Traveling Abroad as a Vegetarian

Being vegetarian for the first time can be challenging in foreign countries. In some places, it can feel as unfamiliar as being an alien. Communicating dietary requirements to locals can sometimes be met with blank expressions or confusion. However, this should not prevent you from fully immersing yourself in the experience, as there are often pleasant surprises along the way. With a few tips and a positive attitude, you can be prepared for most situations.

Learn to say 'no meat' in a foreign country
This phrase, along with a few others, can be essential when travelling. You may encounter people who assume vegetarian means no red meat or only less chicken. Learning the words for beef, pork, ham, and fish can make communication much easier. If it is difficult to remember, consider saving them in your phone. In some countries, the word “vegetarian” may not translate clearly or carry the same meaning.

Do not be a fussy eater
Being vegetarian does have limitations, but in my experience, it is still worthwhile. Vegetarian cuisine can be very diverse, so it helps to research restaurants that offer vegetarian options in advance. Try to remain open-minded, or you may find yourself disappointed.

Plan ahead
After researching your destination, you may find that vegetarian options are limited or difficult to locate. In this case, cafés and bistros can be useful for light meals, and packing non-perishable snacks can be helpful when travelling. There is nothing stopping you from preparing in advance and bringing a variety of snacks to stay comfortable on the go.

Learn to cook
If your accommodation includes kitchen facilities, cooking may be the simplest and most cost-effective option. There is no shortage of vegetarian ingredients, and recipe ideas are widely available on Google, YouTube, and TikTok. Depending on the situation, cooking your own meals may be more practical. However, it is still worth enjoying local vegetarian-friendly dishes when possible.

Express your stance
If you are vegetarian for moral reasons, it is important to be thoughtful about how you communicate this. Presenting your position clearly and being prepared for common counterarguments can help others respect your choice. The goal while travelling should be to gain respect rather than to convince others.

Find essential apps

Become a menu reading expert
If you visit a restaurant that does not clearly label vegetarian options, you will need to use your judgement and look for clues. In many cases, vegetarian dishes may be among the cheaper menu options, but this is not always reliable. If unsure, ask the waiter or restaurant owner directly.

Consider a compromise
If you struggle to find suitable food, do not be discouraged or blame yourself. Instead, consider carrying snacks you enjoy as a backup. Do not let dietary restrictions reduce your enjoyment of travel. In some cases, spending less time worrying about food may allow you to focus more on exploring landmarks and cultural experiences.

Ask others for advice
Ask people around you, such as tour guides, or use online forums like Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree or Quora. Vegetarian options vary widely by region. Large cities are generally more accommodating and offer a wider range of choices.

Have an easy-going attitude
You may find yourself in situations where food options feel limited. If you are trying vegetarianism for the first time while travelling, it may be helpful to allow some flexibility. Maintaining a strict diet can feel stressful, especially if you have only recently stopped eating meat or fish. Being vegetarian should not feel burdensome, so it is important to take things at a comfortable pace.

So... What's for dinner?

With some preparation, you can enjoy the local cuisine while maintaining a vegetarian diet. Pay attention to how different foods make you feel and adjust your choices accordingly. This post shares a few ideas that have worked for me in the past.