“I am becoming a vegetarian.” How many times have you heard that and thought, here's another winnable vegetarian trying to lose weight perhaps.. or trying to feel good after OD-ing on meat?”
I think vegetarianism is a great concept provided you really enjoy it and aren't doing it as a fad. A fresh rocket, arugula, romaine salad with fresh figs, pomegranate, goat's cheese, mushroom, tomatoes, avocado, boiled egg and some candied walnuts can be a really great salad.
You could go wild adding anything on a whim especially since in India you don't have to go far to find such delicacies.
Vegetarians in Vietnam:
Ok, so what if a veggie goes traveling to Vietnam or Thailand? I am not even sure that these countries have a word for vegetarians. Try saying you are a vegetarian in Bangkok.. at the princely Leboa Hotel or the Shangri-La. The waiter may fight with you for spoiling his day.
Try the fresh green papaya salad; it will come with mysterious dry shrimp even though you may have told the waiter a 100 times that you are a vegetarian. As for satay, you may fancy some cheese but could end up getting pork. It's tough being out in the world of carnivores.
I remember going to a Buddhist vegetarian restaurant in Seoul. I was intrigued because I was told I would be eating vegetarian food in a land where bulgogi (marinated beef barbecue) is eaten day and night. To my surprise, I found meat and fish on the menu.
We ate sitting on the floor so everything seemed calm and spiritual. Maybe that's why the meal felt vegetarian. But you could try the Korean pumpkin soup. Served as a starter, it is mouth watering. The Ghimbab Sushi, which is the only vegetarian sushi, is also stupendous. The trick is to have a good dictionary, or locate someone who can speak English fluently.
French Fervor
What about going west? to France, for instance. The garcon may freak if you choose a salad Nicoise without tuna. If you look hard, you will find a goat's cheese soufflé that could satisfy your palate.
There are 450 types of cheese in France. And another option is just pop open a good bottle of sauterne (desert wine) and chomp on some good Roquefort and baguette, especially if you have had a bad day with the snooty French.
A lot of good restaurants and chefs appreciate vegetarianism and will accommodate you; especially since you will be paying over 300 Euros for their tasting meal, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
Eating in Italy
In Italy, of course, you have hole-in-the-wall pasta shops where you can choose your type of pasta and top it with delicious sauces all made from fresh ingredients- pomodoro (fresh tomato), aioli (olive oil and garlic), or pesto (fresh basil). When in doubt, go on a desert binge. How can you refuse that melting fondant (melting chocolate cake) or a tiramisu (coffee sponge cake)?
