Types of Vegetarian in Taiwan
Taiwan operates on a more nuanced classification system than the simple “vegetarian” or “vegan” categories you might be accustomed to. The government legally recognises five official categories on packaged foods, and knowing these will help you navigate menus, food labels, and conversations with restaurant staff.
Official Categories
Complete/Pure Vegetarian 全素 / 純素
This is the closest equivalent to “vegan” in Taiwan, though it traditionally refers to Buddhist vegetarianism rather than ethical veganism. It excludes meat, eggs, dairy, and the five pungent roots (garlic, onions, spring onions, chives, and leeks). Most traditional Taiwanese vegetarian food falls into this category because eggs were historically classified as meat, and dairy wasn’t part of the traditional diet. However, modern Buddhist vegetarians don’t actively avoid dairy the way Western vegans do, so whilst rare, you might occasionally encounter dairy in dishes labelled 全素.
Egg Vegetarian 蛋素
Includes eggs but excludes meat and dairy. This category exists partly because with modern factory farming, eggs are less likely to be fertilised (and thus don’t contain potential life), making them more acceptable to some Buddhist practitioners.
Dairy Vegetarian 奶素
Includes dairy products but excludes meat and eggs. Less common than other categories.
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian 蛋奶素
Includes both eggs and dairy but excludes meat. This Western-style vegetarianism has become increasingly popular, particularly in modern restaurants catering to health-conscious young Taiwanese and international visitors.
Plant-Based with Five Pungents （植物）五辛素
Vegetarian food that includes the five pungent roots (garlic, onions, etc.) but excludes all animal products. Think of this as “health vegetarian” rather than “Buddhist vegetarian”.
Unofficial but Common Categories
Side-of-the-pot Vegetarian 鍋邊素
A pragmatic category where someone eats vegetarian but accepts that their vegetables might be cooked in the same pot or with the same utensils as meat. They’ll pick around visible meat but won’t worry about shared cooking equipment. This flexibility is common in households where only some family members are vegetarian.
Convenience Vegetarian 方便素
Even more flexible - someone who generally eats vegetarian but will make exceptions for convenience or social situations, such as having a slice of birthday cake that contains eggs.
Why This Matters for Your Journey
When ordering food, simply saying “I’m vegetarian” might lead to assumptions you didn’t intend. The restaurant might serve you something with eggs or dairy, or conversely, they might assume you avoid garlic and onions when you don’t. Instead of relying on category labels that even locals debate, be specific about what you don’t eat. Say “I don’t eat meat, eggs, or dairy”. This direct approach prevents misunderstandings and ensures you get exactly what you want.