Being a vegetarian is a weird concept for most. There is a perception that food has to have meat in it or it has no flavour and is not worth eating. And although I believe that we are capable of making our own decisions as to what works best for us, we are also conditioned to believe certain things and see them as absolute truth when there are other valid choices, which may conflict with popular opinions.
I get asked about what I eat all the time, and, at most, I am the only vegetarian in the room at socials and in business settings. I am yet to come across a restaurant that does not have at least one decent vegetarian option for a substantial main course. My grocery list is simple and comprises of fruits, veggies, dairy, and legumes. There are numerous nutritious combinations of these ingredients. I eat fresh when I’m home. I tend to grocery shop twice a week, and I love the goodies that the Oranjezicht City Farmer’s Market has on offer. I seldom cook, and salads, sandwiches, soups, smoothies, and protein shakes seem to be my staple.
My favourite restaurant meal is Pad Thai with extra veggies and tofu. Simply Asia does a great job with this dish, and the combination of bean sprouts, peanuts, soy, ginger, veggies, tofu, and noodles is outstanding. I also love a garden sushi platter from Ben Wei, who makes the best vegetarian sushi options in town. Then, who doesn’t love pasta and pizza? Col'Cacchio is my go-to for macaroni and cheese, and for pizza, half Strega-half Bella Ciao is my favourite combo. It is a must-have. I attend gym five times a week, and all gyms have a health bar like Nü or Kauai where I can get a wrap, smoothie, bowl of sorts like the Mexican filled with beans, corn, salsa, and avocado, and my regular choice of scrambled eggs on toast. Bootlegger's is the best for brunch, and if I’m on the run, which I usually am, Vida e Caffè is a lifesaver.
I love curries and other Indian options, which simply cannot be beaten on the flavour realm. Luckily for eating out, there are a plethora of local options to choose from—my local favourites are Bukhara and Maharajah.
Whether you choose to be a vegetarian or vegan for health reasons, because you want to be kinder to the planet and lessen your carbon footprint, or if it’s part of your faith, be assured that your food will be bursting with flavour. I eat for nutrition, not taste, and yet my food is always yummy in my tummy.
Yummy in my Tummy by EJ for EJblogtv
an Enjoyment Journal about Everything EJ
xoxo