Restaurants draw the line on substitutions as diners push menu limits

Some restaurants are pushing back against excessive substitution requests from diners, citing disruptions to kitchen operations and the potential to undermine the flavors chefs intend to present.

Lom Wong, a Thai restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, recently took a stance against substitutions after seeing an increase in modification requests following its recognition in the 2026 Michelin Guide Southwest. The restaurant posted on Instagram reminding diners that it serves "village Thai food" and does not follow traditional European-style coursing methods.

The post noted that the restaurant will take diners' whole orders at once and that dishes will come out when they are ready. It also stated that the restaurant does not make substitutions to make dishes more familiar, but rather to respect the recipes and traditions of the communities it serves.

Industry experts agree that while some substitutions are reasonable, excessive requests can create challenges for restaurants and their staff. Restaurant industry veteran Robert Mahon said that excessive modifications can undermine the flavors chefs intend diners to experience, and that sometimes it's simply not feasible to accommodate every substitution request while running a restaurant at full capacity and providing the best service possible.

National etiquette expert Diane Gottsman added that excessive substitution requests can also cross the line into poor dining etiquette. She noted that if a dish is something a diner really dislikes, they should keep their opinions to themselves, as it can be seen as offensive. Instead, Gottsman said that diners with allergies or dietary restrictions should ask politely and respectfully, without overburdening the wait staff or the chef.

The post by Lom Wong drew largely supportive reactions, with some commenters praising the restaurant for standing by its approach. However, not everyone agreed, with some commenters expressing frustration at the restaurant's stance.