To ask for extra

[Seahorseonland]

I'm allergic to tomatoes and often ask to substitute them in salads or on the side of a dish when eating out for example to ask for extra cucumber in salad or a onion right with stake and chips. I got called out for being rude when asking to swap at the weekend by a friend - something I've always done and never thought was rude, just wanting to reevaluate if I need to change my requests and just accept my meal without the tomatoes.

It’s fine to ask for a substitute as long as it’s of equivalent value.

Potentially a bit annoying for a busy kitchen but I wouldn't call it rude, especially if you're just asking to swap for more salad veg...would be cheeky if you asked to swap for chicken or bacon or something, which you're not. I wouldn't worry about it

I don’t think it’s rude to ask. Best case scenario is that they say yes, worse case it’s a no. I guess it depends on how you ask.

I think it's fine as long as for a similar item like cucumber or onion. If you wanted it swapped for a higher value item then you would be unreasonable, but they can always say no!

When I waitressed I once had a customer request no salad so could she have king prawns with her steak instead. She was most put out when I said of course but there will be a charge, she stated going mad about getting a discount because she wasn't having the salad which was essentially just a garnish...... Cucumber instead of tomatoes, no problem

If you're only asking for extra cucumber instead of tomato I don't think that's rude, why would it be? how odd

steak

Extra onion rings in place of half a grilled tomato with a steak is not like for like - I think that’s going too far really

Extra onion rings is instead of a grilled tomato is fine. Assuming it comes with onion rings anyway and you're just having extra it's no bother to do a couple more.

I’m gluten free so often ask for extra salad instead of bread with starters
I think it’s a fair swap and have never had it questioned