Why go
The useful question is what is in the seasoning, not just what sits on top of the plate. Dedicated che kitchens avoid meat and seafood ingredients, while some Indian vegetarian dishes may include dairy or honey. These differences matter if you eat vegan food or avoid fish products. Learn the sign, then confirm ingredients at the specific kitchen.
The full story
Thai cooking often uses fish sauce for salt and shrimp paste in curry preparations, so a plate of vegetables can contain seafood ingredients. A dedicated che kitchen follows a different practice. The word che, or ahan che, may appear in red on a yellow sign, indicating food prepared without meat or seafood; this tradition also avoids some strong-tasting vegetables. It can be a useful starting point for someone who needs food close to vegan, but it is still worth confirming the ingredients of a particular dish. Indian vegetarian restaurants provide another option in many towns, although their food may include dairy products or honey. The Vegetarian Festival can increase the visibility of meat-free dishes for a time, yet its dates and participating vendors change. Rather than assuming that every vegetarian label means the same thing, ask about fish sauce, shrimp paste, dairy and honey according to your own requirements.
Useful to know
- Look for a yellow sign with red che or ahan che lettering at dedicated vegetarian kitchens.
- Ask about fish sauce and shrimp paste even when a dish contains no visible meat.
- If eating vegan, also confirm whether an Indian vegetarian dish contains dairy or honey.