6 Struggles Every Vegetarian in Malaysia Will Understand

Being a vegetarian isn’t the easiest task, especially not in Malaysia. You have to constantly explain what you can or cannot eat and why you don’t consume meat or certain meat products in the friendliest manner to friends and even strangers. So, here is a list of 6 struggles that vegetarians have to go through on a daily basis.

1. Having to eat only the appetizer when eating out with friends or family

Restaurants can be a hit or a miss. You try not to be the whiny kid that makes a fuss, until you realize your only meal options are the breads and salads. You don’t want just appetizers, you want REAL, full-portioned, main meals.

2. People judge your nutrition

Everyone suddenly has an opinion about your protein intake. “Where do you get your protein from?” “It’s not enough lah”. You know they only mean well, but after a while it still gets on your nerves. Especially when some try to peer pressure you into eating meat. “Just one bite, c’mon!” NO means NO!

3. Having to make your friends accommodate the food they ordered

They want pepperoni, bacon and cheese but you want vegetables…..the only solution is to have them accommodate to your dietary needs or order separate food. Being the cause for extra complications isn’t the best feeling after all.

4. Celebrations or dinner invitations can be… tricky

Family gatherings, parties, dinner invitations and so on, becomes complicated. They don’t always serve veggie burgers or pizzas that you can serve to vegans and vegetarians. On top of that, again, it doesn’t feel good to have people take the extra step to accommodate to your diet requirements.

5. People telling you how much you’re missing out on the delicious meats

People are still in disbelief that you live without meat, especially like fried chicken, bacon, and burgers and so on. They pity you and constantly tell you how much you’re missing out on good food and of course, their lard that come along with it. You’re just thinking, “Hey! Vegetarian food tastes awesome too okay! I don’t need your pity! It’s a choice. It’s MY choice.”

6. Getting over-excited when you find out certain restaurants have vegetarian burgers, pizzas or tofu on their menu

As soon as you find a place with actual vegetarian main meal, you get a little over-excited and try to share your joy with others; except other people aren’t as impressed or excited as you are. It isn’t every day that you get to find a restaurant that serves proper good vegetarian meals.