Plant-based cuisine offers countless creative possibilities for developing delicious, well-balanced recipes. By starting with familiar ingredients and creating simple dishes, it is possible to adapt your menu to include original and creative plant-based options.
Some restaurants choose to offer plant-based alternatives alongside their traditional menu. Others gradually transition towards a fully plant-based menu. Whatever approach you choose, your plant-based dishes can be introduced progressively, at a pace that suits both your business and your customers. Here are a few tips to help you expand your offering with confidence.
Tip #1 – Learn about plant-based cuisine
Before anything else, it is essential to learn about plant-based cuisine. This will allow you to acquire new knowledge and develop your skills. It is important to understand the definitions, become familiar with the different dietary concepts related to plant-based cuisine, identify the various customer profiles and their expectations, and discover the key ingredients to include on your menu.
The information you acquire will help you better understand this culinary style and the reasons why it is worth exploring. This new knowledge can also be shared with your staff so that everyone has a good understanding of the subject.
Tip #2 – Expand your suppliers’ network
The foundation of your plant-based cuisine lies in the products you use. You will therefore need to ensure that you have access to the right ingredients and, where appropriate, expand your professional network to help you broaden your offering.
By working with new ingredients and suppliers, or directly with local producers, you will find it easier to develop new recipes.
Start by looking at the ingredients that are probably already available in your kitchen. Go back through your suppliers’ catalogues and identify the grains, legumes, herbs, and spices that you do not usually order.
Focus on simple recipes that you can easily prepare using seasonal ingredients, and do not hesitate to seek advice from your producers whenever necessary.
At Institut de la Gastronomie Végétale, we support you throughout your project with resources and professional contacts to help you build your network of suppliers.
Tip #3 – Build your expertise in plant-based cuisine
Whether your goal is to develop your own skills or raise your team’s awareness of plant-based cuisine, there is nothing better than learning from specialists in the field.
The Institut de la Gastronomie Végétale supports your training project through educational programmes designed specifically for hospitality and foodservice professionals.
Our awareness workshop is a good starting point to help your teams understand the key principles of plant-based gastronomy. Led by our Founder Karine Castro, this workshop is designed to raise awareness among the Management, F&B, Sales & Marketing teams in hotels and restaurants.
In addition, our tailor-made training programmes give the opportunity to learn plant-based gastronomy from specialized Chefs and experts selected from our network, while benefiting from a unique and innovative teaching approach.
Tip #4 – Be creative
Choose vegan options that reflect your restaurant’s identity. Use your creativity to develop new dishes and vegan desserts that all your customers will enjoy.
Experiment with ingredients that you are not used to working with. Step outside your comfort zone and explore new recipes. Test, refine, and try again until you achieve the desired result.
Tip #5 – Promote your plant-based menu
Your creativity deserves to be showcased. A plant-based menu is the perfect way to highlight it.
Promote your new dishes and spread the word. Social media, public relations, professional network, word of mouth… every communication channel is an opportunity to generate interest in your new creations.
Whether you are a restaurant owner, a Head Chef, or in charge of a F&B department, it is essential to understand plant-based gastronomy and customers’ eating habits in order to develop an offering that truly meets their expectations. Your vegan creations will be successful when you understand why you are offering them and who they are intended for.
The Institut V supports you
