It's Sunday and you get an invite to dinner - what do you say? Well this was very difficult for me in the early days, as I assumed that most people knew what a vegan diet consist of. Boy I was WRONG!! I would constantly be offered an extra helping of coleslaw that was covered in mayo and more of the gravy that the meat was cooked in to go with my bowl of rice which had prawns in it!!
Apart from looking at my plate in disbelief, I learnt a number of lessons from that experience;
1. EXPLAIN your dietary needs
Don't wait till you get to the dinner party to explain your plant based nutritional needs! It is always better to call ahead. Most hosts will be pleased for the heads up and more often than not, they would get some v-inspiration and modify the menu just for you! I have some amazing friends who are not vegan, but have made the most amazing curries, rice and potato rosti's!! (Thanks ladies you know who you are LOL!!)
2. Offer to bring a dish
This is a great way to introduce your family and friends to some wonderful v-dishes and also guaranteeing that there will be something that you can actually eat!! I always like bringing a dessert - you can't go wrong with a fruit crumble or banana cake, as it certainly gets people taking and offers for seconds!!
3. Check out the menu in advance
I thought it would be tricky going to restaurants, as most things are saturated with some sort of animal by product and have very limited vegan options (there were only so many salads I could take and I HATE Tofu!!!). Fortunately, most restaurants are flexible and can veganise pretty much any dish!
What are your top tips for successful vegan dining?
Vusi
Apart from looking at my plate in disbelief, I learnt a number of lessons from that experience;
1. EXPLAIN your dietary needs
Don't wait till you get to the dinner party to explain your plant based nutritional needs! It is always better to call ahead. Most hosts will be pleased for the heads up and more often than not, they would get some v-inspiration and modify the menu just for you! I have some amazing friends who are not vegan, but have made the most amazing curries, rice and potato rosti's!! (Thanks ladies you know who you are LOL!!)
2. Offer to bring a dish
This is a great way to introduce your family and friends to some wonderful v-dishes and also guaranteeing that there will be something that you can actually eat!! I always like bringing a dessert - you can't go wrong with a fruit crumble or banana cake, as it certainly gets people taking and offers for seconds!!
3. Check out the menu in advance
I thought it would be tricky going to restaurants, as most things are saturated with some sort of animal by product and have very limited vegan options (there were only so many salads I could take and I HATE Tofu!!!). Fortunately, most restaurants are flexible and can veganise pretty much any dish!
What are your top tips for successful vegan dining?
Vusi
