Guides
Verify Veg blog
Hidden animal ingredients, dish questions, and shopping against your diet, at home and on the road.
Is Satay Vegetarian? (Peanut Sauce Is, the Meat Isn't)
Satay is not vegetarian: it's grilled meat skewers (chicken, beef or lamb). The peanut sauce is usually plant-based. Here's what to check, including the sauce.
Is Roti Canai Vegan? (Ghee in the Flatbread)
Roti canai is usually vegetarian but often not vegan: the flaky flatbread dough typically contains ghee or condensed milk. Here's how to tell.
Is a Samosa Vegetarian or Vegan? (Ghee in the Pastry)
A potato samosa is usually vegetarian but often not vegan: the pastry is typically made with ghee (clarified butter). Here's how to tell, and how to find vegan samosas.
Is Risotto Vegetarian or Vegan? (Stock, Butter & Parmesan)
Risotto is often not vegetarian: it's cooked with chicken or meat stock and finished with butter and rennet-based parmesan. Here's how to order a veg or vegan risotto.
Is Ramen Vegetarian? (Tonkotsu, Egg & Chashu)
Almost all restaurant ramen is not vegetarian: the broth is usually pork, chicken or fish, and it's topped with pork and egg. Here's how to find real vegetarian ramen.
Is Rendang Vegetarian? (Beef Slow-Cooked in Coconut)
Rendang is usually not vegetarian: it's beef slow-cooked in coconut and spices. Vegetable rendang (jackfruit, tofu or potato) exists. Here's what to check.
Is Poutine Vegetarian? (Gravy & Cheese Curds)
Poutine is usually not vegetarian: the gravy is typically beef or chicken based, and it's topped with cheese curds. Vegetarian and vegan poutine exist. Here's how.
Is Pepsin Vegan? The Animal Enzyme in Supplements
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme traditionally extracted from pig stomachs, so it is not vegetarian or vegan. It hides in supplements and some cheeses. Here's what to check.
Is Margherita Pizza Vegetarian? (Rennet in the Mozzarella)
Margherita pizza is vegetarian: tomato, mozzarella and basil: but not vegan. The mozzarella may be made with animal rennet. Here's what to check.
Is Paella Vegetarian? (Stock, Chorizo & Seafood)
Traditional paella is not vegetarian: it's cooked with meat, seafood or both, and simmered in stock. Vegetable paella exists. Here's what to check before ordering.
Is Nasi Lemak Vegetarian? (Anchovy Sambal & Fried Anchovies)
Nasi lemak is usually not vegetarian: the sambal contains anchovies and it's topped with fried anchovies and egg. Vegetarian nasi lemak exists. Here's what to check.
Is Pad Thai Vegetarian or Vegan? (Fish Sauce, Explained)
Traditional pad thai is not vegetarian: it contains fish sauce, dried shrimp and egg. Here's exactly what makes it non-veg and how to order a vegan version.