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Calls Out Workplace Insensitivity
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‘Being Vegetarian Isn’t Even a Thought Here’
An Indian-origin woman in the United States has sparked a wave of conversation online after sharing a viral video expressing frustration over the lack of vegetarian options at a work lunch.
The video has struck a chord with many, especially those from cultures where vegetarianism is a mainstream dietary choice, reported news18.com.
In her video, she explained that she was asked not to bring lunch as food would be provided. But when she arrived, there were “not a single vegetarian sandwich” among the many kosher, halal, and gluten-free offerings. When she questioned the omission, she was met with “complete silence.”
In a now-viral clip, the woman details how a work event catered to various dietary needs—except vegetarians—leaving her disappointed and hungry
Someone even suggested she could “just remove the meat” to make a sandwich vegetarian—an idea she strongly rejected.
“That doesn’t make me want to eat a vegetarian sandwich. It makes me want to vomit,” she said.
The woman emphasized that this wasn’t an isolated incident, but part of a broader trend where vegetarianism is rarely considered in food planning in the US.
“Being a vegetarian is not even an afterthought. It’s not even a thought,” she said, adding that even gas stations often stock zero vegetarian pre-packaged meals.
She also called out the frequent misconception in the US that vegetarianism includes fish or poultry, quipping: “How many times have I heard… ‘Oh, so you’re vegetarian, so chicken and fish are OK?’”
Proposing a solution, she suggested workplaces should make vegetarian meals the default, with meat offered as an optional add-on. She acknowledged that some colleagues offered to get her something to eat later, but by then, the moment had passed.
“I walked out so disappointed,” she concluded, her words resonating with vegetarians worldwide who face similar dismissiveness in everyday settings.
