Vegetarian — the working definition, and how to host one well
In one paragraph
Vegetarians don't eat meat or fish but do eat dairy and eggs. The surprises for hosts are the hidden-meat ingredients: chicken broth in rice, gelatin in jell-o and marshmallows, fish sauce in Asian sauces, lard in refried beans, anchovies in Caesar dressing. Check the label, not just the headline ingredient.
Why it matters
Vegetarianism is extremely common — much more than veganism — and hosts sometimes assume 'vegetarian' means 'easy: just skip the meat.' It's not quite that. The best vegetarian meals aren't meat dishes with the meat removed; they're dishes designed around vegetables, cheese, eggs, and legumes. Build the menu around a vegetarian main and everyone at the table eats well.
For the guest: script
'Quick note before the menu — I'm vegetarian. I eat dairy and eggs, just no meat or fish. Including broth and fish sauce in sauces and soups. Let me know if a swap is useful or if I can bring something.' A week out. By text.
For the host or business
Pick a main that's vegetarian by design, not by subtraction — a frittata, a baked pasta, a bean stew, a grain bowl. Check your sauces: Worcestershire has anchovies, most green curry pastes have fish sauce, many chicken broths are hiding in rice pilafs. Label the dish 'vegetarian' on a buffet so the guest doesn't have to ask.
Frequently asked questions
- Do vegetarians eat fish?
- No — a vegetarian by standard definition doesn't eat fish or seafood. Someone who eats fish but not other meat is called a pescatarian, which is its own category.
- Is chicken broth vegetarian?
- No. Chicken broth is made from chicken, so it's not vegetarian even when it's just a flavoring. Use vegetable broth, mushroom broth, or plain water as a substitute.
- Can a vegetarian eat gelatin?
- Not traditionally — gelatin is made from animal collagen, usually from pork or beef. Many vegetarians will eat it without knowing; careful ones avoid it. Agar and pectin are plant-based alternatives.
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