask about the preparation of various dishes that you are considering.  As you discover more about the preparations of items, you will be better able to make informed choices.  When ordering soup it is always wise to ask which stock they was used as a base.  Soups containing no meat often are in a chicken or beef base. 

Pay attention when your food comes.  If it looks like there is chicken in your pasta, check.  Accommodating special requests in the kitchen is additional work.  The occasionally mistake will happen.  Paying attention will ensure that these mistakes are noticed quickly and corrected.  If two of the same dish are ordered at the same table, one vegetarian and one with meat, a mix-up can easily occur.  It is much easier to fix the mistake by trading plates than it is to wait for a remake because you accidentally started eating your friends dinner.

Be understanding.  Your server will be much more willing to help you if you are respectful.  If they are unsure which items on the menu are vegetarian ask them politely if someone else might know.  Don’t hound your server either.  You do not need to over clarify the vegetarian status of an item by specifically asking if it contains various ingredients one-by-one.  If in doubt, select another item.

It is possible to find delicious vegetarian food at many restaurants.  However, in order to ensure the meal that you are eating is actually vegetarian, it is important to learn what questions need to be asked.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  By openly discussing special dietary needs, you will find that many restaurants are able and willing to accommodate vegetarian diners.

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