Most of the dishes considered to be uniquely Buddhist are vegetarian, but not all Buddhist traditions require vegetarianism of lay followers or clergy. Vegetarian eating is primarily associated with the East and Southeast Asian tradition in China, Vietnam, Japan, and Korea where it is commonly practiced by clergy and may be observed by laity on holidays or as a devotional practice.
moSt oF The disHes cOnsidEReD tO be uniQUely bUDdhIst aRE Vegetarian, buT NoT ALL bUddhIst traditions reQUire vegeTarIaNiSm of Lay fOLlOwers Or ClErgy. vegeTarian EaTInG iS prImariLy AssocIaTEd with the EAsT anD SoutHeast asIaN tRadItIon in chiNa, viEtnAm, JapAN, and koReA WhEre it Is commonLy pRactICED by clErgy and mAy be ObSeRvED by lAitY on hOlidaYS or aS a DeVotIonaL practIce.