Collage of four vegetarian dishes: a traditional South Indian meal with rice, curry, and sides, a raspberry vegan croissant, a vegan pasty, a flavorful Japanese katsu curry, and a savory Mexican quesadilla.

6 Mistakes to Avoid as a Vegetarian Traveller: Tips for Success

Travelling as a vegetarian can sometimes feel like navigating a maze when it comes to food. Even when a dish looks completely vegetarian, hidden pitfalls can turn a harmless meal into a non-vegetarian surprise. Trust us, we’ve experienced it! Over the years, we’ve made mistakes and learned from them—and now we’re sharing those lessons with you. This guide will help you avoid those same hiccups, so you can enjoy your meals with confidence.

Common Mistakes Vegetarians Make When Ordering Food While Travelling

Not Checking Every Ingredient on the Menu

Many dishes, like pizzas or sandwiches, may hide non-vegetarian ingredients that aren’t always obvious to vegetarians, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the names or if the ingredients are listed in a different language.

  • Example: In Glasgow, we ordered a pizza that seemed vegetarian, but later discovered that anchovies are actually fish.
  • Tip: Always double-check the ingredients, especially if something seems unfamiliar. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for more details.

Trusting Vegetarian Symbols When All the Ingredients Are Not Listed

Sometimes, food packaging or menu symbols carry a vegetarian label, but they don’t always mean the dish is entirely meat-free, especially when the ingredients aren’t listed.

  • Example: In Stow-on-the-Wold, we ordered a sandwich with a vegetarian label, but it turned out to contain bacon.
  • Tip: Always ask the staff for clarification if the ingredients aren’t listed. Let them know you’re a vegetarian and clearly list what you don’t eat to avoid confusion. This way, you’ll get a meal that meets your dietary needs.
Vegetarian Lebanese platter featuring Fattoush salad, Batata Harra (spicy roasted potatoes), hummus, falafel, baba ganoush, and stuffed grape leaves.

Be Aware of Hidden Animal-Based Ingredients in Vegetarian Dishes

  • Hidden Sauces and Fats: Some dishes that appear vegetarian may contain hidden animal-based ingredients, such as fish sauce or lard, which aren’t immediately obvious.
    • Example: We avoided a Thai dish after the staff informed us that it contained fish sauce.
    • Tip: Always ask if a dish contains animal-based sauces or fats, like fish sauce or lard. It’s better to double-check than assume.
  • Hidden Ingredients in Soups: Even soups that seem vegetarian, like tomato soup, might be made with meat broths (chicken, beef, or fish) as a base. This is especially common with pre-made soups or restaurant stocks.
    • Tip: Always ask if the soup is made with vegetable stock. If you’re not sure, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
  • Gelatine in Sweets and Chocolates: Many candies, gummies, and chocolates contain gelatine, which comes from animal bones and skin.
    • Tip: Always check labels for gelatin, carmine (E120), shellac (E904), or animal rennet. Look for “vegetarian” or “vegan” certifications on the packaging to ensure they fit your diet.

Assuming Restaurants Understand “Vegetarian” the Same Way You Do

The term “vegetarian” can mean different things in different places. In some countries, seafood, eggs, or even certain meats might be considered vegetarian.

  • Tip: Use clear language like “no meat, no fish, no eggs.” If you’re in a country where vegetarianism is defined differently, consider using a translation app or card to avoid confusion.
Delicious serving of Thai green curry with vibrant vegetables and aromatic rice.

Not Checking How the Food Is Cooked

Even if a dish is technically vegetarian, it might be cooked in the same oil or pan as meat dishes, leading to cross-contamination.

  • Example: We ordered chips, thinking they were vegetarian, only to realise they’d been fried in the same oil as fish.
  • Tip: Always ask if the vegetarian dishes are cooked separately or in dedicated fryers to prevent cross-contamination.

Vegan Food That Imitates Meat Too Closely

Many vegan products, such as plant-based burgers or sausages, are designed to taste and feel like real meat. While this works well for those transitioning from a meat-based diet, it can be off-putting for vegetarians who prefer to avoid anything that resembles meat.

  • Example: We’ve come across plant-based dishes that looked, smelled, or tasted too much like meat, and it made them unappealing to us.
  • Tip: If the dish description mentions it “tastes like meat,” it might not be the best choice for you. Instead, opt for naturally vegetarian options, such as vegetable curries, lentil dishes, or simple cheese and veggie sandwiches.

What to Do If You Accidentally Get a Non-Vegetarian Dish?

  1. Politely Inform the Staff
    If a mistake happens, don’t worry! Just let the staff know the dish isn’t suitable for your dietary needs. Most places will be understanding and offer to replace it.
    • Tip: Explain that you don’t eat meat and ask for a suitable alternative. Clear communication is key to getting what you need. Remember, mistakes happen, so there’s no need to blame yourself or the restaurant.
  2. Check the Refund or Exchange Policy
    If the error was made by the restaurant, check if they offer a refund or a replacement dish.
    • Tip: Be polite but firm when requesting an alternative or a refund. If you realize the mistake is on your end, and you only realized after tasting it, just leave it aside and order a new dish—there’s no need to scold or beat yourself up over it. Mistakes happen!
  3. Learn from the Experience
    Keep track of common non-vegetarian ingredients that might not be immediately obvious and research local vegetarian options when travelling to new destinations. This will help you be prepared and avoid any surprises while dining out.
    • Tip: Familiarize yourself with the types of hidden animal products in local cuisine and ask about them before ordering. It will save you from surprises later and ensure your meal aligns with your dietary preferences!

Final Tips for Safe Vegetarian Dining While Travelling

  • Use apps like HappyCow to find verified vegetarian-friendly places nearby. We relied on this app during our trip to Spain, Portugal, and Andorra, and it was easily one of the best tools we used!
  • Carry a vegetarian translation card when traveling to countries where English isn’t widely spoken.
  • When in doubt, go for simple dishes with clearly vegetarian ingredients, such as plain cheese pizza or vegetable stir-fries without sauces
  • .Always check ingredient lists, verify with staff, and ask about cooking methods to ensure the dish is vegetarian-friendly.
  • If you’re traveling for a long duration, consider booking a room with a kitchen. This way, you can cook your own meals if you can’t find options that match your preferences. You’ll often find ingredients for vegetarian dishes that suit your taste and won’t feel pressured to try local food every time. After all, you’re already in an unfamiliar place, experiencing many new things!

Conclusion

Travelling as a vegetarian can come with its challenges, but with a little extra caution and preparation, you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy your meals without worry. Always double-check ingredients, communicate clearly with staff, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Remember, it’s okay to prioritise your dietary needs, and if things go wrong, stay calm and learn from the experience. Ultimately, your journey is about discovering new places, and you should be able to enjoy it without compromising on what you eat!

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