Tips for going meat-free in local eateries
Sometimes we take our shared meals outside. Local eateries like cha chaan tengs and dai pai doongs are not out of the question. Try these tips:
1. Ask strategically.
Rather than throwing the yes/no question of whether restaurants have ‘vegan or vegetarian options’ (which often results in a resounding ‘no’), try asking if certain dishes on their regular menu can be turned meat-free. This leaves more room for them to make simple alterations, e.g. can a meat be replaced with tofu or eggplant?
2. Observe and suggest.
Observe the regular dishes around you and take note of the non-meat ingredients used. Take advantage of the flexibility of local eateries and suggest your own dishes with different combinations of ingredients. These eateries are often used to catering to meat-eaters’ quirky preferences too.
3. Find noodle shops.
Cart noodles are your new best friend. The typical checklist menu provides a variety of plant-based toppings. Some shops also offer a ‘vegan’ checkbox to ensure a meat-free soup base.
4. Support small businesses.
Rents are exorbitant in this city, so it’s doubly hard for non-mainstream restaurants to survive. If you find a place you like, keep supporting it! Vote with your fork (or chopsticks) for the values you stand for and the world you wish to see.