Is the broth or stock made with meat, poultry, fish, bonito, or shellfish?
ASK
VEGAN
VEGETARIAN
ANIMAL-DERIVED
Read the menu without guessing.
Search unfamiliar French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Southeast Asian, Indian, Mediterranean, Latin American and modern restaurant terms. Each entry explains what it is, whether it fits a vegetarian or vegan diet, and what hidden ingredients deserve a question.
CORE TOOL
Ingredient & menu-term decoder
| Term | Cuisine | What it is | Vegetarian? | Vegan? | Plain-English explanation | What to watch for |
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AT THE TABLE
Five questions that catch most hidden animal ingredients
Does the sauce contain anchovy, fish sauce, oyster sauce, shrimp paste, or Worcestershire?
Is the dish cooked in butter, duck fat, lard, schmaltz, or beef tallow?
Does the cheese use animal rennet, if that matters to my vegetarian diet?
Can the dish be prepared vegetarian or vegan without changing the main flavor profile?
LOCAL LINKS
Vegetarian-friendly Bay Area restaurants
A short editorial starting list, not a ranking. Links go to the restaurant's own site when available. Verify current menus and hours before visiting.
SUPPORT
Supporters of The Pauper's Palate
Paid supporters are clearly identified. Sponsorship does not influence ingredient classifications or editorial restaurant selections.