Vegan Sustainability Magazine - Autumn 2015

course – a Wellington type dish. As expected, it
was amazing! This restaurant had made me realise
how versatile and inventive the vegan cuisine can
be.
Most of us know the HappyCow website or the
app. And those who like surfing will also know
that the Cow is not that Happy around the west
coast of Portugal. I went to Ericeira for a surfing
camp and things did not look that good on paper.
Couldn’t find any vegan or even vegetarian restaurants
around the place I was staying. However, I
was a bit more experienced and braver to ask for
non-animal foods in any regular restaurant. I’ve e-
mailed the surfing house advising them of my lifestyle
choice and they were very accommodating
and accepting.
Ericeira is a small coastal town with a vibrant
atmosphere, friendly people. Although I did prepare
some of the food myself, I did find a few local
restaurants that did serve vegan friendly food. As
before, some basic language skills do come in
handy! Indian restaurants are normally a safe bet
for something vegan, but I also found a nice little
How to stay vegan when you’re
on vacation
by Tanya Scutari
We all agree it is wonderful to travel, to discover
new places and people, and by this, learning
new things and gaining experiences. The places we
discover when we travel may inspire us to do great
things: writing, painting, creating. There is an old
saying that sounds like this: “the richest people are
those who travel and read”. So let’s be them, if we
can. But what if the countries and places we go to
are not vegan friendly? It is much easier to stay vegan
in cities when you can go to a lot of, at least
vegetarian, restaurants. But even if you plan a vacation
in a not so vegan friendly country, be calm.
You will be surprised how many options and ideas
you have to eat healthy and keep your vegan lifestyle.
It is simpler than saying “hello”.
Here are some of them:
1. Read about the country before you go. If you
know the exact place weeks before leaving, try informing
yourself about what people usually eat.
What is their traditional food? You may find some
delicious vegan meals like I did in my last vacation
in Greece. I ate savoury stuffed tomatoes, eggplant
salad and tomato soup and I am happy I tried traditional
vegan Greek food.
restaurant by the sea that served some nice bulgur
wheat salad with a hot mushroom stew on the side.
Unfortunately I can’t recall the name of it, so you
will have to find it yourselves.
I have travelled to many other places since then
and it is always an interesting experience. Sometimes
it is easy, sometimes I get a little frustrated. I
guess having a good understanding of why I am
doing this always helps me to see the brighter side
of it.
Regimantas Lukosius has been vegan for the past 3
years. He enjoys surfing, cycling, hiking and outdoor
activities. He is also a keen photographer.
There is no need to eat only fried potatoes and
some salad leaves every day. Being vegan does not
mean to have a food disability. If you are informed,
you will know exactly what to ask for food.
2. “Adapt” local food to vegan. If you plan to eat
in local restaurant and cafes, ask the waiter if they
have vegan meals. Don’t be afraid to explain what
“vegan” is and what the difference between veganism
and vegetarianism is. It may not sound very
delightful to him/her, but I also take my time to
ensure everything is clear. They may say there is
nothing on the menu for you. Look carefully. You
may notice there are some, like (again) traditional
Greek salad. It may be vegan if you exclude
cheese. A vegetable cream soup can be adapted to
a vegan one if the chef does not put sour cream in
it. It is so simple!
22