What restaurant serves the best vegetarian food?
Published 7:35 pm Tuesday, February 21, 2012
There are almost as many reasons why people choose to forgo eating meat as there are meatless options.
Some view the diet regime as more healthful, while others have strong personal or religious beliefs that preclude eating animals.
Even among vegetarians there is no one, single path. Pescatarians do not feast on land flesh, but do enjoy the bounty of the sea, stream and lake. Those observing a vegan diet will not let any animal meat or product – including eggs, milk, honey and cheese – pass their lips. Then there are the flex-tarians who observe a plant-based diet most of the time, while occasionally enjoying a few ounces of meat.
No matter the method, getting vegetarian options when out and about is not as challenging as one might imagine.
Special requests are generally met as an opportunity for most restaurant chefs. Even quick service restaurants have added nonmeat options onto menu boards. For those on the vegetarian hunt, do be careful to ask the restaurant’s service staff to check with the kitchen if meat-based broths or sauces have been used in their vegetable dishes or in their preparation.
Ethnic spots hold the most promise for diners who sleuth the menu for vegetarian selections.
Greek salad, soups, select gyros, falafel, hummus plates, spanakopita and stuffed grape leaves can be found on Mediterranean-centric menus at Greek restaurants.
Chinese spots offer rice and noodle dishes laden with crisp vegetables along with fresh vegetable combinations with exotic mushrooms and rare roots that are stir-fried or steamed.
Fresh rolls, rich and flavorful soups with herbs and vegetables, and some curries are some of the decisions to explore in Thai restaurants.
Mexican restaurants feature vegetarian choices in chili, burritos and enchiladas. Classic chili rellenos have never contained meat.
Because of its large Hindu population, the cuisine of India is largely vegetarian. Sautéed vegetables cooked in creamy sauces and spicy gravy; samosas, the deep fried savory pastries; dishes rich with spinach or potatoes; deep-fried vegetables; and vegetable curry are de rigueur at Indian restaurants.
Even at meaty Italian spots there are selections of risotto, pasta dishes and pizza with creative toppings that take on a vegetarian guise.
Classic American restaurants hold vegetarian possibilities with composed salads and special requests where leaving out a single ingredient transfigures a carnivore’s dish into a vegetable-based version.
Seafood spots are a pescatarian’s delight. Pots of clams and mussels, shellfish and fin fish can be sautéed or grilled to perfection.
Where do you find the best vegetarian choices? What is the menu item that satisfies your soul?
Jhanjay Vegetarian Thai in Ballard is good! But I think In the Bowl in Capitol Hill is my favorite.
Rachel, Seattle
My go-to when eating with vegetarian friends is Indian food, much of which is vegetarian by default. Try Cafe India in Lynnwood or Masala Bar &Grill in Bothell. Palak Paneer is my favorite meatless dish.
Lauren, Lynnwood
