Vegan Eats: Takeout Tips

If you fancy a feast in your pj’s, as well as ordering from us (shameful plug completed), there are a million and one options in your phone.  Though if you’re eating vegan, it can be tough to order with confidence from a non-vegan restaurant. And if those are your only options, we’ve got you. Here are some of our top tips for ordering vegan takeout like a hungry boss. 

Get recommendations

The vegan community is definitely one for sharing their thoughts. The thing we love sharing most is (by far) recommendations for great places to eat. So get social and ask your virtual vegan friends (I met a load of great people on the Happy Cow’s forums) which chains they recommend. 

Personally, I swear by Pizza Hut’s Pepperphoni Pizza, and not just because I love a pun. Likewise, KFC is expanding their Original Recipe Vegan Chicken Burger offering across the UK, so check your local and cross your fingers. Though if you’re after something a little more wholesome, we have a few other failsafe chain options you should be able to find throughout the UK:

• Leon – so much deliciousness on offer and all fairly healthy. I can’t recommend the Brazilian Black Beans enough
• Yo Sushi – two words… Inari Tacos. More words… a lot of the vegan options are under 300 calories a portion, which is an added bonus 
• Giraffe – the Up-Beet Burger is only 600 cals, and is crazy-filling

We also LOVE this roundup of some of the best vegan takeaway options in the UK, spanning most of the major cities. Did your favourite make the cut?

Don’t be afraid to contact the restaurant

This is one that those with allergies will know all-too-well, as it’s a good way to get a much better idea of how consciously the restaurant operates in regards to your dietary requirements. Give them a call to explain your needs, and ask them how they prepare specific items on their menu if you’re unsure. This is a great shout if you’ve spotted something on a menu you’re uncertain of.

Play it safe

Maybe takeout isn’t the perfect time to start expanding your culinary horizons. Don’t be afraid to stick with the classics, and rest assured knowing you’re in safe territory. Foods I’m forever grateful for:

• Chinese takeaway: rice noodles, chips and salt and pepper tofu
• Indian takeaway: vegetable balti, rice and onion bhajis 
• Japanese takeaway: cucumber and avocado maki, healthy poke bowl
• Pizza takeaway: cheeseless veg pizza (if no vegan cheese option available) and chips or salad, depending on the day (or night) I’ve had
• Italian takeaway: tomato arrabbiata and salad 
• Mexican takeaway: burrito bowl and guac – basically the Romeo and Juliet of relatively healthy vegan takeaway (swap the rice for leaves for an even healthier option, too)

Another good tip is to go against everything we’ve been taught re not judging a book by its cover. Look out for menus with pictures, which can be a really obvious and easy way to get a better idea of what you’re ordering.