Being Vegetarian

It has been almost 2 years since we decided to embark on the journey of becoming a vegetarian. Inspired by our faith, encouraged by our children, we became a flexitarian in the summer of 2009.

Flexitarian is where one who choose vegetarian dish over meat when there is a choice, but when there is no choice then one shall not fuss and eat whatever is available. This was a wise choice for someone with a love for meat.

We started with just being vegetarian at home. It was easy to do so as Seoul offers many kinds of fresh vegetable, tofu, beans etc. However, eating out became a challenge. There are not many vegetarian restaurents in Seoul, and vegetable dishes are mainly offered as a condiment dish to a meat main course.

In Seoul, vegetarian are being questioned as it is not a norm thing to do. Korean become a vegetarian due to religion or to detox. Older generation believed that meat provide certain nutrient that vegetable does not. Most korean food, even kimchi, uses meat during their preparation.


It was frustrating at that time, but looking back, it was fun and at least now we could say," I am vegetarian. Please take out the meat." in Korean very fluently. There were a lot to learn in the process, how to be patient in trying to explain that we don't eat meat and that include all animals not just beef. How to not take pride that we are vegetarian, ie. thinking we got more compassion than others. How to patiently understand that others do not understand why we chose the path we are on. Most importantly, how to not get frustated when we get meat in our order.

When we finally got back to Singapore, we were delighted to find so many vegetarian options. Mock meat, local dishes made with just vegetable... It made me feel like we are not missing out at all. Food is a big incentive for a Sinagproean.

However, there were still obstacles whereby my mum could not understand why we have become vegetarian, as if we were trying to be diffcult. We have to resist all the delicious temptation of the food that we used to eat, especially when they are available everywhere. Like any journey, it is easy to stray from the original intention.

I must thank all of those who have helped us on the way....and those who have challenged us. Today, I am glad to say it is not hard to be a vegetarian.

I see a lot of benefits of not paying so much attention on what I put in my mouth but at the same time be mindful of what I put in my mouth. And NO, I don't miss eating meat.


There were times when we 'fall off the wagon' and had meat. But fortunately,these days are getting less and few. In a week, it will be the first proper Chinese New Year that we are going to celebrate since becoming a vegetarian, I am curious to see how it turns out... ...finger crossed.