Chinese Takeaway With a Side Order of Compassion

The chips are down for fish and chips – at least according to a new study showing that Britain’s favourite takeaway is now Chinese food. Fewer people tucking into fish suppers is certainly a good thing, as fish have no desire to be dragged out of the sea, killed, battered and served up in a greasy paper package. Vegans can also get behind this trend because all Chinese restaurants offer a tempting selection of animal-free options!

Here are some of our favourite widely available vegan Chinese dishes – perfect for the next time that you have a craving for hot, delicious food that you don’t have to prepare yourself (and that doesn’t involve any cruelty):

• Noodles: Most places offer vermicelli or rice noodles, which are egg-free. And if you can eat them without getting sauce all over your chin, we salute you!
• Tofu: Whether you like your bean curd deep-fried, with sweet-and-sour sauce or accompanied by Chinese vegetables, it is sure to give you a satisfying protein fix.
• Mixed Vegetable Soup: Comforting and mild, this soup is the perfect thing to warm you up on cold evenings. Just double-check that the stock is fully vegetarian before you order.
• Crispy Seaweed: Mmm, delicious, nutritious, deep-green goodness: it’s packed full of iron as well.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A plate of these will go a long way towards your five-a-day. Eat them atop a mound of steamed rice or served with cashew nuts or black-bean sauce for an extra yum factor.

Other dishes that are often vegan – but you’ll need to ask to be sure – include spring rolls (look for the ones made from rice paper), banana fritters and sometimes even, bizarrely, prawn crackers!

Opting for a compassionate diet doesn’t have to be difficult. If you need some help making the switch, order our free vegetarian/vegan starter kit for ideas and advice.