Ramesh
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Tips, Tricks, and Tales from the Road
For many vegetarians, the thought of traveling to the Western world — where meat-based dishes often dominate menus — can be both exciting and daunting. While the West offers a diverse culinary landscape, finding purely vegetarian meals can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially if you’re traveling off the beaten path.
Having been on multiple global tours with my family, all of whom are strict vegetarians, I’ve learned a few hacks and discovered that with a little planning, it’s very possible — and even fun — to stick to a vegetarian lifestyle while exploring the world. Here’s how we’ve managed, and how you can too.
1. Do Your Homework Before You Go
Before boarding your flight, spend some time researching vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the cities you’re visiting. Websites and apps like HappyCow, Yelp, Google Maps (with filters), and even Zomato can help you find vegetarian and vegan restaurants or spots that have suitable options.
Pro tip: Look up Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean restaurants — they often have naturally vegetarian dishes.
2. Book Accommodations with Kitchen Access
One of the best decisions we made on our Western tours was choosing Airbnb stays or aparthotels with kitchens. After a long day of sightseeing, there’s nothing more comforting than cooking a quick, familiar meal with groceries bought from local stores.
We usually carried:
- Ready-to-eat Indian meal packs (just boil or microwave)
- Instant noodles or pasta
- Spices, tea, and premix powders
- A small electric rice cooker or kettle
3. Learn Key Local Phrases
If you’re heading to non-English speaking countries in Europe, it helps to learn basic food-related words or phrases to communicate your dietary needs. Phrases like:
- “I am vegetarian.”
- “No meat, no fish, no chicken, no egg.”
- “Only vegetables, cheese, and grains.”
You can also print or save cards in the local language explaining your dietary needs — super helpful in restaurants or local cafés.
4. Supermarkets Are a Lifesaver
Don’t underestimate the joy of walking through local supermarkets! Not only can you stock up on fresh fruits, bread, cheese, snacks, and yogurt, but you also get a glimpse into local eating habits.
In cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or New York, we often made meals out of fresh baguettes, hummus, cherry tomatoes, avocados, olives, and fruits — healthy, simple, and budget-friendly.
5. Go Global with Your Cuisine
One of the perks of globalization is the presence of diverse cuisines everywhere. Craving vegetarian food? Look for:
- Indian restaurants: Almost always have vegetarian thalis or curries
- Mexican food: Go for bean burritos, veggie tacos, nachos (just skip the meat)
- Italian food: Pasta, risotto, margherita pizza, bruschetta
- Chinese or Thai: Stir-fried veggies, tofu dishes, noodles
- Middle Eastern: Falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, pita
6. Be Specific When Ordering
Many Western dishes that appear vegetarian may contain hidden meat products, broths, or sauces. Always ask:
- “Is this cooked in meat broth?”
- “Does this have fish sauce or anchovies?”
- “Are there eggs in the sauce/dough?”
If unsure, go with a salad, a side of fries, or stick to known vegetarian brands and packaged foods.
7. Carry Snacks — Always
Whether you’re on a 10-hour flight, a long road trip, or stuck in a museum with no food options, snacks can be your savior. We always carried:
- Protein/granola bars
- Dry fruits & nuts
- Khakra, Thepla, or Mathri
- Biscuits, namkeen, and energy bars
8. Embrace Local Vegetarian Options
You’ll be surprised to find that many Western countries are increasingly vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Cities like London, Berlin, New York, Toronto, and even smaller towns are embracing plant-based lifestyles. Some must-try local vegetarian options:
- Beyond Meat / Impossible Burger (USA, Canada, UK)
- Vegan Donuts & Cupcakes
- Vegan Cheese & Ice Cream
- Vegetarian Paella (Spain)
- Mushroom Risotto or Polenta (Italy)
9. Travel with a Positive Mindset
Being vegetarian in the West is not a limitation — it’s an adventure! You get to explore new dishes, try creative plant-based alternatives, and sometimes even inspire chefs to try something new. Be open, be polite, and don’t hesitate to ask for customizations.
10. Lastly, Share the Joy of Vegetarianism
We’ve often had conversations with fellow travelers or local hosts who were intrigued by our vegetarian habits. Sharing our stories, our food, and even treating them to home-cooked Indian vegetarian meals helped create beautiful cross-cultural connections.
Conclusion:
Managing as a vegetarian on a global tour isn’t as hard as it once was. With a little planning, a lot of curiosity, and an open heart, you can enjoy every destination to its fullest — without compromising your values or taste buds.
Bon Voyage & Happy Eating!
