Sushi is my absolute favorite vegan option when dining out with friends. It requires the least amount of questions – especially if you’re sitting at a sushi bar and have access to the chef – and doesn’t appear any different from what the non-vegans are eating.

One thing I’ve learned is that some Japanese chefs consider fish flakes or egg to be vegetarian. In other words, if you order a vegetarian or vegetable roll, ASK for an exact list of ingredients. Or… like me… order a specialty roll that you design yourself.

Ask if there’s “bonito” in it, the answer will most likely be “yes.”

I discovered this when a previous vegan girlfriend with a fish allergy got numbed lips from sipping miso soup at a Mall restaurant, when the servers insisted there wasn’t any fish in it.

Of course, there was… bonito flakes.

As to sushi, often I’ll order “futomaki” without crab or ask for a custom veggie roll. I find that they are usually very accomodating, and letting the server know you’ll tip accordingly doesn’t hurt.

FYI, Mark

Be sure to check the menu for non-sushi options too, like agedashi tofu – which is usually vegan, but as always, be sure to ask. I think sushi is one of the most fun ways to enjoy great vegan food, either at home or dining out.

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