If you’re new to vegetarian eating, don’t worry that you’ll be hard-pressed to find fabulous, cruelty-free fare when dining out. Just glance through these tips and let your mouth water!

• If the menu only lists a steamed vegetable plate, don’t panic! Many restaurant chefs welcome the opportunity to show off their culinary skills to whip up an animal-friendly entrée for you…so just ask. Many dishes can be “vegetarianized” with minimal effort, so put the chef to the challenge and enjoy the creation!

• Most ethnic fare includes more legumes, vegetables, and beans than traditional Western foods. So visit that Indian, Middle Eastern, or Thai restaurant you’ve been eyeing and savor the delicious spices surrounding such staples as tofu, lentils, and chickpeas. Try falafel, spicy tofu curry, mung bean or scallion pancakes, or hearty lentil dahl.

• In the mood for an All-American meal? Veggie burgers and veggie dogs are on menus across the country from national restaurant chains to mom ’n pop diners

• Replace cheese or sour cream in Mexcian fare with an extra dollop of guacamole or some light and refreshing pico de gallo.

• Want some mock meat? Many Asian restaurants—particularly Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese ones—feature great soy- and wheat gluten-based meat alternatives. Enjoy scrumptious kung pao veggie chicken, spicy Hunan veggie beef, or tofu pad thai.