How do I explain Jain food to a waiter or chef?

Explain it as a vegetarian diet with no meat, fish, eggs, or root vegetables (onion, garlic, potato, ginger, radish, carrots). Ask if dishes can be cooked in a fresh pan without pre-made onion/garlic bases.

What hidden ingredients contain onion or garlic in non-Indian restaurants?

Watch out for pre-made marinara sauce, vegetable broth/stock, salad dressings, curry pastes, soy sauce marinades, and garlic powder in seasoned fries or roasted vegetables.

How to Order Jain Food at Non-Jain Restaurants

Dining out at non-Jain or international restaurants doesn't have to mean eating a plain salad. With the right questions and a clear explanation of dietary requirements, many kitchens are happy to accommodate a Jain meal.

Exact Phrases to Use With Your Server

Avoid using specialized religious jargon right away. Instead, state your strict dietary requirements clearly in standard culinary terms:

🗣️ "I have a strict vegetarian diet: no meat, eggs, fish, onion, garlic, or root vegetables (potato, ginger, carrots)."
🍳 "Is it possible to prepare a fresh vegetable dish in a clean pan without using pre-made sauces or garlic oil?"
🥣 "Does the vegetable soup or rice use vegetable stock made with onions or garlic?"

Watch Out for Hidden Root Vegetables

Many commercial kitchens use pre-made base sauces or stocks that contain onion and garlic even in vegetarian dishes:

🍝 Italian & Mediterranean

Pre-made tomato marinara sauce almost always contains sautéed onion and garlic. Ask for olive oil, fresh tomatoes, basil, and salt over pasta instead.

🌮 Mexican

Rice and refried beans are often cooked with onion powder or lard. Ask for plain steamed rice, whole black beans, fresh avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes.

🍜 Asian (Thai, Chinese, Japanese)

Curry pastes and broths contain shallots, garlic, or fish sauce. Request stir-fried vegetables or tofu using pure soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt in a clean wok.

🍕 Pizza & American

Pizza sauce contains garlic. Order a white pizza (olive oil + cheese) or request fresh tomato slices instead of tomato sauce.

Reliable Meals You Can Order Anywhere

Custom Pasta: Penne or Spaghetti tossed in extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, fresh basil, and parmesan/cheese.
Fresh Avocado Burrito Bowl: Steamed white rice, plain beans, cilantro, fresh tomatoes, avocado, and shredded lettuce.
Steamed Dim Sum / Stir-fry: Plain steamed rice with broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas seasoned with soy sauce.
Wood-Fired Margherita (White Base): Olive oil base, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil leaves.