A Vegetarian's Survival Guide To Chinese Restaurants
If you or your date is a vegetarian, then you understand how difficult it can be when dining out. The great news about eating at a Chinese restaurant is that they have lots of meals that are completely meat free. However, there are some things that might appear to be vegetarian, but actually include fish sauce or oyster sauce (such as vegetable lo mein).
Below is a list of some items that are completely vegetarian.
Vegetable Dumplings
These dumplings are filled with cabbage, carrots, and a mixture of other vegetables. They are then wrapped in dough and then pan fried or steamed. They are served with a ginger flavored soy sauce. If you want to be extra healthy, then get the steamed version.
Scallion Pancakes
These are a tasty, unusual type of savory pancake. They are a bit chewier than Western style pancakes. If you are looking for a unique type of "bread" for your meal, then this is something you should try. They are often served with a spicy ginger sauce.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Vegetable fried rice is a staple in Chinese restaurants. The chef takes white rice, sautés it in oil with sprouts, baby mushrooms, broccoli, and eggs. The rice is perfect as a main course when you pair it with something like steamed bean curd.
Mushroom Egg Foo Young
Egg foo young is a Chinese omelet. It is normally served with brown gravy, which is made with meat. However, you can ask that the gravy not be poured on top of the omelet. Some restaurants will pair egg foo young with fried rice and an egg roll. Be careful when it comes to the egg roll. Unless it is specified, an egg roll will have pork in it. Some places will offer a vegetable egg roll. If they don't serve vegetable egg rolls, you might find that they offer a vegetable spring roll.
Buddha's Delight
This dish was designed to be served to vegetarian Buddhist monks. The monks did not eat animals, so this meal was made with all sorts of vegetables. The dish's ingredients will vary depending on the chef, but the dish will always include tofu, sprouts, bamboo shoots, carrots and water chestnuts.
Broccoli And Garlic Sauce –With A Special Request
One of the most delicious combinations is broccoli and garlic. It's popular all over the world, from Italian cooking to Cantonese cuisine. In Chinese cooking garlic and broccoli are paired with ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. You can ask the chef to cook the meal without using oyster sauce. This dish is great if you add it to vegetable fried rice.
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