The British eat fish and the Germans eat sausage. The French boil beef and the Italians slice through salami. This is what we hear every time we talk about eating a little ethnic or worldly food. “Well, how can you appreciate sushi without eating fish?” or “A real Italian pasta is topped with real parmesan cheese.” It sounds like these haters don’t know much about the world or about food because if they did, they’d know that some of the most traditional and delicious dishes around the globe are vegan. Who would have thought?
Italy- Lentils and Chickpeas
Chickpeas and lentils were a staple in the diet of the ancient Romans and are still very popular all over Italy today. The Mediterranean diet wouldn’t be deemed the healthiest in the world if it was all pizza and prosciutto, surely! Some popular recipes include chickpeas cooked in tomato sauce with rosemary, fresh basil, or other spices. Lentils are commonly used in soups and salads but they also make delicious mains.
China- Ginger, Soya and Sauces Galore
China has proven the versatility of soya and taken common spices like ginger and garlic to new levels, but possibly the best thing about Chinese cuisine is that the sauces are what make the dish. There’s no need for meat or fish when it’s the sauce that’s doing the work. Try one of these simple sauces over sautéed broccoli, cauliflower and flat beans with rice.
Japan- Sushi
Contrary to popular belief, raw fish isn’t necessary when making or ordering sushi. In fact, two of the top five most popular types of sushi in Japan don’t contain fish. In the west, we have countless options to roll into crisp seaweed and tangy rice, but if you want to be legit, stick with the classic kappa maki (cucumber roll) and Inarizushi (Sweet tofu wrapped around rice), which are both in the top ten most popular in Japan.
India- Dahl, Chutney and Curry
Butter Chicken might be the average British carnivore’s go-to meal from the local takeaway, but the truth is the dish is anything but traditional. About 40% of the population of India doesn’t consume meat or fish, and as a result, vegetarian and vegan dishes are everywhere. Sweet and spicy chutneys are perfect with aromatic rice dishes or vegan cheese, while dahls work as light and flavourful starters. We shouldn’t need to tell you about the magic of vegan curries, but if you need a hand, check out the fantastic recipes in Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen.
No country’s traditional cuisine was ever about eating meat or vegetables or anything else. It was about taking the ingredients the earth provided, adding a little creativity, and making something delicious, and if that’s not vegan, I don’t know what is. The ingredients for these dishes can be found in most supermarkets, and if you don’t feel like cooking, many are even available from your local takeaway. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to pick up your wooden spoon (or your phone) and taste a little global culture!
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