Top Vegetarian Dishes - Must Try Meat-Free Meals (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous vegetarian dish? ›

Originating in the Middle East, falafel is one the most popular vegetarian foods in the world! As one of the most popular vegetarian foods in the world, falafel needs no introduction! However, the origin of these beloved patties is rather controversial.

To get the most out of a vegetarian diet, choose a variety of healthy plant-based foods. These include whole fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Nuts and legumes, such as lentils, beans and peanuts, also are considered healthy plant-based foods. At the same time, cut back on less healthy choices.

India. According to the World Atlas, India has the highest rate of vegetarians in the world, with 38% of its population identifying as vegetarians. India also has one of the lowest meat consumption rates in the world. 18% are selective meat eaters, 9% are vegan, and 8% are pescatarian.

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

Eat beans, pulses, eggs and other sources of protein

Pulses are particularly important for people who don't get protein by eating meat, fish or dairy products. Other non-dairy sources of protein include eggs and meat alternatives, such as tofu, mycoprotein (such as Quorn), textured vegetable protein and tempeh.

Lacto-ovo vegetarian: Probably the most popular form of vegetarianism. Lacto-ovo vegetarians avoid meat, poultry, seafood, and fish. Yet, they still eat some animal products, like dairy and eggs. Diets remain mostly plant-based.

Foods to eat

A vegetarian diet should include a diverse mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, healthy fats, and proteins. To replace the protein provided by meat in your diet, include a variety of protein-rich plant foods like whole grains, legumes, tempeh, tofu, and seitan.

Many people will choose vegetarian diets for personal, health, or religious reasons. On a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, only vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains are eaten.

To ensure that nutritious foods - like tomatoes - are available, affordable, desirable, and convenient, and especially for low-income populations. Tomatoes are the world's most popular vegetable.

Lacto-ovo vegetarian: Probably the most popular form of vegetarianism. Lacto-ovo vegetarians avoid meat, poultry, seafood, and fish. Yet, they still eat some animal products, like dairy and eggs. Diets remain mostly plant-based.

Who was the first famous vegetarian? ›

The Greek philosopher and religious teacher Pythagoras (570 BCE – 495 BCE) is said to have advocated vegetarianism, but it is more likely that he only prohibited his followers from consuming certain kinds of meat. Later Pythagoreans did practice various forms of vegetarianism.

However, there are vegetarian-friendly countries in the world that naturally excel in meat-free cuisine, such as India, Japan and Australia. Some places have a national palate that naturally tends towards veggie options.