Edit Article

Three Methods:As a GuestHosting Your Own EventAt a Restaurant

If you are a long-time vegetarian or newly-turned vegan, you might find that some social situations can be awkward. However, this little list can help fellow veggies get through such situations.

Ad

EditMethod 1 of 3: As a Guest

  1. Be a Polite Vegan_Vegetarian in Social Situations Step 1.jpg
    1
    Remember that when the host or hostess of a party does make a special vegetarian dish for you, be sure to thank them at the party, and also send them a note following the party.
    Ad
  2. Be a Polite Vegan_Vegetarian in Social Situations Step 2.jpg
    2
    Know that when someone offers you a non-vegetarian/non-vegan dish to try, you can simply say, "No Thanks". Make a point to mention how much you liked a vegetarian dish.

EditMethod 2 of 3: Hosting Your Own Event

  1. Be a Polite Vegan_Vegetarian in Social Situations Step 3.jpg
    1
    Try to make foods which are familiar to most people, such as falafels, hummus, vegetable soups, bean chili, salad, salsa, pasta salad, and vegan versions of common sweet-foods such as cookies and cakes.
  2. Be a Polite Vegan_Vegetarian in Social Situations Step 4.jpg
    2
    Let people bring their own dishes as well. While vegan and vegetarian meals are no different than regular meals (except for the fact that they don't have animal products) and are just as tasty, some people may not care for them or be open to trying them.

EditMethod 3 of 3: At a Restaurant

  1. Be a Polite Vegan_Vegetarian in Social Situations Step 5.jpg
    1
    Be polite and patient when asking the waiter about which dishes could be made without animal products. If you do ask a lot of the servers, tip them appropriately.
  2. Be a Polite Vegan_Vegetarian in Social Situations Step 6.jpg
    2
    Realize that you may have to skimp a bit or make do. If all of their entrees use meat or animal products, it might be easier to just order a sandwich and a few "safe" side dishes instead of insisting they make special accommodations. This is especially wise in busy restaurants.
  3. Be a Polite Vegan_Vegetarian in Social Situations Step 7.jpg
    3
    If at all possible, contact the restaurant before you arrive and inform them of your special requirements. Most chefs are happy to accommodate any diet, some even see it as a welcome change of pace. However, a little time for planning can mean the difference between passable food and stunning food.
  4. Be a Polite Vegan_Vegetarian in Social Situations Step 8.jpg
    4
    If little is available, be gracious and simply order a drink and some side dishes. Remember that dining out should also be about the company, and raising a fuss can make for an uncomfortable if not ruined dining experience.
    • If you know you are stuck going to a restaurant that has little to offer, be proactive--eat before you go, and order coffee and dessert, or a soda and salad at the destination.
    • If you are with a group of co-workers, there often is one "motherly" person in the group who encourages you to order some meat because he or she noticed you didn't. Just smile and say you are happy with what you ordered.
    • Most of the time, two or three side dishes will be a satisfying meal
    Ad


We could really use your help!

Can you tell us about
box braids?
Yes
No
box braids
how to style box braids
Can you tell us about
grappling hooks?
Yes
No
grappling hooks
how to make a grappling hook
Can you tell us about
cat houses?
Yes
No
cat houses
how to build a cat house
Can you tell us about
estate planning?
Yes
No
estate planning
how to set up an estate
Thanks for helping! Please tell us everything you know about
...
Tell us everything you know here. Remember, more detail is better.
Tips
Provide Details.
Please be as detailed as possible in your explanation. Don't worry about formatting! We'll take care of it. For example:
Don't say: Eat more fats.
Do say: Add fats with some nutritional value to the foods you already eat. Try olive oil, butter, avocado, and mayonnaise.
Submit

EditTips

  • Don't feel embarrassed that you're a vegetarian or vegan.
  • When going out for the day, it's always good to carry a protein bar with you, so if you can't find someplace to have lunch or dinner, you'll at least have some food.

EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Become a Vegetarian As a Kid

How to
Make Vegan Cupcakes

How to
Be a Lacto Ovo Vegetarian

How to
Make Vegan French Tomato Tart

How to
Become a Vegetarian

How to
Become a Vegan

How to
Make Vegan Hummus

Article Info

Categories: Vegetarian Health | Dining Etiquette

In other languages:

Español: ser un vegetariano o vegano cortés en situaciones sociales, Русский: быть вежливым веганом/вегетарианцем в различных ситуациях

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 9,402 times.

Did this article help you?
Yes No

Become
an Author!

Write an Article