Why do some vegetarian places make fake food?!
Why do some vegetarian places make fake food?
(Sincere) I love vegetables and vegetarian foods but it disgusts me to see those "fake meat" foods. You know, tofu shaped to look like a Chinese resturant deep fried shrimp or chicken wing. What is the point of that? I was served that stuff last night and it was really revolting. If you are a vegetarian why on earth do you want some heavy gross food shaped to LOOK like meat? Signed, Sincere and Wondering and Heading Towards Vegetarianism
Answers:
Because you are sincere and wondering, here is my reasoning:
I grew up in a poor, meat-centric household. Potatoes were side dishes, and vegetables were corn or peas... and took up very little of our plates.
:)
To this day I like very few vegetables, and I only like them because I have tried very hard over the past few years to find veggies I do like.
I stopped eating meat for moral reasons, I found I was no longer able to take part in eating animal flesh. Fake meats were my saving grace in vegetarianism. It is lame, but in my family, meat=food. I really liked the flavor of meat, and my tastes never found out how to enjoy light and healthy foods like vegetables.
Fake meats gave me something I could relate to and allowed me to feel as though I wasn't missing out. Mind you, my diet is a lot more varied now than when I was a child, but soy rocks.
Source(s):
A very devoted vegetarian.
:)
i don't really know try asking a vegetarian
Im a vegetarian I tried those hot dogs or hamburguers God!! they are disgusting!!! the only thing I like are soy milanesas...
They are closet vegans. They want to be true to their vegan ways but not look different to the rest of the world. Or they may be tring to trick their brain in to thinking that they are still eatting meat,
I would say it would be to attract those of us who are not vegetarian. It looks more attractive to people to eat say, a black bean burger that looks like a hamburger, than a tofu patty.
Some vegetarians are eschewing meat for health reasons rather than moral ones (i.e. eating animals is wrong), but still enjoy the "idea" of eating meat.
people just want to have fun with their lives. the imitation meat in no way tastes like meat but that is not the point. the point is it provides expression and culinary art. it is not intended to fool anyone. i am the farthest thing from a vegetarian but i take no pride in bashing some one elses HARMLESS creativity or choices.
You say "shaped like meat". How exactly is meat shaped? The way I see it, shape of "fake food" is neutral. It's either round, square or something in between. If the meal looked like an animal rib, wing, an eye or whatever I wouldnt want to eat it. But a veggie burger for instance, is fine. Meat industry doesnt own ALL round shapes. ;)
Now I have to say, I dont really eat "fake meat", I prefer tofu, and beans. I believe that is a healthier alternative. But I do understand why many people like those fake meats, especially if they're new to vegetarianism. It makes it easier in the beginning to stop eating the real meat. And also if you miss some traditional food you can "veganize" it with fake meat. I dont see why it would be wrong,
I think it is to make it look attractive and or familiar to meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
I think it's because most vegetarians aren't raised vegetarians, it's a choice they make later in life. Because of that, they still want to experience their favorite childhood foods. I don't understand it either. Personally I think it just makes it even harder because you're expecting it to taste like a burger and then you get a big bite of crap.
Fake meat can be either gross or delicious. For example, I've had a gardenburger that tasted like a chunk of a car tire, and I've had fake chicken that tasted better than the real thing.
I think the reason they make it look like meat is to attract people who aren't devoted vegetarians or vegans, and because it's simulating the taste of meat, why not go all the way to simulate the look of it too?
If you want to try some fantastic faux-meats, I'd recommend Morningstar Farm's Chik' Nuggets and Tofu Pup's hot dogs. They are fantastic and better for you than real meat. Plus, no animals harmed in the making!
Basically to provide variety for people when they eat. If they are used to eating meat, then they can still eat similar tasting food when they stop eating meat. Also, you can serve this to non-vegetarians and they will not think it is too weird.
It also shows that people won't have to "miss" meat because there is something that is similar without actually having to use meat. That's an excuse/reason some people give for not considering a vegetarian diet. If everything that people used to eat is available in vegetarian version then there is less excuse to eat less meat.
Also, many people think vegetarians eat only salad, so to show you have the option to eat pretty much everything (at least substitutes of things), then it shows there is less of a limitation to the diet.
Everyone can eat only rice and beans, but most people want some variety in what they eat.
I don't eat it that much, and I didn't eat shrimp, so I avoid the fake shrimp too. I prefer the gardenburger (veggie patty) to the hamburger tasting veggie burgers.
Here is a good example of what the poster is talking about:
http://www.wheelofliferestaurant.com/...
They have larger pictures of all the menu items. If you take a non-vegetarian there they would probably learn and be surprised about the kind of foods that people can eat that are not animals.
I've never seen a hotdog or burger grazing in a field. Besides that, think of the bun shape.