Holiday meals have become a little more complex and that’s before we even get to the seating arrangements! You might have a vegan daughter, a gluten-free sister-in-law, or a friend who’s “mostly plant-based but eats fish sometimes.”
Before you panic about what to serve, let’s take a deep breath — it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Providence’s food scene is rich with inspiration for anyone hoping to create a more inclusive, delicious table. I’ve put together a list to help you understand the most common diets you might hear about this holiday season, plus some local spots to help make your planning easier.
Vegetarian & Vegan Guests
Vegetarians skip meat, poultry, and fish, but the details can vary:
- Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat dairy and eggs.
- Lacto vegetarians include dairy, but no eggs.
- Ovo vegetarians are the opposite — they eat eggs, but no dairy.
- Pescatarian doesn’t eat meat and poultry but consumes fish and other seafood.
- Vegans avoid all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey.
When hosting, think flavorful sides that can stand alone: roasted vegetables with polenta, quinoa stuffing with cranberries, or mashed potatoes made with oat milk instead of cream for non-dairy guests. All it takes is a little thinking outside the box.
Local tips
Sin, can create delicious gluten-free and vegan desserts.
All of these resources have great plant-based catering and/or take away menus with gluten and dairy-free choices:
Plant City
Matilda’s
Happy Holidays food-lovers of every ilk!
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