Vegan food is gaining popularity in restaurants and at events alike. Currently, the diversity of food cultures demands that menus with different options be offered for any occasion. 

Therefore, if you are going to host a party, whether you are vegan or not, you need to think about dishes that will cater to vegans.

The idea that vegetarian and vegan options They are "boring." Even catering companies and chefs dedicate themselves and invest in creating tasty and nutritious recipes. 

When planning a menu for events, it's not necessary to offer only vegan food. The interesting thing, for example, is to offer a mix of dishes that cater to different dietary habits. And if you think creating a menu like this is difficult, you're mistaken. There are many ideas and suggestions; you just need creativity. 

World Vegan Day was celebrated on November 1st. The date was created in 1994., by Louise Wallis, who at the time was president of The Vegan Society, in England. This day calls The focus is on a lifestyle philosophy that excludes the consumption of any animal products. 

To clarify how you can have an amazing menu with vegan food, and alluding to To celebrate World Vegan Day, we've prepared the text below with lots of information and tips to help make your event's menu unforgettable. 

First, understand what a vegan diet is. 

First of all, it's necessary to understand what it means to have a vegan diet. In general, a person does not... It means not eating any food of animal origin, not even honey, for example. However, it's important to point out that veganism goes beyond food, and also includes clothing, beauty products, and more.

Many fruits, vegetables, legumes, roots, different types of grains and pulses are foods that are part of the daily diet of vegans. In addition, other foods consumed by vegetarians or carnivores, such as milk, are now produced using other products as a base to cater to the vegan market. 

Vegetarianism or Veganism: what's the difference?

Many people confuse the two concepts, but many factors differentiate them. For example, consider that someone who defines themselves as vegan has a diet without any products of animal origin. However, this idea is not limited only to food.

When we talk about vegetarians, they usually don't consume any type of meat, but they may or may not consume milk, dairy products, and eggs. In addition, they also use other items, such as hygiene products, that may be of animal origin.

The growth of 'veg' in Brazil and the world.

It's impossible to talk about the vegan world without mentioning its growth. The number of people who say they eat vegan food, or who are interested in this type of cuisine, is increasing.  

According to the Brazilian Vegetarian Society (SVB), from 2016 to 2021 the volume of Searches for the term 'vegan' increased by more than 300% in Brazil..In Europe, 14% of new products launched in 2015 are vegetarian or vegan.

This "philosophy" is gaining followers and attracting attention, and therefore, it is necessary for buffet owners to be aware of offering vegan food options at events. In this way, all guests are catered to and feel comfortable during the celebration, making it a success.

Why offer a vegan menu at your event? 

One of the basic premises is to please the most diverse guests. By offering a vegan menu at the event, an inclusive movement that caters to dietary differences gains strength. This way, people will feel welcome and perceive the attention and care of the party host. 

Another point worth highlighting is that a menu Vegan food tends to appeal to vegetarians as well, since it doesn't include meat. 

And it's not just vegans or vegetarians who would be catered to. The dishes, brimming with natural ingredients and harmoniously blended seasonings, also delight meat-eaters and add diversity to the event's menu. 

Chef Tyales Veiga, executive chef of Center Convention and Clementina Bar & Ristoranti, comments on the acceptance of this type of cuisine. “In the events sector, and especially in catering, this trend was accepted and implemented very quickly. Therefore, we seek the most creative, innovative, and delicious options to please our customers,” he mentions.

How to have a successful vegan food menu at your party.

If you work in the events industry and are looking to create menus with vegan food, Tyales Veiga shares a series of tips to make that menu a success. 

The guidelines highlight best practices that can be followed, points to consider when choosing dishes, and more. Check out some suggestions:

Check the ingredients of the food.

“First of all, make it clear to your guests what each option entails. If you are offering vegan, vegetarian, and meat-based foods, we recommend that you check the different ingredients that each dish contains and identify them with a small message on the front. This way, your guests can know what they are consuming and choose according to their tastes.”.

Offer lactose-free options or plant-based drinks.

“It may seem obvious, but it’s something many people forget when planning an event. Offering plant-based milk options, such as almond or soy milk, or lactose-free milk, is a great idea. Plus, it’s a way to show that you care about all your guests and consider even the smallest details.”. 

Offer alternatives to meat. 

“Tofu, tempeh ((fermented soybean food, traditional in Indonesia) and seitan (a plant-based meat derived from glutenThese are the most common alternatives in the vegan world. They are products that adapt to any taste when cooking and are rich in protein, perfect as an alternative to any type of meat.

Look for vegan products.

“There are many types of bread that are made without dairy or eggs, such as bagels, which can be a practical option to serve and that most guests enjoy. There are also different desserts or sauces that are made without dairy or eggs and can be adapted to any other product to enhance their flavor. It's a way to let your creativity flow and even discover new vegan food recipes.”.

Vegan dish ideas to include on your menu

Finally, if you're looking for some dish ideas to offer at your event, below are a few options. It's worth mentioning that these are vegan dishes suitable for various types of buffets: finger food, American style, brunch, cocktail parties.

Check out some ideas to inspire you:

• Polenta with mushroom ragù;
• Banana bobó with coconut rice and farofa with toasted chestnuts and almonds;
• Cauliflower tabbouleh;
• Mushroom casserole;
• Red rice risotto with shiitake mushrooms (with vegan cheese);
• Chickpea and spinach burger (with vegan cheese);
• Onion and seed pie;

Host your event with us.

With the support of our Food & Beverage team, it's possible to create a unique vegan menu full of flavor and nutrients. You can check out all the infrastructure and services available at the Convention Center and throughout the Center Shopping Complex by speaking with our team. Call us at (34) 3239-8300 or email comercial@centerconvention.com.br. You can also reserve a date by clicking [here]. HERE.