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Vegetarian and vegan food

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Language and cultural issues[edit]

In some countries and cultures (especially developing countries where focus is often on getting any sort of food) vegetarianism/veganism is rare. People may feel insulted when you turn down the meat dish they have prepared for you. Come up with a short explanation and be prepared to repeat it. If you're vegetarian/vegan for non-religious ethical reasons, in places with a language barrier or strong food/host tradition it's usually best to refrain from explaining out your beliefs and go with something inarguable (medical reasons, something vaguely religious or cultural). Be polite and apologetic as you would anywhere.


In some cultures, there may be an vegetarian tradition of some kind that you can compare your diet to. In countries with Buddhist sub-populations, some vegetarian travellers find that calling their diet "Buddhist" is the simplest way to explain it.


When all else fails, find a grocery store or local vegetable market. You can make a meal yourself, together with a camping stove or kitchen.

Air travel[edit]

Most full service airlines that serve meals on-board offer a vegetarian choice. You should request the vegetarian meal at the time of your reservation, and to be sure reconfirm with the airline 72 hours before departure. If you book online and there is no option to select your meal, you should call the airline. If you forget at the time of booking, there is little prospect of requesting one at check-in, however it always pays to ask on the plane, as often there can be a spare meal that meets your requirements. If not, the meal without the heated component can often be vegetarian.

Full service airlines use codes internally with their caterers to select meal types. The codes applicable to vegetarians and vegans are:

  • VGML - Strict/Pure Vegetarian (Vegan) - Usually the default vegetarian special meal.
  • VLML - Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian / Western Vegetarian
  • AVML - Asian Vegetarian - Spicy Indian food
  • VJML - Vegetarian Jain Meal (Vegan)
  • VOML - Chinese Vegetarian (Vegan)
  • RVWL - Raw Vegetarian (Vegan)
  • FPML - Fruit Platter (Vegan).

At airports removed from the airline's home ports the food can depend more on the catering available at the remote airport than the airline. Sometimes the different vegetarian styles will give different meals, but it is quite common for a VGML to be served, even if you order a VLML.

Discount airlines, and some full service airlines on short sectors do not serve food or have food sold from a trolley. Usually there is a vegetarian option, but you can usually check the inflight menu in advance on the website, or third party sites that have meal information.

It is an unfortunate fact of flying that sometimes the full service airline loses a meal order, or the salad sandwich on the discount airline is sold out, or not available on a flight. It's always a good idea to take snacks on board just in case.

Best and worst regions[edit]

While it is possible to some extent to survive as a vegetarian or vegan anywhere on Earth, some countries' cultures make this easier than others'. Generally, Western, Northern, and Southern Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, the United States, and Canada are among the best in this regard, while Central Asia, East Asia, Eastern Europe, and rural Africa and Latin America are among the worst.

Other information[edit]

There are some cities in the world that are completely vegetarian. Examples are: Haridwar, Rishikesh, (complete, please). Non-vegetarian food is prohibited in those places, alas sometimes eggs and products containing eggs can be sold in the outskirts. As well, if you buy cheese, it can contain rennet, some beverages/yoghurts/icecreams etc. can contain coloring agents from insects (as everywhere in the world) and cosmetics etc. can be tested on animals. Clothes/footwear from leather can as well be sold.




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