What do you do if your dinner guest is a vegan?

Answer 1

It would be respectful to not offer that guest meat if this is a dinner party where there are several people. However if this is merely a friend coming over for dinner the correct and polite thing would be to not cook any meat.

It would be very polite if you did not serve items like entire bodies of animals, like lobster. As a vegan, I know it is uncomfortable to sit around people eating nonvegan, but especially so when it is messy, has an intense aroma, or a straight-up animal organ or body part, like ribs or liver. You don't want someone bursting into tears or puking on your dinner table. Try not to directly sit them next to or across from someone who is particularly carnivorous as well.

Ask QuestionsDuring preparations for the dinner, ask your vegan guest what other food items s/he can or cannot eat. Vegans don't just not eat meat; dairy, eggs and, honey are no-nos.(and some wines) But do offer your vegan guest more than a salad! Usually vegans are fine with side dishes as they do not want to be a burden- just make sure to inform them of all ingredients. This is also great to avoid awkwardness or tension, a vegan does not want to have special status with an entirely different meal. It's like the food elephant in the room. If your vegan guest is particularly extreme, don't given the a silk napkin.

If your vegan dinner guest is the guest of honor or if you especially wish to impress or gain favor with them, the best thing you can do is serve an entirely vegan meal for every guest. (Chances are, they're vegan for ethical reasons, so it should only work in your favor!)