Are you considering a trip to Italy but experiencing concerns about the ability to maintain a vegan diet in a country that’s renowned for its rich pasta dishes, soups, stews, cheeses and decadent desserts? Have no fear! It’s extremely easy to maintain your lifestyle while travelling the Italian country side and enjoying the rich history of its cities.
The Italian diet is actually replete with fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy whole grains and nuts. The secret to dining while keeping to your vegan diet is really not a secret. You should learn how to speak the language as it pertains to food. You already know what food items you don’t consume and being able to communicate that will be essential to successful dining. Become familiar enough with the language to be able to ask the serving staff the appropriate questions. Here are a few of the suggested key phrases that are worth taking the time to study before you try to use them in a restaurant. Acquiring accurate pronunciation from the Italian restaurants Orlando would be very beneficial and probably spare you some embarrassing moments:
C’e’ formaggio? – Is there cheese?
C’e’ carne?– Is there meat?
Non mangio la carne e non mangio I latticini – I don’t eat meat or milk products.
Non mangio prodotti che vengono dagli animali – I do not eat animal products.
Sono vegano/a – I’m a vegan (male/female)
You should also take great care to avoid ordering dishes that include any of the following words in menu selections:
Formaggio – cheese
Uova – eggs
Latte- milk
Panna – cream
Burro – butter
Manzo – beef
Coda – beef or ox tail
Vitello – veal
Pesce – fish
Pollo – chicken
Guanciale, prosciutto, mortadella – cured pork
Maiale – pork
Salume – sausage
Most bread you will find in Italy is considered edible for the vegan diet. It never hurts to ask though and if buying processed bread, as in the U.S., be sure to read the label.
What would a meal in Italy be without enjoying pasta? Not to worry, almost all regular semolina white pasta and whole wheat pastas are vegan. All boxed pastas are usually vegan. When offered fresh pasta, you are more likely to encounter pastas made with eggs, egg whites or whey. Be sure to ask your server before placing your order.
By the way, you don’t have to travel to Italy to enjoy authentic Italian meals that are vegan. Visit the best Italian Orlando restaurant, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, and our chefs will happily prepare a dish with the freshest ingredients.
