Going vegan might see like just a trendy thing to do but that is not the case for everyone. Unlike the paleo or keto diet, veganism is a lifestyle.
You should not have to do it for the trend. To me and most other people, veganism means a lot more than that.
One of the most popular searches on Google is how and where to eat out on vegan restaurants. More people are going vegan every day.
The hardest thing about being vegan is finding the right restaurant to dine at when you go for lunch, dinner or even a snack.
Even when you find a great restaurant, the experiences may not be as great as you would like them to be.
The good news for vegans is that more restaurants are now changing to cater for different needs.
Now, it is easy to find a great meal when you have dietary restrictions, allergies and you are vegan.
Chili’s has come up with a great menu option for people who are now going vegan. The high demand for vegan foods has led to change in some of the restaurant menus.
Here are some tips you should keep in mind when going out for a meal
Search for a vegan menu online
This is the safest way to find a vegan restaurant. It is probably the best tip for people who are travelling and looking for a vegan friendly meal.
All you simply have to do is type in your location and search for a Chili’s around the area. You can use the website when travelling and looking for several meal options.
The Ratings and reviews are very helpful; you can read the feedback on Chili’s and get to decide which vegan choice you are yup for.
Planning ahead makes everything way better
Unfortunately, it is not always easy or possible to dine in a vegan friendly restaurant. Most restaurants have not adapted to this policy given that the vegan lifestyle has not been around for that long.
Before you go to any new restaurants, check out their online menu to see if there is something vegan for you.
Sometimes, restaurants offer vegetarian menus that can be veganized, which makes it easier for everyone.
For instance, vegetarian options like a noodle stir fry can be made vegan simply by removing the chicken and other animal protein options.
Vegan menus are basically nonexistent in most menus, which is why Chilli’s came up with an accommodating menu.
Call chili’s to see the options
It is always advisable that you call the restaurant beforehand so you can have their options in mind.
The first thing you should do is ask if they can accommodate vegans.
Since it is not a new thing, you should not feel like you are part of the pain; most restaurants appreciate a heads up when it comes to preparing your vegan meal.
Even so, it is not always fulfilling; some restaurants will promise you a certain meal but will not serve you what you expected.
Calling beforehand will help you know the specifics of the meals and guage if they have what you are looking for.
Check for a vegetarian menu
As I have mentioned, a vegetarian menu is very close to vegan. You can later it to make it more vegan and desirable.
Some restaurants are not open about having a vegan or vegetarian menu.
Here is what chilli’s vegan has to offer
Appetizers
| The dish | Contains |
| Bottomless Tostada Chips | chips |
| Tableside Guacamole & Chips | Avocado corn, jalapeno, lime juice, cilantro and chips |
The sides (FAJITA TOPPINGS, TORTILLAS & SIDES)
| Dish | Ingredients | Avoid |
| Side Mexican Rice | White rice, cayenne pepper, onions, tomato sauce | The butter and chicken broth |
| All-Natural Corn Tortillas | Tortillas | |
| Side Beans | Black Beans | |
| Flour Tortillas | Flour, vegetable oil, sea salt |
Salads
| Main salad | Served with | Salad ingredient | Dressing ingredients |
| Caribbean Salad | Dressing | Lettuce, iceberg salad, napa cabbage, mint, oranges, cilantro, bell pepper, cherries, onions, pineapples, sesame seeds | Garlic, mustard, honey, vinegar, lime juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, zest, soy sauce, worstershire sauce, pepper, salt |
| House Salad | Dressing | Tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, shredded cheese, garlic croutons with your choice of dressing | Garlic, mustard, honey, vinegar, lime juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, zest, soy sauce, worstershire sauce, pepper, salt |
| Santa Fe Salad | Ranch and santa Fe dressing | pico, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, house-made ranch & a drizzle of spicy Santa Fe sauce | Dressing of choice |
The salad dressing
| Main salad dressing | ingredients |
| Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette | Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic, Dried Parsley, Dried Basil, Dried Minced Onion, Salt |
Chili’s Vegan – The sides and extras
| Garlic Dill Pickles | Ingredients |
| Fries | Potatoes |
| Asparagus & Garlic Roasted Tomatoes | Olive oil, garlic, and fresh asparagus |
| Black Beans | Black beans, garlic, chili, cilantro , |
| Mexican Rice | White rice, cayenne pepper, onions, tomato sauce |
| Steamed Broccoli | Broccoli, garlic, butter, pepper |
| Sweet Corn on the Cob | Corn, meted batter, lime juice |
| Avocado Slices | Avocado |
| Burger Bun | Buns |
| Fresh Guacamole | Avocado, sour cream, jalapeno, cilantro, lemon juice, salt |
| Rice & Black Beans | Mexican rice and black beans |
| Pickles | Garlic Dill Pickles |
| Salsa |
Your kid’s menu
| The dish | Ingredients |
| Side Corn on the Cob | Corn, meted batter, lime juice |
| Side Fresh Pineapple | Fresh pineapples |
| Side Fries | Potatoes |
| Side Mandarin Oranges | Mandarine oranges |
| Side Steamed Broccoli | Broccoli, garlic, butter |
Make sure you avoid the following
Even when they offer a vegan menu, Chili’s was originally a basic restaurant for people who eat meat.
Lucky for vegans, most of the dishes can be served without the meats. The salads appetizers and side dishes can be altered to make them more convenient for vegans and vegetarians.
The burgers on the other hands are not very convenient for you if you are vegan because there is no alternative for the meat or protein part of the burger
Final word
You should generally have low expectations when you are going to dine at most restaurants.
Since this is a fairly new concept to almost all restaurants, most of them are just having the time to adjust.
That being said, do not let your experience in other restaurants make you give up. Focus in experimenting and trying out new meals.
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