Basics
Do you need to be a good cook to go vegan?
Short answer
No, you absolutely do not need to know how to cook to go vegan. There are now plenty of ready-made products, alternatives and shortcuts that make a complete plant-based diet possible without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to manage a plant-based diet without cooking:
Ready-made swaps and shop meals: In most supermarkets you will find plant-based ready meals — from dumplings, croquettes and one-pot dishes (pasta, curry, soups) to vegan nuggets, burgers, and plant-based cold cuts and cheeses.
Simple no-cook products: Just combine ready ingredients: a can of chickpeas or beans, a bagged salad mix, cherry tomatoes, sunflower seeds and a shop-bought dressing make a complete meal in two minutes.
Meal-prep catering (diet boxes): A very popular option — you choose a vegan plan and receive a full set of balanced meals at your door every day.
Restaurants and delivery: Most restaurants offer plant-based options, and in larger cities you can easily order vegan sushi, pizza, or Indian and Asian dishes.
Frozen food and semi-prepared products: Vegan stir-fry mixes, frozen vegetables, pre-cooked lentils or pouch quinoa only need heating.
Over time many people naturally learn a few of the simplest plant-based recipes, but to start it is enough to know what your local supermarket stocks and to read labels.