Travelling Vegetarian

[imbues]

There are some places that just don't cater to the vegetarian. Thanks for the tips and links. I prefer to have at least a fridge in the room because I get sick of the limited options.

[disneygal]

Hi imbues, When you say "some places", have you visited a city or a country where this was an issue? If a particular location is a real problem for vegetarians, that would influence me to steer clear when planning travel. That's a good idea to have a fridge in the room, but I would prefer some other options also.

[imbues]

Hi disneygal, I was thinking about countries that center their food around meat, like Ireland and Czech republic. I know their are vegetarian restaurants in Prague and Dublin, but doubt you find them out and about.

[claassenam]

Good question elaby! I'll try to speak for Asia although I'm not a vegetarian so this is purely speculation. Every Asian country seems to rely heavily on rice or noodles as a staple item so at the very least there is that. Also I second Omegaet's idea about the card that tells people you are a vegetarian as they should be able to point you in the right direction. I use something like that for a food allergy and it helps quite a bit. In every country you can definitely eat in the 3-star and higher hotel restaurants as you would be able to communicate and explain what you'd like. Not to mention every nicer Asian hotel has the most incredible breakfast buffet so you should really load up on all of the wonderful breads, fruits and yogurts every morning! It's just venturing out that might be more difficult. Here are thoughts on various Asian places I've been:

Vietnam - food is very seafood-heavy, but there is an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. Pre-made salads will typically include some kind of seafood but they have wonderful green mango salads and most of the hotels have some sort of green salad. There are lots of yummy breads and desserts due to the French influence. You'd probably rely heavily on salads, rice and breads in Vietnam. I think you should also be able to find vegetarian versions of the yummy ubiquitous Vietnamese soup Pho with tofu pretty much anywhere. I think by sampling various vegetarian salads, spring rolls along with the exotic fruits you'd get a nice taste of Vietnamese cooking even if you couldn't eat the meat and fish dishes. It would be healthy and filling and I highly recommend Vietnam as a destination for any vegetarian.

Cambodia - food is very similar to Vietnam but you might want to stick a little closer to your hotel. There is also a fantastic cafe right across from Angkor Wat (called something like Cafe D'Angkor) that is a little more upscale and has several veggie dishes.

China - Any restaurant should be able to whip up a vegetarian or tofu stir fry although you'd really have to be specific (or just pray for the best) to insure you don't get a meat-based sauce or broth. Foods in China are generally cooked or fried but there are many veggie-based side dishes to choose from. You'd need to avoid most entrees as they are very meat- and fish-centric.

Tibet - this would be tough! It might be like your Iceland experience. You can eat rice, but due to the elevation fresh vegetables aren't as plentiful. There is a lot of reliance on yak meat and milk . You'd probably have to rely on the tourist restaurants serving italian food and green salads (there is a great one in Lhasa - Kailash restaurant near the Jokhang)

India - as you mentioned, there are many vegetarians so any restaurant would cater to your needs.

Japan - Tempura, tempura, tempura is everywhere and is an excellent choice. There are lots of noodle soups and I'd imagine you could order any of those vegetarian and/or with tofu. If you love vegetarian "sushi" rolls in the U.S. you may be disappointed as the rolls are a rather American version of sushi whereas most sushi restaurants focus on the true fish sushi pieces on rice. For that reason I'm not sure what kind of sushi you would easily be able to find to fit your needs other than egg. Rice is plentiful and everywhere and there are lot of pickled vegetable salads.

Hong Kong - you'll have no problem here, it is a completely westernized city with restaurants of every possible ethnicity and ambience.






Message Edited by claassenam on 09-06-2007 06:29 PM

[kyshel]

carnivore or vegan--when you go to Asia may I go eat with you guys? you have a great handle on foods. Love the comment about Hong Kong--I went into a small grocery near my hotel, not knowing what to expect and was asked [in proper Queen's English], " My I assist you with your selections?" Travel food can be so much fun--with or without English or with a wisp of the local language. I like the idea of the food "requirements" card in different languages.

[claassenam]

I'm embarrassed to say my favorite things about travelling are food, shopping and culture - in that order.

[kyshel]

Noble "needs" for sure!

[omegaet]

imbues wrote:
There are some places that just don't cater to the vegetarian. Thanks for the tips and links. I prefer to have at least a fridge in the room because I get sick of the limited options.

"Vegetarians, and their Hezbollah-like splinter faction, the vegans, are a persistent irritant to any chef worth a **bleep**. To me, life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demiglace, or even stinky cheese is a life not worth living."

Anthony Bourdain, Kitchen Confidential

imbues.......during our years of travel, we have encountered chefs or cooks in restaurants who probably lean toward the above quote from Anthony Bourdain (of course, a big part of his persona is all about being obnoxious, although quite entertaining). We always try andtest the waters to see if accommodations for vegetarians is embraced at restaurants, especially when traveling abroad. If not, we are not opposed to getting up from the table and looking for another place to dine. We believe restaurants have the right to not address our needs and we also believe we have the right to not pay themforfailure to offeralternatives to meat, fish or poultry dishes or only poorly conceived plates of overcooked vegetables instead of creative vegetarian cuisine....