World Wide Vegan

Traveling in Europe can present difficulties for the traveling vegan. First there is the language barrier to contend with. And Second, most of Europe is not as enlightened about the vegan diet as are those in the US.

Tip: Each country is a little different than the rest regarding ordering and buying foods so I highly recommend reading up on the local culture and customs regarding ordering in restaurants and the availability of vegan foods before you leave home. Rick Steves travel books generally offer a section of dining out as well as information on local culture.

Although Italy is very tourist friendly you should understand that when dining out you will need to find items on the menu that are already vegan. In the US it is common for people to ask for substitutions or specific changes to a menu item, but in Italy asking for changes is considered rude.

I found this to be particularly true after my last trip to Europe where after a month of traveling around the Mediterranean we ended up in Venice. On our last day of the trip I ordered a pizza in a cafe that catered to locals. I asked the waiter if I could make a slight change from the menu. He looked at me as if I had just spit on him. Curtly he responded "It comes-a like on-a de menu." instantly I remembered where I was and apologized. Then I ordered something straight off the menu.

In Italy most of the smaller restaurants are family owned and run, and the family/employees take great pride in their product. They consider it an insult if you are not happy with their creations. Their Chef is an artist and his art should not be altered by the consumer.

Tip: Before booking your trip consider staying in alternative types of housing such as hostels and rooms with a hot plate and a small fridge. Accommodations with cooking options are very hard to find unless you are able to stay in a timeshare condo or in a hostel with community facilities.

In Venice we stayed at a hotel which had one room that included a hot plate and a small refrigerator. It was the only room on the 5th floor. The elevator only went to the 4th floor so we had to walk the last flight of stairs. It was spacious compared to most Venezian rooms and it had the quaint feel of Venice the way it may have been 400 years ago - but with a bathroom.

Purchasing fresh produce and herbs is easy in most Italian communities as the farmers market is a daily event. Venice has an early morning farmers market and fish market where the locals buy their daily foods. You can also buy produce from boat vendors throughout the day especially along the main canals.

Getting proper amounts of protein will require some ingenuity, but beans and grains are generally available in the small grocery stores. However, selection is limited compared to US grocery stores. You may decide to bring along some of your favorite spices and easily transported food items to get you by. Bring along a travel-friendly place setting as well if you are planning to prepare any of your own food.

Here are a few places in Venice which offer Vegetarian and/or Vegan food.

One which is highly recommended is Gam Gam which is located in the Jewish ghetto sector. The food is Kosher but not specifically Itallian. Directions to Gam Gam: Turn left at train station, stay on this side of the canal (do not cross the bridge), stroll past the shops until you come to Canale Cannaregio, cross this bridge, and then turn left. Walk two minutes, Gam Gam is on your right, canale on your left. Price is Moderate- cash only.

Trattoria Da Silvio is an Itilian style cafe that offers Vegan and Vegetarian items. they do take credit cards and they are also willing to make substitutions.

For vegan gelato visit Il Doge Gelateria at Dorsoduro, 3058/a Campo Di S. Margherita, at the south end of the street.

Labels: dining, Europe, hostel, Italy, travel, Vegan, Venice