A lot of people (still) marvel at the ability of a vegetarian to survive in the US, so I’m sure more people still wonder how to be a vegetarian who travels. I won’t lie, in some places it’s easier than others. While many Americans still have trouble understanding why someone would choose to be a vegetarian, in many places in the world the concept of “vegetarianism” just doesn’t exist, like in Bolivia or Rwanda. In other places, particularly where there is a strong Buddhist influence or in a major metropolitan area, you will find vegetarian cuisine delightful, like in India or Thailand.
The best advice I can give is to learn how to say vegetarian (insert your dietary preference here) in the local language on day one. You don’t want to have a miserable time explaining yourself and still not get anywhere with a local chef. In Thailand, the word is said “day” (no idea how to spell it) and people were very receptive to my order–even asking if egg was okay!
Where a simple word doesn’t suffice to explain your dietary need, do your best. If you’re not on a restricted diet for a dire health condition, consider relaxing it in favor of a more easy-going trip. For instance at home I’m a strict vegetarian (no food-meat contact, no chicken broth, no fish sauce, no gelatin). While I travel, I have to let some of that go and stick to focusing on large chunks of meat/fish not being in my food.
Cambodia doesn’t seem as veggie-friendly as Thailand, so I will have to wait and see how I will need to adjust to fit my life in Battambang and in rural Samlaut.
Happy eating!
Adventures & Misadventures of a Twentysomething Traveler 