I am vegan.
VEH-gah-no — three syllables, stress on first. The 'g' is hard, as in 'go'.
State this at the start of any meal interaction. Veganism is less common in traditional Italian restaurants, so be prepared to ask detailed questions about ingredients.
Vegano/vegana follows standard Italian gender agreement. Italy's traditional cuisine relies heavily on dairy and eggs, so true vegan options may be limited outside major cities. Asking 'è vegano?' about specific dishes is always wise.
Seguo una dieta vegana.
I follow a vegan diet.
More formal; useful in upscale or health-conscious contexts.
Senza uova e latticini, per favore.
Without eggs and dairy, please.
Practical breakdown when vegan concept is unclear.
Questo è adatto ai vegani?
Is this suitable for vegans?
Direct check for a specific dish.
Larger Italian cities like Milan, Rome, and Bologna have thriving vegan restaurant scenes. Look for the term 'cucina vegana' or the VeganOK certification symbol on menus.