Living Vegan - VegKitchen

Beyond Hot Chicken: Check Out the 10 Best Vegan Restaurants Nashville Has to Offer

Nashville has a thriving food culture, but between hot chicken shacks and barbeque joints, where is a vegan supposed to eat? Don’t worry! You have plenty of options.

Whether you’re in town for school or just passing through, take a look at the city’s best vegan restaurants. Nashville may be a meat lover’s dream, but vegans have a lot to choose from too.

Here are the 10 best vegan restaurants to visit while in Nashville.

1. The Wild Cow

The Wild Cow may be a nod to Nashville’s great barbeque tradition, but it’s less about eating the cow than following in its grazing footsteps. This is a Nashville mainstay, and it’s one of the best vegan restaurants Nashville has to offer.

All the menu items are vegan, so feel free to try out new things. Whether it’s the Buffalo tempeh strips or the chipotle seitan tacos, the menu offers a variety of things to snack on and share.

Keep in mind, though, that The Wild Cow is closed on Tuesdays, so you may need to plan your trip accordingly.

2. Thai Phooket

If you’re craving a little Thai food, Nashville has you covered. Thai Phooket is one of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Nashville has a lot of restaurants to offer, but this one shouldn’t be missed.

Don’t let the exterior scare you away. This is one of those holes-in-the-wall that are a gem once you get past the rough look. Order one of their veggie curries like the Jungle curry served with bamboo shoots, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, basil, and young pepper corns.

Be careful about your heat level, though. Tell your waiter the specifications you would like; it will make the difference between pleasant heat and a searing hot meal. These guys don’t play around when it comes to spiciness.

3. Grins Vegetarian Café

Are you frequently on the Vanderbilt campus or do you just enjoy pretending to be a student from time to time? Either way, if you find yourself nearby when school is in session, you may want to check out Grins Vegetarian Café.

Be sure to grab a superfood wrap full of nutritious goodness including avocado, quinoa, and edamame. Alternatively, you can try out a bowl of vegan mac n’ cheese. Breakfast is served from 7:30 am to 11 am. You should get there early or you’ll be battling the tide of hungry students rushing to class.

4. Sunflower Café

Nestled in Berry Hill, The Sunflower Cafe is one of the best vegan restaurants Nashville has to offer. This cute little pastel yellow house may be reminiscent of your grandmother’s home, but it serves up some serious eats.

The menu is full of entrée salads, wraps, sandwiches, and plant-based veggie bowls to suit anyone’s taste. They also have a variety of hot and cold sides to choose from, so don’t forget your side of sesame kale or curried chickpea salad when you place your order.

5. Woodlands

Should you find yourself in the West End, you may want to wander over to one of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Nashville may not be known for its Indian cuisine, but maybe it should be. Woodlands offers vegetarian cuisine inspired by North and South Indian dishes.

Check out their daily lunch buffet that’s open from 11 am to 2 pm all week long or stop by for dinner until 9 pm.

While there, make sure to try their wide selection of delectable samosas, curries, and paneers. Also, don’t forget to order the mango lassi to wash it all down.

6. Vegan Vee

If you’re looking for a good vegan bakery, Vegan Vee may be the one for you. They offer vegan-friendly gluten-free delights such as doughnuts, brownies, muffins, cakes, and truffles.

You have to plan ahead before you drop by this specialty bakery because they have very limited operating hours. And if you have a hankering for some vegan sweets outside of business hours, you can try local vegan restaurants that carry Vegan Vee desserts like The Wild Cow.

7. The Southern V

Who says you can’t give into your southern food craving if you’re vegan? The Southern V gives you all your comfort food favorites with a creative plant-based twist. So the next time you’re in the Buchanan Street Business district, stop by for a guilt-free bite to eat.

Can you get Nashville’s famous hot chicken here? You bet! You can also order the BBQ jackfruit nachos to share with your party. With gluten-free selections, a kid’s menu, and yummy weekend breakfast menu, this little eatery has it all.

Showing that even vegans love a little southern comfort food, this is certainly one of the best vegan restaurants Nashville has to offer.

8. Avo

The next time you want contemporary dining with a creative menu, you may want to check out Avo. All their selections are vegan and naturally gluten-free. They are also 100% kosher and locally sourced.

From the house made kimchi to the zucchini noodle pasta topped with sun-dried tomatoes, hemp-basil pesto, almond ricotta, and cherry tomatoes, Avo’s menu is inventive and fun. They also have a happy hour with discounts on popular favorites like avocado margaritas and gluten-free beer.

9. Graze

If you find yourself in East Nashville, you may want to check out Graze. The sister restaurant to The Wild Cow, this eatery caters to vegans on the go who are looking for casual dining options.

Don’t miss their mac n’ chorizo served with seitan chorizo sausage and cashew cheese or snack on their chickpea bay cakes. These little faux crab cakes are made with chickpeas, tofu, cashews, hijiki seaweed, and topped with a horseradish aioli.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday from 4 pm to 11 pm. They’re closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly before you stop by.

10. Little Octopus

The next time you have a party with people who have mixed dietary needs, you may want to check out Little Octopus. It’s not exclusively vegan, but there are plenty of options to make the most finicky eater happy.

These little inventive dishes focus on fresh and whimsical cuisine. Try out their eggplant plate served with sake katsu, cucumber, and shiso buds. While many of the dishes may appeal to seafood lovers, there is an ample selection that is also gluten and dairy-free as well as vegan.

Final Thought

Nashville may be the heart of country music, but it’s also home to a rising vegan movement. So the next time you find yourself in the city, check out some of these great plant-based restaurants. Eating in the city is so much more than hot chicken and barbeque and these eateries strive to prove that.

October 23, 2018 By Sylvia

Eating Clean in Sin City: The 10 Best Vegan Restaurants Las Vegas Has to Offer

Nestled somewhere amidst the slot machines and all-you-can-eat buffets is a diamond in the rough, a shining beacon of health that is otherwise hidden in this tarnished city. At least that’s what you may think if you were a vegan looking for something to eat in Vegas.

The reality, however, is quite different. And while Las Vegas is still home to the cheapest steak and lobster deals, you can also find a variety of places to eat green and clean.

Vegas has grown up a little, at least culinary-wise. If you don’t believe it, check out this list of the 10 best vegan restaurants Las Vegas has to offer.

1. Simply Pure

If you find yourself hungry while strolling Container Park in downtown Vegas, you may want to check out Simply Pure. Chef Stacey Dougan strives to create items that appeal to the average picky eater, not just vegans.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the veggie lasagna stuffed with vegan protein sausage and tofu ricotta. If you want to go light, consider sharing an order of raw jicama chili cheese fries.

Even the Clintons felt the need to drop by for a visit during Hilary’s 2016 campaign trail in Las Vegas. Is the veggie lasagna really that good? Stop by the restaurant and judge for yourself.

2. Panevino

Where does a hungry vegan go when they want to break for dinner on the Strip? Many head to Panevino on Via San Antonio. Aside from the classic Vegas décor, visitors are also treated to sweeping views of the Strip.

If you’re in the mood for bold Tuscan flavors, this may be a good option for you. Check out their 100% plant-based menu to see items like the “ricotta” and spinach ravioli and organic “meatloaf” served on a bed of rosemary mashed potatoes.

And if you have meat-eaters in your group, don’t worry. There are regular menus to suit their carnivorous tastes, too.

3. Nacho Daddy

When you’re looking for a casual eatery, you may want to head downtown to Nacho Daddy. Serving up delicious faux Mexican fare since 2010, sampling their mixed menu is the perfect way to take a break from the Strip.

While non-vegans may turn their nose up at vegan cheese, this eatery does it so well that even your meat-eating friends may become believers. The vegan menu is loaded with your favorite Mexican eats from nachos to fajitas. And of course, it’s all done with vegan-friendly chick’n or tofu.

This eatery is easily one of the best vegan restaurants Las Vegas has to offer. It offers a wide variety of favorites for even the most finicky eater.

4. SW Steakhouse

You may think this next entry is a joke, but it’s really not. The SW Steakhouse at the Wynn has a delicious menu for veggie lovers.

Try out their crispy hearts of palm cakes served with Savoy cabbage, sweet peppers, and a coconut-lime sauce topping.

All of the Wynn properties are required to have vegetarian and vegan menus on standby, so this may be a good option when you’re looking for an elegant steakhouse for your next special occasion.

5. Veggie House Vegetarian Restaurant

When you’re craving vegan Chinese food, head over to where the locals go. The Veggie House Vegetarian Restaurant is a Chinese eatery that only serves vegan and vegetarian fare, so all your favorites will have a great plant-based twist.

Dishes like Mongolian beef and General Tso chicken are made with substitutes likes soy, tofu, and gluten. This is Chinese food exactly the way you remember it from childhood. The only difference is that it’s healthier and doesn’t break your dietary restrictions, so feel free to give into your Chinese food cravings without the guilt.

6. VegeNation

Ready to try something new? How about some vegan street food? If that sounds appetizing, you may want to check out VegeNation. This eatery features 100% plant-based versions of all your street food favorites.

Start off with their infamous Hot Potato as an appetizer. Consider following that up with their African yam stew served with okra and quinoa in a spicy peanut broth. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert!

Their dynamic international menu easily places VegeNation as one of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Las Vegas may be home to world-class restaurants, but this eatery is in a class of its own.

7. Go Vegan Café

“Go big or go home” may be uttered in many Vegas casinos, but how about going vegan instead? If you or someone you know is on the fence about going clean and green, you may want to check out the Go Vegan Café.

This eatery has vegan versions of most things you crave. From sushi to pizza and burgers to tamales, you can try out your favorite food vegan-style. If your diet is restricted to raw foods, they have that, too.

Cold-pressed coffee, raw juices, and smoothies round out their wide selection. The sheer volume of vegan-friendly items makes this one of the best vegan restaurants Las Vegas has to offer.

8. Purple Potato

When you’re looking for a light meal, Las Vegas has plenty to offer. Nowhere is quite as satisfying as the Purple Potato. While this is not a restaurant strictly dedicated to vegan-fare, they do specialize in healthy meal options. So whether you are a hardcore vegan or a sometimes-carnivore, they have options for you.

Try out one of their vegan sandwiches like the Gardein chicken sandwich served with avocado, lettuce, tomato, and a vegan chipotle aioli. If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, you can also build your own bowl or wrap.

9. Cheffini’s

You probably never thought that the words “gourmet” and “hot dogs” would ever go together, but the current food culture has proved differently. Cheffini’s takes the gourmet dog one step further, though.

The vegan gourmet hot dogs are one of the main draws for this eatery. Now, they do also serve traditional beef and turkey dogs, but for a small fee, you can turn their signature hot dogs into vegan dogs. Be sure to check out the Moshi Moshi dog served with jalapeno, seaweed, and wine sauce.

10. Veganbites

When you have a sweet craving, you may want to check out Veganbites. This little bakery specializes in healthy decadence. That may be an oxymoron, but Veganbites shows that they can do it—and do it with style.

Their treats are free from additives, eggs, dairy, and artificial sweeteners. They also use organic coconut palm sugar—not cane—which may be good news for diabetics looking for a treat. Veganbites showcases cookies, cakes, and cupcakes, so you will have plenty of delicious desserts to sample. Remember, they’re all healthy.

Final Thought

Whether you’re a local looking for something different or planning a weekend trip to Sin City, if you’re vegan, you need some food options. These are some of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Las Vegas is known as a city of excess, but you don’t need to break your dietary choices to visit.

October 21, 2018 By Sylvia

Discover the Top 10 Best Vegan Restaurants: Portland, OR

Some cities have a sparse vegan presence, but Portland is definitely not one of them. Puddletown is known as one of the greenest cities in the country, so you won’t have a problem finding vegan eateries.

You may find it more difficult to narrow down your choices, though. In a city swimming with vegan restaurants, make sure to check out the top 10 best vegan restaurants Portland has to offer.

1. Homegrown Smoker

Vegans love barbeque and Homegrown Smoker proves that you don’t need to put meat on the grill to eat before. This is one of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Portland may have many choices, but this one is a local staple.

Don’t believe it? Order a plate of tempeh ribs or hyam. If wraps are more your thing, check out their infamous Macnocheeto burrito wrap served in a grilled flour tortilla.

You can also visit during their Happy Hour for some discount appetizers and kombucha, but make sure to plan accordingly. They’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and you don’t want to get stuck out in the rain.

2. Farm Spirit

If you’re looking for a stylish dining experience, Farm Spirit may be the restaurant for you. Their creative and innovative dishes are fine-dining at its inventive best. You can’t just show up, though, because this elusive eatery has a fixed-price system.

If you’re searching for something new on the vegan scene, call Farm Spirit to make your reservations. They source everything locally and cook and prepare all items in front of the guests so they can see the process. Experience the next stage of veganism with this fantastic eatery.

3. Back to Eden Bakery

If you’re a vegan with a sweet tooth, you may already know about Back to Eden Bakery. This local favorite is the first on anyone’s list when you want to eat something sweet but have a dietary restriction. That’s why it’s considered one of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Portland has many eateries, but this may be your go-to for chocolate chia pudding and raw lemon bars.

Some locations also have an attached café, so you don’t have to limit your dining experience to desserts. Order the antipasto plates or pizza with chili-rubbed cauliflower or balsamic-glazed tempeh. They also have a generous drink menu, so don’t forget your gluten-free beer or cider.

4. Sweet Hereafter

When you’re looking for late night eats or a place to hang out with a group of friends, you may want to check out Sweet Hereafter. They allow minors until 8 pm, so if you plan to bring the family, you may have to do it a bit earlier than usual.

The menu has a very generous selection of snacks and entrees. Order a plate of pretzel knots with a house made spicy beer mustard and miso-chive cheese. They also have plenty of mouth-watering bowls, sandwiches, and burgers to choose from.

5. Blossoming Lotus

If you’re serious about food, head down to Blossoming Lotus. This restaurant has led the charge on vegan culinary delights since moving to Portland from Hawaii over a decade ago.

Peruse the menu for a good selection of small plates, salads, and large plate entrees. Check out their Live Nachos with pecan chorizo or order a bowl of Korean bibimbap served with peanut soy curls, broccoli, marinated mushrooms, garlic aioli slaw, and spicy pickled cucumbers.

If brunch is more your thing, don’t miss out on their cinnamon rolls or Lotus Benedict with tofu scramble. The restaurant is all vegan and mostly raw, so you will have no trouble finding a new favorite.

6. Epif Restaurant & Pisco Lounge

Epif Restaurant & Pisco Lounge has great food and an even better ambiance for a friendly get together. Inspired by the culinary tradition of the Andes region, the transplant Chilean owners reinvent South American food with their own special vegan twist.

From their slow-baked sweet potato chips and salsa to the portobello and cremini mushroom ceviche, these Latin selections shouldn’t be missed.

7. Harlow

Nestled in the Hawthorne neighborhood is Harlow, one of the best vegan restaurants Portland has to offer. With its vintage funky décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and cozy spaces, this restaurant provides a beautiful backdrop to some soul-satisfying food.

Opt for one of their signature bowls, but don’t forget their infamous sauces. Locals swear by the jalapeno cashew cheese, but the avocado cilantro sauce may be equally addicting. They also have a unique collection of specialty beverages, smoothies, and health elixirs to sip on.

Join them for lunch, brunch, or dinner. You’ll leave full, and you won’t be disappointed.

8. Virtuous Pie

Where do you go to satisfy your pizza cravings? If you’re in Portland, you head over to Virtuous Pie. Yes, this restaurant is an expansion of the Canadian pizzeria chain, but Portland locals have already made it their own.

Try their Ultraviolet pizza topped with arugula and walnut pesto, cashew mozzarella, oven dried tomatoes, kale, pine nuts, and caramelized onion. If you’re a pizza traditionalist, they have you covered with a pizza Margherita.

Save some room for dessert, though. Virtuous Pie is also the place to go for plant-based ice cream, so don’t forget to try a scoop of Cinnamon Crunch or Bourbon Vanilla. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can try the Mermaid with Spirulina and Maca Swirl.

9. Maruti Indian Restaurant

The next time you’re on Hawthorne, you may want to visit Maruti Indian Restaurant. This family-friendly restaurant is a gem amongst vegan restaurants and one you don’t want to miss if you love Indian food.

Don’t miss out on their mushroom biryani topped with caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness. They also have a large variety of naan bread, including a few vegan options. Keep in mind, though, that this restaurant isn’t exclusively vegan, so if you have friends who are only vegetarian, this may be a great option.

10. Aviv

If you’re looking for something different for dinner, you may want to check out this Israeli-inspired restaurant. Aviv offers beautifully presented food in a warm dining space.

This is one of the best vegan restaurants Portland has to offer to the adventurous soul. From Gonzo hummus to seared abalone mushroom and falafel, you can find all your favorites on the menu.

They also have ice creams made from scratch. Try inspired flavors like Hatch New Mexican Green Chilis or the equally interesting curry-flavored ice cream. Get it while it lasts, though. Aviv only makes them in small batches and the flavors are rotated often.

Final Thought

Portland may be leading the charge for inventive vegan cuisine, but there are a few restaurants that stand out from the rest of the pack. The next time you’re feeling hungry, why not try something new and head down to one of these top 10 best vegan restaurants. Portland has a lot to offer, but these eateries should not be missed.

October 16, 2018 By Sylvia

Best Vegan Restaurants – Seattle

Are you getting ready for a night on the town or just looking for a quick bite to eat? If you’re vegan, it isn’t as simple as walking into your nearest eatery.

Fortunately, restaurants that cater to vegans are on the rise, and there’s no better place to indulge than the hip city of Seattle.

Seattle may have made its mark with coffee, but the city’s vegan cuisine is nothing to scoff at, either. Check out some of the city’s best vegan restaurants.

1. Plum Bistro

For a sophisticated vegan take on comfort food favorites, locals love going to Plum Bistro. Handmade pizzas, gourmet burgers, and tempting entrees make this mouth-watering eatery a must visit when in the Seattle area.

Don’t miss out on the BBQ glazed plant loaf. This probably isn’t your mother’s meatloaf, but it tastes just like home. Plum Bistro may not be one of the absolute best vegan restaurants Seattle has to offer, but it is a strong contender due to their numerous comfort food options.

2. Kati Vegan Thai

If you’re craving a little southeast Asian cuisine, you may want to head down to Kati Vegan Thai. The masterminds at Kati blend traditional Thai cooking methods with innovative new flavors.

The results are unusual yet addicting selections such as garlic jackfruit on sticky rice and pumpkin curry. Of course, they also have traditional favorites like the pad Thai and the tom yum noodle soup.

Head on down between the hours of 5 pm and 7 pm and take advantage of their Happy Hour prices every day of the week.

3. Pizza Pi

Vegan pizza? You bet. When you’re craving a pie in Seattle, you may want to check out Pizza Pi. Celebrated as America’s Oldest Vegan Pizzeria, this eatery offers gluten-free, no-frills pizza for any vegan palate.

All pizzas include the “Teese” vegan cheese by Chicago Vegan Foods unless otherwise noted on the menu. You can build your own pie or order one of their specialties. They also have pizzas with meat for anyone in your party who is a dedicated carnivore.

4. Harvest Beat

The folks at Harvest Beat apply their philosophy of goodness and unity to their kitchen. Everything they use is organic, environmentally-friendly, and locally sourced if possible.

Harvest Beat offers a prix-fixe menu that changes with the weather and availability. The result is an ever-changing menu of creative plant-based dishes. This creative vegan eatery is certainly one of the best vegan restaurants Seattle has to offer.

The five-course menu may feature items like a caper berry cake with wild rice leek fondue or wild-foraged lobster mushroom chowder. Because the menu items aren’t fixed, Harvest Beat may be a good option for the vegan with an adventurous culinary spirit.

5. Heartbeet Organic Superfoods Café

As the name implies, all the foods at Heartbeet Café are derived from organic superfoods. Upon first glance, you may think it’s just another juice bar, but you would be wrong.

Yes, they do serve the requisite juices and smoothies, but they also have raw superfood bowls such as the Hungry-No-More that has a variety of nutritional favorites like spinach and kale tossed in a lemon tahini dressing.

In addition, they also have warm grain bowls, soups, and a selection of raw desserts to warm your vegan tummy. All their foods are gluten-free and dairy-free. They also try to serve most of their selections raw, but double check with them if that’s a concern for you.

6. No Bones Beach Club

Ready for a fun night on the town? You may want to head down to No Bones Beach Club. This whimsical tiki-themed restaurant features delicious cocktails and an inspired vegan menu. You’ll find typical bar food, but with a special vegan twist.

Check out their eggplant fries served with a poblano-paprika aioli. For heavier fair, try their beer-battered avocado tacos—and don’t forget to order a cocktail!

They also have a generous selection of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails for those in your party who are too young to imbibe or who simply don’t wish to.

Make No Bones about it. This playful eatery is one of the best vegan restaurants Seattle has to offer.

7. Next Level Burger

Sometimes you just want a burger, but where can a vegan get a burger in Seattle? Head over to the Next Level Burger. Sure, it’s an Oregon-based restaurant chain and not something “authentically Seattle,” but sometimes you just need an easy fix.

By eating here, you are not supporting the local independent eateries, but no one has to know. Indulge in all the guilty pleasures this restaurant has to offer. The burgers are plant-based and the fries are oven-baked—or deep fried in organic sunflower oil on request.

This may not be the infamous golden arches, but it’s pretty close for vegans. And it’s worth every calorie-laden bite.

8. Veggie Grill

If you want another fast food option, you may want to try Veggie Grill. Yes, it’s another restaurant chain, but it’s quick and efficient for vegans on the go.

This California-based chain offers your standard veggie burger and fries, but they also have other delicious plant-based offerings, such as convenient veggie bowls and appetizers to share.

This city staple may be one of the best vegan restaurants Seattle has to offer for locals. It is also a great healthy option for those looking for a no-frills, casual dining experience.

9. Highline Bar

If you’re a fan of metal and punk music, this dive may be right up your alley. On the other hand, if you are looking for a place for a quiet meal out, this one may not be for you. Still, the live music combined with hardcore themed dining selections is a great break from the norm.

Highline Bar has traditional pub grub with catchy names. “Satan Fingers,” anyone? Don’t be scared, they’re just seitan strips prepared like chicken strips.

They’re open late for a great night out, but leave the kids at home as this place is only for visitors aged 21 and over.

10. Portage Bay Cafe

Portage Bay Café is the place to go when you want to enjoy a mid-week brunch. Some of their locations serve brunch all day long, seven days a week.

While they have mixed diet options for the meat eaters in your life, they also have great vegan options for you, too. Try their vegan banana pancakes made with organic rice flour and organic rice milk, or order any of their House Favorites with the vegan option.

This family-friendly eatery also has special healthy selections for the little ones in your party. And if brunch isn’t your thing, they also have a lunch menu.

Their menus vary depending on location, though, so you may want to double check on their website before heading over.

Final Thought

From grab n’ go to pub grub with musical bite, Seattle has a variety of places to eat. These are just a handful of their best vegan restaurants, and Seattle has many more to offer—so get out and explore the next time you are in the city.

October 12, 2018 By Sylvia

Best Vegan Restaurants – San Jose

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the best places in the US to be a vegan. The variety of vegan restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and eateries is stunning. Many non-vegan places also have vegan options on their menus. Where are the best vegan restaurants? San Jose has some of them.

1. Happiness Cafe

Happiness Cafe is one fine eatery that ranks among the best vegan restaurants San Jose has to offer. It is located on Hostetter Road and is open every day of the week. This place is exclusively vegan and offers a wide range of delicious dishes.

The drinks on the menu include a wide range of smoothies, freshly pressed juices, cold drinks, coffees, teas, and more. The food menu is made up of vegan sandwiches, snacks, rice and noodle meals, pasta, and salads. House specials include the waffle nugget and Phish and Fries—a vegan take on the classic fish and chips recipe.

2. Curry Up Now

If you’re up for Indian and Mexican street food, be sure to drop by Curry Up Now. The place is located on Zanker Road and opens up at 11:30 AM. They also take catering and online orders. Though primarily vegan/vegetarian, Curry Up Now also serves meat.

A fusion of two seemingly distant cuisines, Curry Up Now’s menu offers meals like the tikka masala burrito. Another customer favorite is the samosa with beans and rice. Also make sure to try some of their signature dishes.

3. Veggie Grill

Veggie Grill currently has over 30 restaurants across the country, two of them in San Jose. Both are great places that rank among the city’s best vegan restaurants. The San Jose restaurants are located on Olin Avenue and Saratoga Avenue.

Whichever of the two locations you decide to visit, try Kevin’s “Chicken” Cobb salad, the LUXE burger, or the All Day breakfast burrito. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the pumpkin spice cake. Wash it all down with one of their original fountain beverages.

4. Sogo Tofu

For the lovers of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine, Sogo Tofu might be one of the best places in town. The restaurant serves vegetarian and vegan-friendly food based on traditional recipes. The place is located on De Anza Boulevard.

Some of the patrons’ favorites include the Taiwanese hamburger, seaweed with tofu, and rice rolls. You might also want to try their radish pastry, tofu and peppers, and curry pastry.

5. Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant

The next exotic destination on the menu is Ethiopia. Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. The restaurant is located on the corner of Saratoga and Payne Avenues.

Some of the favorites from the vegan/vegetarian menu include the vegetarian platter (the dish is 100% vegan and is made for 2 people), the doro tibs, and the kik alicha split pea stew. The restaurant also serves a variety of meat-based dishes, which makes it a great place to take your meat-eating friends.

6. Luna Mexican Kitchen

Although not a vegan/vegetarian place, Luna Mexican Kitchen does have a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly items on the menu. The restaurant is located on The Alameda, and they also offer online ordering and catering.

Some of the vegetarian options can be modified to vegan. The most popular items on the vegetarian/vegan menu include the elote (corn with chili and lime), los tacos dorados de papa, and fruta con chile.

7. The Happy Hooligans

Their exceptional palette of delicious vegan meals, great service, and casual atmosphere rank The Happy Hooligans among the best vegan restaurants San Jose has to offer. The restaurant is located on Branham Lane and is open Tuesday to Sunday. They also provide online ordering and catering services.

The menu is focused on healthy renditions of classic comfort foods, such as burgers, fish and chips, and pasta. The restaurant also offers a wide range of fruit juices and vegan desserts.

8. Ike’s Love and Sandwiches

Ike’s Love and Sandwiches is a sandwich chain that currently consists of over 40 shops. You can find Ike’s in San Jose on Olsen Suite Drive, Prospect Road, Curtner Avenue, Skyport Drive, West Santa Clara Street, East Santa Clara Street, and Hillsdale Avenue. They also offer online ordering and catering services.

While not a dedicated vegan place, Ike’s does offer a wide range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. The Dutch crunch and the Menage A Trois are among the most popular vegan sandwiches. Additionally, most of the non-vegan sandwiches can be made vegan.

9. Vegetarian House

Vegetarian House has been in business since 1994. A staple on lists of best vegan restaurants, San Jose has very few vegan eateries as renowned as this one. The restaurant is open seven days a week and also provides takeout and catering.

The menu consists of international appetizers and salads, noodle dishes and soups, raw dishes, and western-style foods. It also has a dedicated allergy-friendly section. If you decide to pay them a visit, make sure to try their quinoa sushi, Bun Hue noodle soup, Rainbow (a house specialty), and spring roll noodles. The magnificent coffee crumb cake with ice cream is the perfect way to end your vegan meal.

10. Good Karma Artisan Ales and Cafe

A little bit different than the rest of the places on this list, Good Karma Artisan Ales and Cafe centers on quality brews. It is located on 1st Street and combines the look of a Belgian tavern with a pleasant atmosphere.

Aside from the stunning range of craft beers, Good Karma also offers an extensive food menu. All items are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. So, while you’re enjoying your favorite IPA, you could also order some vegan pork buns or vegan chicken wings. Their chana masala is great as well.

11. Adelita’s Taqueria

A place does not have to be 100% vegan for vegans to enjoy a good bite. Sometimes, all it takes is a good restaurant with quality vegan options on the menu. Adelita’s Taqueria is one such place. The restaurant is located on Curtner Avenue, and they also cater.

The menu is based on Mexican cuisine, but it also offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The plantain burrito is the absolute highlight of the vegan side of the menu, but you should also try their veggie fajitas and potato enchiladas.

Final Thoughts

If you are in the Bay Area and are looking for the best vegan restaurants, San Jose is one of your best bets. Though we didn’t include every quality vegan and vegan-friendly spot in town, this list is a good place to start.

October 11, 2018 By Sylvia

Best Vegan Restaurants – San Francisco

The San Francisco Bay Area is among the most vegan-friendly places in the US. Whether you like Chinese, Japanese, or Thai food, San Francisco’s got it. Mexican, classic BBQ, healthy smoothies, and delicious vegan cookies—whatever you think of, you’ll likely find it here

If you’re looking for cafes and restaurants with excellent plant-based menus, here’s a short list of some of the best vegan restaurants in San Francisco.

1. Golden Era Vegan

With an immense reputation and exceptional food and service quality, Golden Era Vegan Restaurant qualifies as one of the best vegan restaurants San Francisco has to offer. The restaurant is located on Golden Gate Avenue and is open daily from 10:30AM to 8:30PM.

The substantial menu is completely meat-free and covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Some of the most popular dishes include the Shrimp Delight, the garden vermicelli, the spicy noodle soup, and the curry beef. When it comes to desserts, the mocha cake and the Oreo cake are the crowd favorites.

2. Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya

Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya offers a mix of traditional Japanese izakaya foods and modern American restaurant aesthetics. This fancy eatery is located on 14th Street and is one of the city’s most popular vegan places.

The menu is based on traditional Japanese cuisine, but with a modern vegan twist. A huge range of ramen, sushi, and salad options is bound to satisfy every vegan. Also, make sure to give their specialty sushi rolls a try. The Hidden Agenda, the Colonel’s Pipe, and the Secret Weapon are among the most popular.

3. Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant

The next restaurant on the menu is the famous Enjoy Vegetarian Restaurant. While centered on vegetarian dishes, it offers a wide range of vegan options as well. The restaurant is located on Kearny Street and is open every day of the week.

The menu is based on vegetarian and vegan variants of classic Chinese recipes. Lunch menu highlights include the Pai Pa tofu balls and eggplant with soy sea bass. On the dinner menu, you can’t go wrong with the Golden Basket, fried won ton, and drumsticks with sweet and sour sauce.

4. Indochine Vegan

Though named after the southeastern portion of Asia, Indochine Vegan mostly offers meat and dairy-free versions of classic Korean recipes. This cozy little spot is located on the Valencia Street and is among the best vegan restaurants San Francisco has at the moment.

If you’re up for a fancy dinner, don’t hesitate to pay them a visit. Patrons’ favorites include the spicy cha cha, the Chef’s fried rice, and crispy spring rolls. Indochine also offers a wide range of healthy, vegan-friendly beverages.

5. Veganburg

If Indochine’s name was a tad deceptive, Veganburg’s name is 100% true. This is a completely meat-free burger joint and one of San Francisco’s most popular vegan places. It is located on Haight Street and serves food from 11 AM to around 9 PM every day of the week (10 PM on Fridays).

The Rasa Sayang Burg with lagi shiok, chicken patty made of wheat, gluten-free buns, and spicy sambal is the absolute crowd favorite. Make sure to give their Haight ‘n’ Salsa, Mustang relish, and Hawaiian teriyaki a go as well. Top it all off with seaweed fries, homemade lemonade, and a vegan soft serve.

6. Loving Hut

Loving Hut is a classic fast food restaurant but with a twist—its menu is completely vegan. With outstanding food and service quality, Loving Hut is one of the best vegan restaurants San Francisco has to offer. San Francisco locations include Sunset and Westfield Mall. The Sunset location is closed on Wednesdays, while the Westfield restaurant works seven days a week.

The Heavenly Salad, seaweed tofu soup, spicy cha cha, and the Sea Fruits Grill are among the most popular dishes. The Champion burger is the most prominent item in the Western section of the menu. A selection of vegan desserts and beverages is also available.

7. Greens Restaurant

The legendary Greens Restaurant is not only a popular vegetarian/vegan eatery, but also one of San Francisco’s landmarks as well. It is located on the Marina Boulevard, overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marina. At Greens, the view is as much a part of the experience as the food.

Greens Restaurant offers dinner, lunch, brunch, and dessert menus. There’s also a wide selection of fine wines. Although not primarily vegan, many dishes can be made vegan on the spot. Make sure to try their mushroom phyllo tart and tofu brochettes.

8. Nourish Café SF

The story of Nourish Café began in 2015 when Sarah Bacon and Brighton Miller decided to open a place which would focus on healthy, 100% plant-based food. Currently, there are two restaurants—one on 6th Avenue and the other on Hyde Street. They take online orders and are open seven days a week.

The menu is mostly made up of quality juices, smoothies, breakfast, and brunch options. Make sure to try the “tuna” sandwich, the Golden Gate bowl, and the acai bowl. Pay them a visit and see why Nourish Café is among the best vegan restaurants San Francisco has at the moment.

9. Gracias Madre

If you are in the mood for quality Mexican food, then Gracias Madre might be the right place for you. This stylish restaurant offers plant-based Mexican dishes and a relaxed atmosphere. It is located on Mission Street and is open seven days a week.

The menu is seasonal and varies based on what is available on the restaurant-owned organic farm. Some of the best dishes Gracias Madre offers include their signature Bowl Uno, papas al horno, the Coliflor Frito, and the restaurant’s version of the Caesar salad.

10. Ananda Fuara

While not a fancy place, Ananda Fuara has earned its spot among the city’s prime vegetarian/vegan places with fantastic food and excellent service. The restaurant is located on Market Street and is open seven days a week.

The entire menu at Ananda Fuara is meat-free, with both vegan and vegetarian dishes. Dishes from the vegetarian side of the menu can be made vegan. Patrons’ favorites include their hot potatoes, while the dessert menu is the stuff of legends.

11. Thai Idea

As the city’s only meat-free Thai restaurant, Thai Idea has a special place in the hearts of San Francisco vegans and vegetarians. It offers a plant-based menu and a casual atmosphere. The restaurant is located on Polk Street and takes online orders.

The menu includes a huge variety of Thai recipes, with the crowd favorites including panang curry, papaya salad, samosa, and the immensely popular pad Thai.

Final Thoughts

With a huge variety of vegan eateries, San Francisco constantly ranks as one of the most vegan-friendly places in the US. While in no way exhaustive, this list is a good place to start your quest for the best vegan restaurants San Francisco has to offer.

October 9, 2018 By Sylvia

Best Vegan Restaurants – Indianapolis

Indiana is commonly known as the crossroads of America, so it’s no surprise that this is where you’ll find some of the best vegan restaurants. Indianapolis hosts a very diverse vegan cuisine with influences from all over the world.

The city has vegan, vegetarian, region-specific, and fusion restaurants as well, which means that it will take you a long time to sample everything. To make things easier, check out the following top picks for the best vegan restaurants Indianapolis has to offer and visit a few of them before heading to the big race.

1. The Sinking Ship

The Sinking Ship has established itself as one of the best vegan restaurants Indianapolis has to offer. Even though it has a bar-like setting rather than a traditional restaurant design, it is the best place in the city if you’re looking for bar food with a vegan twist. Thanks to its varied menu, it is also a place where you can bring your meat-eating friends.

The seitan wings are among the most popular dishes on the menu any day of the week. You can also try the chili dogs, taquitos dorados with buff jackfruit, the burgers, and the house salads. The Buffalo Cobb salad also comes with a choice of buffalo chicken or jackfruit, but it’s hard to tell between the two, so make sure to get your order right.

2. Ezra’s Enlightened Cafe

You can visit Ezra’s on 6516 Ferguson Street if you’re in the mood for sampling a true international vegan menu. The restaurant calls its food “enlightened.” Whether that’s true is up for debate, but one thing is certain: their vegan selection makes Ezra’s one of the best vegan restaurants Indianapolis has to offer.

You can start off with a fresh smoothie while waiting for your soup of the day, or you can choose from their salad and wraps menu. The sweet potato quinoa burger wrap is a crowd favorite. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can also try the pizza of the moment, which is generally made with fresh ingredients from local suppliers.

Last but not least, be sure to order some kale chips or curried sunflower seeds if you want something to snack on while engaging in ‘enlightened’ conversation over the Fall Detox or the Bloody Beet juice.

3. Greenleaf Juicing Company

Just because your menu includes more juices than salads and sides, doesn’t mean that you can’t be among the best vegan restaurants. Indianapolis is a diverse city and, as previously stated, the menus are quite varied from one vegan eatery to another.

GLC may focus a lot more on fresh juices and smoothies, but they also have a good selection of hearty bowls you can dig into. You can order acai bowls, quinoa bowls, quinoa salads, as well as chia bowls if you’re aching for something sweet.

Keep in mind that each of these dishes comes in at least three variants, so the menu is a lot more diverse than it originally appears. There are plenty of things to try, which is also one of the reasons why you can eat here quite often if you’re staying in Indianapolis for longer.

4. Public Greens

The Public Greens urban kitchen has two locations in Indianapolis. You can go to Broad Ripple on 902 E 64th Street or the Fashion Mall on 8702 Keystone Crossing. Both locations feature the same menu and are open seven days a week.

One of the most interesting things about this place is that it has its own micro farm which supplies the kitchen. Is that enough to make it one of the best vegan restaurants Indianapolis has ever seen? Not on its own, but then there’s also the menu.

The menu includes full plates, salads, snacks, as well as a decent assortment of proteins for your meat-eating travel partners. There’s a bit of everything on the Public Greens menu, but there’s still a heavy emphasis on vegan dishes and fresh ingredients. Public Green also donates part of its proceeds to the Patachou Foundation which fights childhood hunger in Indianapolis.

5. Garden Table

Garden Table is not your traditional restaurant either. However, its fixer-upper interior design and fresh menu crown it one of the best vegan restaurants. Indianapolis residents have been impressed for quite some time by the quality of the food as well as the mission of using freshly harvested ingredients on a daily basis.

If you’re looking for a vegan eatery/juicery that lets you pick your dish from inventive seasonal menus, this is the place to visit when you’re in the mood for sweet, savory, and a bit spicy.

The jalapeno cornbread with warm tempeh and sage chimichurri is a crowd favorite. If you’re looking for something lighter, you may try one of the many sweet and minty acai bowl variations. Whichever way you go, Garden Table takes care of you whether you’re hungry, thirsty, or both.

6. Burger Fuel

Burger Fuel is one of those places that you either hate or love, but most Indianapolis residents seem to be drawn to this New Zealand fast food chain. Although it serves plenty of meat-based burgers, the vegan menu is also plentiful, so this is a non-meat eater’s hotspot in Indy.

The kitchen setup is pretty smart as they use separate workstations and equipment to handle vegan and animal products-based food. The setting is also quite interesting as it doesn’t give out the traditional busy fast-food joint vibe. Instead, Burger Fuel has a classy design that manages to incorporate a punk rock theme pretty well too.

If you’re craving a veggie burger, try the crumbled pumpkin, chickpea, and ginger patty. You can top it off with vegan aioli or provolone. The mushroom basil and truffle mascarpone patty is also a favorite and a great choice if you want to eat something a bit fancy.

Final Thought

Whether you’re visiting Indy for the race or just passing by, spend some extra time in America’s crossroad and enjoy eating at some of the best vegan restaurants. Indianapolis offers rich menus with dishes from around the world. It also has plenty of vegan eateries that work closely with local farmers and suppliers so that the customers always get fresh ingredients.

October 7, 2018 By Sylvia

Check Out the 10 Best Vegan Restaurants – Denver

If you think that you’ll only find steakhouses in Denver, think again. The plant-based diet has a firm foothold with eateries in Denver dedicated to the vegan palate, despite historical stereotypes.

Here are ten of the city’s best vegan restaurants, from cozy cafes to fast dining options. Denver may not be known as a health food capital, but it’s sure on its way there.

Check out these vegan restaurants the next time you’re in town. Who knows? You may never pick up a steak knife again afterward!

1. Watercourse Foods

Watercourse Foods gives you healthy comfort food all day long. This eatery has you covered, whether you want gluten-free waffles for dinner or you’re craving cauliflower wings.

Watercourse has been serving all-vegan fare to Denverites since 1998, and is very popular with the local vegan community. This favorite is a good example of some of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Denver has a thriving vegan culture, but don’t just take anyone’s word for it.

Watercourse is open late all week long, so head on down the next time you get a craving for vegan comfort food.

2. WongWayVeg

Okay, so technically this isn’t a “restaurant,” but ask any Denver local and they’ll tell you that this one is a contender for one of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Denver may not be known for its food truck culture, but WongWayVeg could help put them on the map.

Check out their website calendar to find out where they’ll be. Once you track this food truck down, indulge in their local seasonal favorites. Try the Boulder Philly made with marinated portobello mushrooms, sautéed onions, and peppers, or stop counting calories and grab their salted caramel bread pudding.

3. The Corner Beet

Looking for a hip, cozy eatery to grab a healthy bite? You may want to check out The Corner Beet. All the food selections are fresh, organic, locally sourced, and cooked in-house when possible.

However, you may have to look elsewhere if you’re looking for gourmet vegan burgers. The Corner Beet excels at serving simple foods–creatively. With 16 types of toast, salads, and acai bowls, it’s a great down-to-earth place to grab a light meal.

4. City, O’ City

Wonder where the locals go for some good eats? They head to City, O’ City in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Their late hours, creative menu, and artisan beers make this a great option for a go-to spot to meet up with friends.

From “chicken” and waffles to kimchi pancakes, this restaurant has a little bit of everything for most palates. Expect to make some friends when you eat here, though, as the dining room is communal seating only.

5. Beet Box Bakery & Café

You may want to head down to Beet Box if you’re looking for one of the best vegan restaurants Denver has to offer.

It’s not really a restaurant at all, but you’ll forgive this little fib when you try their vegan bakery creations. All baked goods are made in-house and are free of dairy and eggs.

Try out their vegan pastry menu. Pick-up a dozen vegan donuts in vanilla, apple, pumpkin, or chocolate flavors, or try one of their gluten-free muffins and scones.

If you’re not in the mood for sweets, this bakery also has a sandwich menu with mouth-watering choices like the Cremini Panini and avocado melts.

Be warned: the menus aren’t extensive, but everything on them is baked to perfection.

6. Blooming Beets Kitchen

Blooming Beets Kitchen may be a specialized dieter’s dream eatery. Ketogenic, paleo, vegan – you name it, they cater to it.

This versatility is certainly among the key reasons to add Blooming Beets Kitchen to the list of best vegan restaurants. Denver has a wide selection of vegan-friendly restaurants, and this is just one example.

Start your dinner off with an order of avocado fries served with a chive aioli or dive right into a plate of superfood tacos with fried cauliflower rice served in cassava-coconut shells. Don’t forget to order a vegan ice cream sandwich for dessert. Your stomach will thank you for it.

7. Vital Root

Vital Root features bold plant flavors in a fast-casual dining atmosphere. When you just want a relaxed meal without pretense, you may want to head on down to this eatery.

Their extensive lunch and dinner menu features favorites such as sunflower risotto and chilled miso ramen. They also have Grab and Go options and Happy Hour specials.

Keep an eye out for their special Raw Pop-Up Dinners. Hosted on the first Monday of every month, these exclusive events feature four creative courses at a moderate price.

8. Sputnik

Looking for something different for dinner? You may want to check-out Sputnik. It’s a full service bar and restaurant with a funky ambiance and free Wi-Fi. There is no parking lot, though, so you will need to plan accordingly.

Try out a zucchini dog instead of the traditional hot dog. If you want an appetizer, forgo the fries for fried Brussel sprouts tossed in garlic oil and apple cider vinegar.

If you’d rather get an early start on your day, Sputnik has you covered with a modest vegan brunch menu. Order the Stacks of Vegan Power or the Hangover Scramble to start your day off right.

This eatery is open really late too, so you can get your vegan grub up until 2 am every day of the week.

9. Root Down

Looking for a local favorite while in the LoHi neighborhood? Root Down may be the restaurant for you. Their mostly organic menu features selections that you can request to be cooked vegan.

Keep in mind that this is not exclusively a vegan restaurant. However, they do cater to vegan and gluten-free diets, so many of their dishes can be converted to your special tastes.

Order the vegan Summer Risotto with stone fruit succotash and baby greens or go light with an artichokes and green chickpeas salad. It is served with roasted garlic hummus and quinoa crackers.

Root Down makes a great option if you have a party with multiple dietary needs. What’s more, they are open for brunch as well as lunch and dinner.

10. Jerusalem Restaurant

It’s important to point out that Jerusalem Restaurant is not a vegan restaurant. However, this family-owned Mediterranean eatery has a variety of vegetarian options that vegans will be happy to eat. Add to that the close proximity to the University of Denver’s campus and this may be among the best vegan restaurants Denver has to offer.

Order traditional favorites like falafel, hummus, and baba ghanouj or pick up some tabbouleh or stuffed grape leaves. The menu specifies “vegetarian” or “vegan” so there’s no confusion when you order.

Jerusalem Restaurant also serves meat favorites for your carnivore friends. Stop by any time because this eatery is open until 4 am every day of the week.

Final Thought

If you are a vegan in Denver, you have a variety of dining options. You don’t have to settle for a boring salad or cook at home again.

Get out and try some of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Denver has many options to choose from. Whether you crave vegan pastry or healthy bar food, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect place for your palate.

October 4, 2018 By Sylvia

Best Vegan Restaurants – Charlotte

Charlotte is the most popular answer when you ask folks from the Tar Heel State where to find the best vegan restaurants. The city has numerous places that offer vegetarian and vegan-only menus, some of which have been around for a long time.

When you’re traveling through Charlotte, don’t waste time searching for one or two plain vegan burgers at classic BBQ joints. The following restaurants make it their mission to offer plant-based menus, including a wide assortment of deep fried mock meat dishes.

1. Ma Ma Wok

Ma Ma Wok may not have started out as a vegan restaurant, but since 2017 its menu has been completely vegan. If you want to dine at one of the best vegan restaurants, Charlotte gives you Ma Ma Wok, opened six days a week.

The menu consists of mostly Chinese dishes, so there will always be a symphony of color and taste on your plate. The menu offers a wide range of rolls, fried rice, soups, and lettuce wraps to choose from. They also have a wide selection of mock meats for pretty much any dish you envision having at a spicy Chinese vegan eatery.

2. Living Kitchen South End

Located on 2000 South Blvd, Suite 300 in Charlotte NC, Living Kitchen serves a wide variety of raw dishes and plenty of smoothies. The restaurant is open every day, but if you’re visiting Charlotte on a Sunday, you might want to get your order in fast as it closes at 3:00pm.

The menu is split into sections containing a health bar, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. For a small taste of what’s in store, you can try the broccoli Waldorf salad, sweet potato sushi roll with avocado, quinoa porridge with fresh coconut meat, or the Rawco taco.

The cuisine is varied and there are plenty of choices as far as appetizers, salads, bowls, and sandwiches. All are vegan-friendly and made with the finest fresh ingredients.

3. Bean Vegan Cuisine

All those who think that vegan cuisine is either tasteless or too pretentious will surely change their mind once they visit one of the best vegan restaurants Charlotte has to offer. Bean Vegan Cuisine is all about American comfort food with a vegan twist.

If you don’t want to eat meat, but you still long for buffalo fingers, burgers, and BBQ, rest assured that the Bean Vegan Cuisine chefs know how to squeeze the most flavor out of tofu, fried cauliflower, soy, and other mock meats in order to present hearty meals every day of the week.

Looking for something extra special? Try the signature bean bowl with steamed kale, ranch dressing, tofu fingers, jasmine rice, sesame seeds, and red beans. If that’s not a mouth-watering combination, we don’t know what is.

4. Madras Cafe

Charlotte offers residents and tourists dishes from all over the world. At Madras Café, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the finest vegan variations of traditional South Indian dishes.

Veggies, tofu, mock meats, and of course the sauces are what make Madras Café stand out. The menu is extensive, so make sure that you’re not in a hurry because you’ll be there a while. It offers everything from chef specials and appetizers to curry specials, drink specials, sandwiches, and more.

To make things even better, this is one of the cheapest places in the city where you can enjoy a hearty vegan meal. Be sure to check this restaurant out on 3130 Driwood Court.

5. Jyoti’s World Cuisine

This place has everything non-meat eaters could ever hope for, including classy and warm dining accommodations and an extensive menu you could revisit every day for months to come.

When eating at Jyoti’s, you’ll be able to choose between vegetarian and vegan dishes from around the world. In addition, the menu is split in two. Part of it is dedicated to Indian Cuisine while the other part contains dishes from different cultures.

The Southern sweet corn soup will always put a smile on your face, while the Manchaow soup brings some spice to the table. Whether you want a North African stew with tofu and tempeh or a Florentine eggplant parmesan, a variety of vegan soups, or sandwiches, Jyoti’s is the place to be when visiting Charlotte.

6. Fern, Flavors from the Garden

If the name of this restaurant isn’t enough of a hint that it’s a vegan joint, then perhaps the menu will be. Sweet Thai chili with breaded cauliflower, kale and collard salad, fingerling potatoes, cucumber and avocado gazpacho—these are just some of the meat-free dishes you can order at the restaurant.

Fern offers a wide assortment of fresh drinks, as well as beers from local microbreweries. If you’re looking to end the meal with a dessert, Fern also makes carrot cake, apple cobbler, and a delicious avocado cacao mousse, which is a hit during romantic evenings.

7. Rico’s Acai

Although not exactly a restaurant, Rico’s Acai food trucks are hotspots for vegans and vegetarians alike. There are four locations in Charlotte where you can go to eat amazing acai bowls and get your natural boost of vitamins.

Even better, you have a wide range of choices for the toppings as well. You’ll see acai packs, blackberries, granola, hemp seed, peanut butter, and more. If you’re in a hurry, looking for fast service and a delicious snack, Rico’s Acai is a great choice.

You can find Rico’s Acai on 510 S. College Street, 917 Pecan Avenue, 223 E 7th Street, or in South Park Mall behind the dining pavilion. All locations are open seven days a week, but the hours might differ.

Final Thought

If you’re traveling through North Carolina, you’ll be able to dine at some of the best vegan restaurants. Charlotte, in particular, has an amazing selection of diners and eateries which serve vegetarian and vegan dishes from various cuisines around the world.

October 2, 2018 By Sylvia

Best Vegan Restaurants – Austin

Texas doesn’t usually come to to mind first when mentioning quality vegan food, but, in reality, amazing new vegan joints are springing up all over the state. If you’re in the Lone Star State’s capital and looking for good places to eat, here are some of the best vegan restaurants Austin currently has.

1. The Beer Plant

The Beer Plant is the city’s first vegan-style gastropub, as they like to put it. The pub serves a variety of quality craft beers, wines, and cocktails, along with a completely vegan food menu. This modern establishment is located on the Windsor Road and usually opens between 3pm and 5pm.

Along with the regular selection of dinner and salad options, vegan sandwiches, and entrees, the menu also features a late night section (served Monday – Saturday from 10pm to midnight). Some of patrons’ favorites include mac and cheese, the Blacksmith Burger, and the Beer Plant Curry Plate. Without a doubt, The Beer Plant is among the best vegan restaurants Austin has to offer.

2. True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen is not a fully vegan restaurant, but it offers a wide palette of vegan dishes. The restaurant is located on West Avenue, and is open every day of the week. True Food opens at 10am and closes around 10pm.

The menu offers a wide selection of delicious vegan options. Some of the most popular items include kale guacamole, the TLT sandwich, and charred cauliflower. The ancient grains and the spicy Panang curry bowls are amazing, as well. The restaurant also offers a wide range of beers and wines.

3. Counter Culture

If you’re in the mood for some vegan-style comfort food, then Counter Culture is your place. This fine eatery offers a 100% vegan menu and a pleasant atmosphere. The restaurant is located on East Cesar Chavez Avenue, and is one of the best vegan restaurants Austin currently has.

Some of the most prominent items on the menu include the magnificent Jackfruit BBQ, southern baked seitan, and bean quesadilla. If you can’t decide on a particular meal, give their daily pizza a try. The brunch menu is also available on weekends.

4. Capital City Bakery

Capital City Bakery is one of the best places in town if you have a craving for sweets. Their menu is completely vegan and includes a wide variety of tasty treats. The bakery is located near Counter Culture on Eastern Cesar Chavez Avenue, and is open 9am-7pm every day.

The bakery offers a broad selection of desserts—ranging from cupcakes and brownies to full-sized cakes. Cinnamon rolls, rice crispies, and cheesecakes are also on the menu. Capital City Bakery also does custom orders and weddings.

5. Casa de Luz

Although it’s one of the best vegan restaurants Austin currently offers, Casa de Luz is much more than a simple eatery. It is a non-profit organization oriented towards the promotion of healthy eating and healing through plant-based food. They are located on Tomey Road, near the Lamar Street Bridge.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are centered on simple and delicious vegan recipes and change daily. Along with regular meals, Casa de Luz also offers a selection of fantastic desserts made of seasonal vegetables and fruits.

6. Citizen Eatery

Citizen Eatery is one of the hottest new vegan places in Austin. It is a modern restaurant with a focus on fresh, raw ingredients and gluten-free recipes. The eatery is located on the Burnet Road, and is open seven days a week.

Both vegetarian and vegan options make up the menu. Some of the most popular vegan dishes include the Citizen Burger, the vegan Bolognese, and the egg scramble with tofu. Both the service and the food are of stellar quality, earning this restaurant a hearty recommendation.

7. The Vegan Nom

The Vegan Nom is one of the most popular dining places among Austin vegans, and it more than deserves its spot on the list of the best vegan restaurants Austin has to offer. This popular eatery is a taco truck located on East Cesar Chavez Avenue. The Nom’s self-proclaimed mission is to save the world with vegan tacos! The truck is open Tuesday to Sunday.

Every item on the menu is completely plant-based, and—with a few exceptions—also gluten-free. If you decide to stop by and have yourself some vegan Mexican street food, make sure to try the quesadillas and nachos, as they’re among the best in town.

8. BBQ Revolution

With BBQ Revolution, the traditional Texas-style barbecue gets a meat-free makeover. This is a trailer-style eatery with some of the finest vegan barbecue meals available in town. They are located on Webberville Road and work Monday to Saturday.

The Mom’s Potato Salad, garbanzo tempeh ribs, and the BBQ combo platter are some of the most popular items on the menu. Make sure to give the smokey curls, coleslaw, and the No Bull brisket a go.

9. The Steeping Room

A huge selection of high-quality teas from around the world puts The Steeping Room on the lists of best tea houses in Texas and the USA. Aside from teas, this restaurant also offers a wide range of healthy dishes. They are located on North Lamar Boulevard.

While not exclusively vegan, The Steeping Room’s menu offers some awesome vegan options. Highlights include the Tao of Green salad, the Napa rolls, and the Mediterranean plate. After the meal, you can treat yourself to one of their delicious cupcakes.

10. Bistro Vonish

Bistro Vonish is another food truck eatery centered on vegan food. Don’t let the style fool you, because Bistro Vonish specializes in fancy, upscale dishes. They are located on the North Loop and are open from Tuesday to Sunday. The menu changes daily, so no two days are the same at Bistro Vonish.

Their BBQ seitan sandwich, tofu scramble, and black garlic bruschetta are absolute crowd favorites. The cinnamon rolls and the mousseline chocolate pie are popular dessert options.

11. Arlo’s

Arlo’s is one of Austin’s most prominent food trucks, as well as a local vegan favorite eatery. Due to its immense popularity and outstanding food quality, Arlo’s deserves to be named one of the best vegan restaurants Austin has to offer.

The truck is located on East 6th Street and offers a vegan take on a wide range of traditional BBQ recipes. Menu highlights include the street taco, the Chipotle Chik’n, and the classic BBQ burger.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for the best vegan restaurants, Austin might be a very pleasant surprise. The city boasts some pretty impressive vegan and vegan-friendly eateries, and they have something for every palate here.

September 30, 2018 By Sylvia

Best Vegan Restaurants – Phoenix

The food scene in Phoenix has had an underwhelming reputation for a long time, but that reputation is changing at a breakneck speed. Over the last decade, Phoenix has become well-known for its restaurants. No other city in Arizona can offer as much variety when it comes to dining out.

All the staples of Southwest cuisine are present—including Sonoran Mexican dishes—but Phoenix’s restaurants and cafés serve a number of international dishes as well. Asian cooking has also become popular among Phoenicians.

Discover Some of the Best Vegan Restaurants in Phoenix, AZ

There is a growing demand for vegan cuisine all across Arizona. In response, Phoenix offers a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian cooking. It can be hard to decide where to start, so here are twelve of the best vegan restaurants Phoenix has to offer.

1. Vegan House

We start the lineup with a utilitarian eatery located on West Adams Street. Vegan House also offers delivery and takeout.

If you’re in the mood for vegan seafood, consider the hot pot that features plant-based shrimp and fish. The clay pot vegan shrimp is delicious as well.

The most popular dishes are the veggie rolls and the summer rolls in this all-vegan restaurant. You can also try their grilled vegetable dumplings or their soy chicken topped with orange sauce. For dessert, consider the sweet purple rice with whole mango.

2. The Coronado

Located on North 7th Street, The Coronado is one of Phoenix’s best vegan restaurants when you’re looking for an elegant ambiance. Their dishes are beautifully served and you can enjoy a quiet meal out on their patio.

The menu is extensive and features many Mexican-inspired dishes. Don’t miss out on the red bean quesadillas, the garbanzo burger, or the fried guac. There also have many unique salads to choose from, including a fennel salad with oranges and grapefruit.

3. Veggie Village

Located on East Northern Avenue, Veggie Village is a vegetarian restaurant where every dish can be customized for vegans. Their menu includes various Asian dishes such as fried wonton, orange soy chicken, and a soy mutton curry. Don’t miss out on their soy shrimp or the marinated seaweed salad.

4. Nami tSoft tServe

Nami specializes in homemade vegan ice cream based on coconut milk. It’s served with various syrups, nuts, fruits, and coffees—not to mention their organic peanut butter, house-made caramel, or chai flavorings.

Nami also offers breakfast and brunch options like quiche and burritos. You can try their bagels, donuts, and various cakes. If you have a sweet tooth, look up this café on North 7th Street.

5. Persian Garden Café

You can find the Persian Garden Café on West Thomas Road. This restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and serves a variety of vegan-friendly dishes. For example, you can opt for the braised potato burger with Persian spices, or you can try their grilled eggplant. They also serve delicious dessert options including a vegan carrot cake.

6. Simon’s Hot Dogs

Simon’s specializes in Colombian-style hot dogs. They’re not exclusively vegan, but you can choose between two different plant-based sausages. One looks and tastes similar to meat-based sausages, while the other contains delicious sundried tomatoes and basil.

All the toppings come with vegan options. You shouldn’t miss out on the classic Colombian hot dog served with pineapple and vegan mozzarella. You can also choose from options of mustard and vegan bacon, or an avocado-topped hot dog with hummus.

When you’re not in the mood for a hot dog, you can opt for the vegan lentil burger. Simon’s Hot Dogs also serves a wide selection of fries and dips. If you’re intrigued by these plant-based twists on street food, you can find Simon’s Hot Dogs on North Drinkwater Boulevard.

7. Green Vegetarian Restaurant

In spite of the name, everything served at Green is 100% vegan, rather than vegetarian. This restaurant features well-loved comfort foods made entirely from plants. Don’t miss out on the BBQ sandwich, the buffalo vegan chicken, or the vegan chili. You can also try the Thai peanut bowl or the Singapore-inspired orange soy glaze.

8. Dark Hall Coffee

Located on North 7th Avenue, Dark Hall Coffee is an atmospheric coffee shop with delicious vegan desserts. Their macarons are unforgettable, and you can also go for delicacies such as their apple-fig galette. Their coffee is served with vegan milk and you can order the fig and toasted almond platter to go with it.

9. Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant

If you’re in the mood for Ethiopian cuisine, find Gojo on East Thomas Road. While some of the dishes served here are meat-based, Gojo uses a mouthwatering assortment of herbs and vegetables. Their plant-based dishes include mushroom cooked with berbere and onions, red split lentils, and collard greens cooked with onions and garlic. Everything is served with injera, which is a sourdough-risen flatbread from the Horn of Africa.

10. Mi Vegana Madre

If you’re interested in authentic Mexican cuisine, consider Mi Vegana Madre. This vegan restaurant is located on West Palmaire Avenue. Try their enmoladas or their veggie-based tacos. You should also consider their veggie nachos, which are served with soy meat marinated in pineapple chili sauce.

11. MAD Greens

MAD Greens serves plant-based fast food all across the country. Their Phoenix location is on the corner of 7th Avenue and McDowell. The best thing about MAD Greens is that you can create your own salad from a wide variety of vegetables, nuts, and dressings. You can also go for their Buddha bowl or one of their wraps.

12. Urban Beans

Located on North 7th Street, Urban Beans is a café that rivals the city’s best vegan restaurants. Phoenix residents love it for the homelike atmosphere, but it’s also elegant enough to host special occasions.

Their raw tacos are a popular option. If you’re in the mood for a filling breakfast, consider their protein pancakes. Urban Beans also offers a wide selection of wine and draught beers.

A Final Thought

This list just scratched the surface of the best vegan restaurants Phoenix has to offer. The city is filled with hidden cafés and hole-in-the-way eateries that serve amazing vegan fare. Phoenix is undergoing rapid development, so there are new vegan and vegetarian enterprises popping up all the time.

Are you visiting this beautiful city? Or are you a Phoenician who has yet to discover the city’s vegan options? Either way, you should take the time to enjoy the culinary creativity you can find in the Silicon Desert.

September 27, 2018 By Sylvia

Best Vegan Restaurants – San Diego

Whether you’re local or new to San Diego, you’ve already heard great things about the city’s food scene. Dining out in San Diego means that you can experience authentic cuisines from all around the world.

The city’s restaurants, pizzerias, and wineries are well-known throughout the country, but what can you expect if you’re looking for an all-vegan meal?

12 of the Best Vegan Restaurants in San Diego, CA

The good news is that San Diego offers an extensive selection of vegan options. However, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the possible choices. Here is a taster of some of the best vegan restaurants San Diego has to offer.

1. Sattvik Foods

Located on Miramar Road, Sattvik Foods is a welcoming café that also offers pickup options. This restaurant offers a delicious fusion of African and Asian cuisine. The chef takes inspiration from his own Kenyan culinary heritage, as well as the Sattvik diet that originated in Ayurvedic tradition.

The café offers a healthful weekly menu that features rice dishes, dal, and fresh vegetables of many different kinds. You can also sample the samosas and other Indian fast food options. Additionally, there are delicious drinks to choose from, including masala chai.

2. Soulshine

This Mission Boulevard café offers an excellent variety of vegan tapas, including sushi and falafel sliders. Soulshine is also well-known for the noodle bowls and brown rice bowls, as well as the exciting daily soup/salad combo. But it’s the coffee that really makes this option stand out, so make sure to try their fresh-pressed java with golden turmeric foam.

3. Peace Pies

If you’re in the mood for a delicious vegan slice of pie, visit Peace Pies on Voltaire Street. Their selection is raw and gluten-free as well as entirely plant-based. Don’t miss out on their coconut cream pies or the raw apple pie. There are more delicious dessert options besides pie, including cacao truffles.

Peace Pies offers more than only desserts. If you’re looking for a quick bite, this is one of the best vegan restaurants San Diego has to offer you. You might like the marinated veggie pizza, the mango curry wrap, or the zucchini lasagna.

4. Café Gratitude

For an upscale dining experience, consider Café Gratitude. This gourmet vegan restaurant has locations all across the country. In San Diego, they’re located on Kettner Boulevard.

Their menu features an international selection of plant-based dishes. You can start your feast with nachos and then move on to the Asian kale and wakame salad. Their macrobiotic bowl is a popular option and you can also try the raw Mexican lasagna.

5. Sipz Fusion Café

Sipz is located on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. This eatery features a fusion of different East Asian cuisines, including Vietnamese and Japanese dishes. Not every dish here is vegan, but you can go for many delicious plant-based options. The vegan crab rangoons are definitely worth checking out, as are the traditional desserts.

6. Starry Lane Bakery

This bakery offers a selection that avoids the top ten most common allergens. You can find Starry Lane Bakery on 4th Avenue. Whether you’re looking for brownies, cookies, or vegan cupcakes, this bakery won’t disappoint. They also offer various flatbreads, as well as seasoned croutons.

7. Anthem Vegan

Anthem Vegan is a restaurant on El Cajon Boulevard, but you can try their menu at three different pop-ups in farmers markets across the city. If you’re hoping to stock your own pantry with innovative vegan garnishes, you can order Anthem’s house-made sauces in bottled form.

The restaurant offers an extensive and filling selection of vegan breakfast foods. Besides breakfast, there are wraps and sandwiches you don’t want to miss out on if you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine. You can also opt for the vegan burgers and sausages with Anthem Originals aioli.

8. O. B. Garden Café

Although they aren’t exclusively vegan, O. B. Garden Café offers an amazing selection of plant-based meals. Everything at this café is organic and vegetarian. You can find them on Voltaire Street in Ocean Beach.

This is a great option if you’re looking for a friendly, relaxed ambiance. O. B Garden Café hosts occasional rooftop yoga classes in their rooftop lounge. They offer an excellent selection of coupons for repeat customers and even sell shirts with the café’s logo.

Their menu features well-loved vegan staples such as hummus wraps, Portobello mushroom burgers, and jackfruit tacos. You can also go for the meat-free Caesar salad or the potato pot pie. For dessert, consider the avocado chocolate mousse. There is also an excellent selection of beverages, including kombucha, as well as various smoothies.

9. Plumeria

Plumeria is located on Park Boulevard. This café features a mouthwatering variety of vegetarian and vegan meals served in decorative ways.

If you enjoy Thai dishes, Plumeria is one of the best vegan restaurants San Diego can offer you. Their signature ‘flower cups’ contain GMO-free tofu and traditional Thai seasonings. There are also wok mixes and rich curries that combine many different vegan ingredients to great effect.

10. Grains Café

When you’re in the mood for a rustic ambiance, consider visiting Grains on Adams Avenue. This restaurant serves both vegans and vegetarians. Their specialties include vegan seafood replacements, such as the grilled mushroom ‘calamari.’ Don’t miss out on the kale tempura and their beautifully served kale salad.

11. Donna Jean

Although their selection is plant-based, Donna Jean evokes an old-fashioned American dining experience. The cozy décor and the friendly staff make this restaurant a great option for a family outing. Donna Jean is located on Fifth Avenue.

Their brunch menu features gluten-free crepes and the chicken-fried mushrooms. For lunch and dinner, consider the mac and cheese or the vegan pizzas. The risotto is delicious as well. As for dessert, you can go for the peach cobbler or the NM Chile pie.

12. Kindred Bar

You can find Kindred on 30th Street. They offer an exciting selection of cocktails, but you can go for komboucha as well. Their snacks include seitan skewers, buffalo pickled cauliflower, and mushroom fig sausage.

This bar also doesn’t disappoint if you’re looking for something more filling. You can opt for veggie bowls, soy salads, or the BBQ jackfruit sandwich. Try the strawberry shortcake for dessert.

A Final Word

Locally produced fruits and vegetables are used to the best possible effect by all of the city’s best vegan restaurants. San Diego eateries have steady access to fresh mushrooms, avocados, citrus fruits, eggplants, olives, and tomatoes. Fans of vegan seafood will also find a delicious variety of options.

There is something in this city for every palate and it’s easy to find amazing culinary innovations. If you’re dining out in San Diego, challenge yourself to try something new.

September 25, 2018 By Sylvia

Best Vegan Restaurants – San Antonio

In 2017, San Antonio was chosen as one of UNESCO’s three Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the United States. According to UNESCO, this city has an extremely innovative and health-conscious food scene. San Antonians place a particular focus on urban agriculture, which is why many restaurants grow their own food.

It’s not surprising that the city’s vegan and vegetarian restaurants are well-liked, but how do you find the best vegan eats in San Antonio?

Eating Green in Mission City: 12 of the Best Vegan Restaurants in San Antonio, TX

Here is a list that covers some of the best vegan restaurants San Antonio has to offer. If you’re not sure where to dine out while visiting the Alamo, this selection might give you some ideas. Even native San Antonians might discover a new eatery or café.

1. Earth Burger

Let’s start the lineup with a veggie burger stand. Earth Burger has a location on Northwest Loop and another on Nacogdoches Road.

Their roasted quinoa-lentil burger is particularly popular, and it’s served with traditional garnishes, such as pickles. You can also opt for the fishless fillet or the spicy vegan chicken sandwich. In addition to fries, you can order apple slices, hummus, or kale salad on the side. Earth Burger also offers brownies and coconut soft serve.

2. Thai Vegan

Thai Vegan is one of the best vegan restaurants San Antonio has to offer to fans of East Asian cuisine. The ambiance is calm and cozy, making this restaurant a lovely choice for a family outing. You can find Thai Vegan on Huebner Road.

The menu is extensive and entirely plant-based. Their specialties include soy fish in sweet chili, soy shrimp spinach noodles, and pan-fried soy chicken with peanut sauce. If you prefer to avoid soy, you can sample the stir-fried green beans or the chili eggplant. As for dessert, you can try banana spring rolls, green tea ice cream, and a few more Thai delicacies.

3. La Botanica

Located on North St Mary’s Street, La Botanica is a restaurant and bar with a considerable tradition. They host community discussions and music events, providing a welcoming and bohemian atmosphere.

La Botanica offers a selection of creative drinks that features house-made cucumber fresca. There are also excellent vegan snacks to choose from. You can grab an empanada or try the deep-fried rice balls with red beans. They occasionally offer seasonal eats as well.

4. Sushi Zushi

Although they aren’t exclusively vegan, this sushi bar offers filling and mouthwatering plant-based dishes. Sushi Zushi features seaweed salad, Japanese cucumber salad, and various veggie spring rolls. They have four locations across San Antonio, including one in Stone Oak Plaza.

5. Green at Pearl

In the 19th century, Pearl was a brewery. Since 2001, however, it has grown into a complex cultural-culinary space. If you’re hoping to go shopping, attend an art exhibition, or relax at a spa, you won’t be disappointed by Pearl.

There are various restaurants worth visiting at Pearl, and many of them serve vegan options. The most notable is Green, as this is the city’s only kosher vegetarian restaurant. You can find Green on East Grayson Street.

They offer a variety of comfort foods, including plant-based chicken marsala, veggie bowls, and vegan fish and chips. All of the dishes come in vegetarian and vegan forms, so make sure to clarify your preference when you order.

6. Tapatio Vegan Tacos

You can find Tapatio Vegan Tacos on South Alamo Street. This is a vegan food truck vendor serving authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex specialties. They use cashew milk cheeses, jackfruit, and wheat-based meat substitutes. In addition to the wide selection of tacos, you can go for the burritos and the molletes.

7. Munch On

Located on Westmore Road, Munch On offers a wide selection of snacks and beverages. You may enjoy the enchilada casserole or the vegan shepherd’s pie. There are tamales and quesadillas as well.

Munch On is best-known for the desserts. You can opt for cheesecakes served in Mason jars or you can sample the cookies or the stuffed dates. For a quick but healthful breakfast, consider the Acai bowls or the smoothies.

8. Pavani Express

Pavani Express is a simple Indian eatery located on Evers Road. While they aren’t vegan-only, this restaurant serves a wide variety of vegan dishes. You can opt for one of their dosas and eat it with lentil soup. Don’t miss out on the Gobi Manchurian, a traditional recipe based on cauliflower.

9. Boba Tea Garden

If you haven’t tried boba tea before, you’re in for a treat. This is a popular Taiwanese drink and Boba Tea Garden can give you the authentic boba experience.

These drinks are based on tea, but they come with various toppings. At Boba Tea Garden, you can try boba with the usual tapioca balls or with various jellies. There is brown rice protein boba as well.

This café also offers vegan meals made with East Asian recipes. For example, they serve grilled lemongrass tofu, spring rolls, and seafood noodle soup. You can find this restaurant on Culebra Road.

10. Viva Vegaria

Viva Vegaria is located on Nogalitos Street. If you are looking for gluten-free Tex-Mex dishes, this is one of the best vegan restaurants San Antonio has to offer you. Everything on the menu is made fresh using vegan ingredients.

You may enjoy their selection of taquitos, all served with charro beans and Mexican rice. Viva Vegaria also offers nachos, enchiladas, tacos, and Buffalo wings. If you’re in the mood for a raw salad, go for the stuffed avocados.

11. Lick Honest Ice Creams

Dairy-free vegan ice cream isn’t easy to hunt down, especially if you prefer unusual flavors, but Lick Honest Ice Creams has a delightful vegan selection made from coconut milk. Their scoop shop is located on Pearl Parkway.

If you’re in the mood for nutty richness, try the black sesame black rice flavor. You may want to combine it with a scoop of peaches and coconut cream. As for sauces, this ice cream shop offers vegan chocolate and house-made caramel.

12. Bok Choy

Bok Choy is located on Broadway Street and offers a cozy ambiance. This vegan restaurant serves Asian fusion cuisine and their selection is extensive. Don’t miss out on the yellow curry tofu or the rice noodles with Thai basil. The drinks menu features Vietnamese coffee and boba tea.

A Final Word

You can find dishes from many different cultures in the city’s best vegan restaurants. San Antonio is well-known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, but it’s also easy to find East Asian, South American, and Mediterranean delicacies. There is something in this city for everyone.

September 23, 2018 By Sylvia

Best Vegan Restaurants – Philadelphia

Considering that the hoagie and the cheesesteak originated here, Philly has a reputation for prizing meat-based dishes. Soft pretzels are another local invention, and they are disappointingly made with lard.

However, this city’s history always included vegetarian and vegan cooking as well. At the moment, Philadelphia has a vibrant and welcoming vegan food scene.

Dine Out in Style at the Best Vegan Restaurants in Philadelphia, PA

Philly features a mouthwatering selection of vegan dishes from many different cultures, but where do you start? Here are some of the best vegan restaurants Philadelphia has to offer, as well as a glance at some of the city’s vegan bars and cafés.

1. Govinda’s Vegetarian

Govinda’s Vegetarian is a popular eatery that takes inspiration from traditional Indian cuisine. They offer Vedic, halal, and kosher meals, and most of their menu is vegan. You can find Govinda’s on South Street.

You can start your meal with house-made hummus and then go for one of the mesclun greens salads. Their entrees include plant-based alternatives to various steak and fish dishes. Finally, consider their vegan ice cream, which comes in a variety of flavors.

2. Pure Sweets

For organic and gluten-free vegan fare, consider Pure Sweets & Co on Locust Street. Try the nut-based Greek yogurt with muesli for breakfast, or go for the organic avocado toast. Their dinner menu features tempeh burgers, portabella avocado sushi, Vietnamese noodles, and many other gourmet dishes. Pure Sweets also serves refreshing raw elixirs and organic protein shakes.

3. Vedge

Located on Locust Street, Vedge is one of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Philadelphia is best-known for its street food, but it also provides a dazzling upscale dining experience. This restaurant has a relaxing and elegant ambiance and all of their dishes are a visual delight.

Vedge offers a varied assortment of cold delicacies and grilled dishes. For example, you could start with their mushroom carpaccio and then opt for the wood-roasted carrot with pumpernickel and garbanzos. There is also a seasonal selection, which features unique dishes such as corn chowder with smoked potato.

The dessert menu is excellent too. You can opt for blueberry cheesecake or mud pie with BBQ pecans. If you’re a wine connoisseur, you can sample their natural wines from 70 different producers.

4. Wiz Kid

The owners of Vedge Restaurant also operate a casual diner on South 19th Street. This is Wiz Kid and it’s a great choice when you’re in a hurry.

This vegan eatery honors the traditions of Philly street food. Their take on the hoagie features smoked tofu with plant-based provolone. You can also try their Philly steak, which is made from seitan and mushrooms. The Korean fried tempeh sandwich with radish kimchi is another example of their memorable gourmet fast food.

5. Mama’s Vegetarian

When you’re in the mood for a falafel sandwich, visit Mama’s Vegetarian on South 20th Street. They serve falafels with hummus that you can top with hot sauce. The sides include pickles, pineapples, grapes, and various fresh vegetables. You can also try their fried eggplants and veggie platters.

6. Vegan Commissary

Vegan Commissary is located on Wolf Street. They provide catering and meal plans for vegan clients, but it’s their plant-based BBQ that makes Vegan Commissary stand out. You can order seitan pulled pork, carrot dogs, and a few more veggie takes on grilled classics. As a side, go for the grilled sweet potato with tempeh salad.

7. Cantina Los Caballitos

For vegan-friendly Mexican dishes, consider Cantina Los Caballitos on East Passyunk Ave. When you order tacos or burritos, you can opt for fillings such as seitan or vegan beef. Their sesame seitan skewers are worth checking out as well. This cantina is well-loved for the tequila flights, and you can also enjoy their mescal selection.

8. Miss Rachel’s Pantry

If you’re in the mood for a sweet, homelike atmosphere, make a reservation at Miss Rachel’s Pantry. They’re located on South Chadwick Street. It’s important to note that they serve prix-fixe (fixed-price) dinners, but you can also drop in on Fridays and Saturdays to try their cooking.

Pasta is a popular option at the public dinners. Miss Rachel’s is a BYOB restaurant, but non-alcoholic beverages are included in the price of your meal.

9. V Street Food Bar

For vegan street food and an extensive drinks menu, consider V Street. This restaurant is located on South 19th Street and is owned by the chefs behind Wiz Kid and Vedge.

The dinner menu features banh mi tacos with green chile, chilled kimchi noodles, and trumpet mushroom shawarma. For breakfast or brunch, consider the blackberry waffles or the Peruvian taco plate. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t skip the purple sweet potato ice cream.

10. Charlie Was a Sinner

This vegan bar is located on South 13th Street and their motto is “We don’t talk about Charlie.” If you’re willing to live with the uncertainty, you’ll enjoy their assortment of plant-based snacks and entrees.

From cauliflower steak to silken tofu ramen, Charlie Was a Sinner has something for everyone. You can nibble on the zucchini crab cake sliders as you sample their extensive drinks menu. For dessert, consider the Buddy Holly milkshake with rum and vanilla bean ice cream.

11. Bar Bombón

If you’re in the mood for Latin cuisine, Bar Bombón is one of the best vegan restaurants Philadelphia has to offer. They serve vegan Puerto Rican dishes with some exciting innovations.

Start your meal with guac fresca and then move on to the poblano and corn soup. Don’t miss out on their nopales and rice enchiladas served with roasted cactus. The tres leches cake is a particularly well-loved dessert option.

Bar Bombón has a cheerful but elegant location on South 18th Street. Note that they also do takeout.

12. Blackbird Pizzeria

No tour of Philadelphia’s food scene is complete until you visit a pizzeria. Blackbird Pizzeria has a location on North 2nd Street and another one on South Street. You can also order from them online.

Their specialty pizzas come with seitan sausages, smoked tofu, and violife cheese. It’s not surprising that the vegan cheesesteak pizza is one of their most popular options. You can also opt for calzones, sandwiches, and a delicious variety of salads.

A Final Thought

You can spot the Italian-American influence in many of the best vegan restaurants Philadelphia can offer. The city also celebrates the traditional dishes of other international cuisines. From grungy cafés to upscale restaurants, you’ll find a multicultural selection at nearly every Philly establishment.

September 20, 2018 By Sylvia

Best Vegan Restaurants – Dallas

Where do you find the best plant-based meal in Dallas, Texas?

The prospect of eating out while vegan may seem daunting at first. Dallasites are well-known for their love of BBQ, and steak features in many of the local specialties.

But Dallas is a diverse and evolving city, with a wide selection of vegan eateries. Don’t forget to check out the food trucks, which can rival the city’s best vegan restaurants. Dallas also offers various upscale, all-vegan cafés.

12 of the Best Vegan Restaurants in Dallas, TX

If you’re new in D-Town or you don’t have much experience with the vegan food scene, it can be hard to know where to start. Here is a list that will help you discover some of the most delicious vegan dishes out there.

1. Spiral Diner & Bakery

If you’re on the hunt for vegan comfort food, consider Spiral Diner on North Beckley Avenue. Spiral has a proud tradition of serving plant-based versions of your favorite childhood dishes. Founded in 2002, Spiral is now one of the pillars of the Dallas vegan scene.

You may want to start with their Blue Plate Special with vegan chick’n, potatoes, peas, carrots, and green beans. Then you can sample their burgers with a wide selection of garnishes. You can also go for the hot plates, which include vegan quesadillas, nachos, and meatballs served with spaghetti or brown noodles.

For dessert, try their homemade vegan ice cream in four different flavors. There’s also a wide variety of vegan cakes you can order from their bakery. Spiral is a great choice when you’re craving cookies or a slice of pie.

2. El Palote Panaderia

El Palote offers delicious plant-based Mexican dishes. This eatery is located on South Buckner Boulevard.

Their enchiladas, burritos, flautas, and tamales are all entirely vegan. You have various soy fillings to choose from, and it’s also up to you to decide whether you want flour tortillas or corn tortillas. While you’re there, don’t miss out on El Palote’s award-winning tacos.

3. Soulgood

For organic vegan fast food, Soulgood is one of the best vegan restaurants Dallas has to offer. They operate a food truck that you can locate by following their Facebook events.

Their menu covers a variety of breakfast options, including organic vegan pancakes and sandwiches. For lunch and dinner, try their sandwiches, wraps, and tacos. You can also try their vegan sweet sticks and the organic PB&J.

Soulgood is also a good option if you’re looking for a way to give back to the community. Their volunteers serve hot meals to homeless children and 5% of all their profits go to charities.

4. Cosmic Café

Cosmic Café is an Indian-inspired vegan eatery on Oak Lawn Avenue. They are well-known for hosting events like poetry readings, as well as yoga and meditation classes.

Try their curried vegetable of the day, served with lentil broth and nan. You can also go for the sautéed bell peppers or the veggie stir-fries. Cosmic Café also offers a selection of vegan pizzas.

5. Reverie Bakeshop

For a delicious and filling breakfast, try the Reverie Bakeshop, which is located on North Coit Road in Richardson. The menu features quiche, black bean empanadas, and gluten-free muffins. This bakeshop is also an excellent choice if you’re in need of a beautifully decorated all-vegan cake for a special occasion. Their cupcakes and pies make for a delicious everyday snack, too.

6. Be Raw

Be Raw is a great café for fans of raw vegan dishes and smoothies. They have a location on Berkshire Lane with an exceptionally welcoming vibe.

Their specialties include flaxseed burgers, vegan sushi, and raw tacos or nachos. You can also try their special all-raw BBQ sandwiches. For dessert, you can go for their chocolate elixirs or the chocolate glazed donut holes.

7. V-Eats Modern Vegan

Located on Gulden Lane, this restaurant specializes in vegan barbeques. Starting from the appetizers, everything at V-Eats evokes the classic Texan diner experience.

You may enjoy the chili cheese dog, the brisket tacos, or the plant-based chicken fried steak. The salad selection is extensive and you can also try their delicious stuffed avocados. For dessert, V-Eats offers house-made gelato and bread pudding.

8. Pizza Lounge

Although it isn’t exclusively vegan, Pizza Lounge offers an extensive selection of plant-based options. This pizzeria is located on Exposition Avenue.

You can opt for their gourmet vegan pies, featuring vegan cheese options and a selection of meat-free sausages. But if you prefer, Pizza Lounge lets you choose your own toppings. If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for the roasted cauliflowers with homemade flatbread.

9. D’Vegan

D’Vegan is a tiny Vietnamese eatery hidden away on Walnut Street. If you’re in the mood for plant-based Vietnamese cuisine, give D’Vegan a try. Their pho is especially well-loved, and you can also try the beef seitan lemongrass noodles. There is also a wide selection of rice bowls to choose from.

10. Sundown at Granada

Although they’re not exclusively vegan, this organic restaurant offers a great selection of vegan dishes. You can find Sundown at Granada on Greenville Avenue. The ambiance is particularly alluring, as this restaurant features a multi-level patio with a beautiful view.

You can try their vegan Benedict quinoa patty. There are delicious fries and falafels you can eat with roasted organic farm-to-table veggies. Apart from the food, it’s the extensive drinks menu that makes this restaurant really stand out, particularly the wines and the cocktails.

11. Goji Café

If you’re in the mood for a vegan take on traditional Chinese dishes, Goji Café might be the best vegan restaurant Dallas has to offer you. They also have a selection of authentic vegan dishes from other Asian cuisines. You can find Goji Café on Royal Lane.

Start your meal with vegan rolls, followed by pho soup or noodle soup. Then you can opt for one of their rice dishes, featuring tofu, seaweed, soy protein, or a variety of delicious vegetables. If the rice bowls don’t appeal to you, consider the pad Thai or the stir-fried tofu noodles.

12. Recipe Oak Cliff

Located on South Ewing Avenue, Recipe Oak Cliff offers various vegan delicacies to-go. Their falafel hummus wrap is especially well-known. You can also go for the smoked jackfruit tacos with avocados, tomato salsa, and vegan cheese. Don’t miss out on the fresh juices, teas, and the hemp milk smoothies.

A Final Word

This is only a brief glimpse of the area’s best vegan restaurants. Dallas is a surprisingly great city for enjoying healthful vegan delicacies. Whether you like traditional dishes or innovations, you are sure to find a restaurant that suits your taste.

September 18, 2018 By Sylvia

Is Miso Soup Vegan? Discover the Truth About This Japanese Dish

Miso soup is slowly but surely moving from the dining tables of the Japanese into the Western mainstream. Although most people can enjoy the energizing flavors of miso soup, there is still one important question to answer—is miso soup vegan?

The saddening truth is that most traditionally-made miso soups are not vegan. However, most restaurants in Japan and the West would usually be willing to prepare a vegan miso for you.

A few preparation tips and tricks will allow you to enjoy the pungent vegan miso taste at home as well. You can also ask a Japanese chef to do it for you, but don’t be surprised if you get a smirk or two.

One way or the other, it is all about the ingredients that go into the soup. Here is what you need to know to have a better understanding of miso.

Traditional Japanese Miso Soup

In general, Japanese cuisine adheres to a set of relatively strict rules that involve a characteristic preparation style and specific ingredients. The same rules apply, even to a seemingly simple dish like miso soup. But rules are there to be bent, right?

Anyway, traditional miso soup has a few main ingredients and all but one are vegan-friendly. However, even one non-vegan ingredient is enough to give a negative answer to the question “is miso soup vegan?”

A steamed soybean paste, or miso, is the primary base for this soup. Another vegan-friendly ingredient is koji. Koji is the Japanese name for fermented soybeans, rice, or barley. The one ingredient that makes traditional Japanese miso non-vegan is katsuobushi dashi.

Katsuobushi dashi is the miso soup stock. It consists of water, dried fermented tuna shavings, and kelp. Since tuna shavings are one of the primary ingredients, this specific type of miso cannot be considered vegan.

There are also some miso soup recipes that include some other types of fish. Niboshi dashi, for example, uses dried baby sardines instead of tuna, but it’s still not vegan.

You may wonder, are any of the traditional Japanese miso varieties vegan? Luckily, there are!

Traditional Vegan Miso

There are two miso recipes that use ingredients other than fish, which make them perfectly suitable for vegans. If you order shiitake and kombu dashi miso at your favorite Japanese restaurant, there is no need to worry. That’s because mushrooms and seaweed replace the fish in these miso varieties.

In addition, some contemporary recipes allow you to create a tasty vegan miso in your own kitchen. Thus, there is no need to scratch your head and ask “is miso soup vegan?” Just roll up your sleeves and follow one of these recipes to get the best homemade vegan miso soup.

Miso Noodle Soup

This vegan miso recipe gives you a perfect combination of vegan flavors and a reinvigorating punch we have come to like in miso. Follow the instructions below, and you’ll have two tasty servings of miso in about half an hour.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of miso paste
1 tbsp of grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp of sesame seeds
1 minced garlic clove
1 spring onion
2/3 cup of Soba noodles
1 1/3 cup of chestnut mushrooms
4/5 cup of tofu
1 broccoli head
1 liter of vegetable stock
A handful of green beans and snap peas

Preparation

Slice the spring onion and leave the greens for later. Then put the slices in a big pot and fry them on sesame oil until they soften. Once the slices are soft, add the minced garlic and the ginger and cook for another minute.
Now, you can add the miso paste together with a ladle of vegetable stock. Stir the mix until the miso is completely liquefied. When the miso liquefies, add the rest of the stock and simmer the mix.
While simmering, add the chopped mushrooms and cook for another five minutes. Then add the broccoli and the beans and cook for five more minutes. At the same time, you can prepare the soba noodles following the instructions on the bag. The noodles go at the bottom of the serving bowl.
In the end, add the tofu cubes to the miso soup along with the snap pea pods and cook for a couple more minutes.
Once everything blends nicely together, pour the soup over the soba noodles and garnish it with the spring onion greens and sesame seeds.

Miso soup tastes the best if eaten straight from the pot. You should thus let it cool ever so slightly, and eat the miso as soon as it’s cool enough to sip.

Simple Shiitake Dashi

As previously mentioned, shiitake dashi is a miso soup variety that is suitable for any vegan palate. It is also very easy and quick to prepare. There are only three ingredients in this recipe, so there is no reason you shouldn’t give it a try.

Ingredients

One 6-inch kombu piece
4 dried shiitake
7 cups of water

Preparation

First, you need to soak the shiitake and kombu in water for about 15 minutes. There is no need to use a separate dish—you can soak them in the pot you use for cooking. After 15 minutes, take the shiitake out, remove their stems, and then slice the mushroom heads.
Now, you can put back the sliced mushroom heads and bring the pot to a simmer at medium heat. A five-minute simmer is enough for the kombu to release all of its flavors, so after the simmer, you can remove it from the soup.
Leave the shiitake on for another 15 minutes until they are properly cooked. At this point, you can add other vegetables to your shiitake dashi and continue cooking until everything is nice and tender. To add some extra flavor, you can use a tablespoon of soy sauce or mirin (Japanese rice wine).

Shiitake dashi also works really well with udon or soba noodles, though the noodles might require some extra seasoning. There is one extra tip for shiitake dashi: if you want to get the most of the dried shiitake mushrooms, you should leave them to soak overnight.

The Last Bowl

Is miso soup vegan? Well, the answer is yes, miso can be vegan depending on the ingredients of the soup. If you are ordering miso in a restaurant, you just need to make sure they are not using any fish or animal-based stock.

However, when it comes to a homemade vegan miso, only your imagination is the limit for the ingredients that go into the soup.

September 16, 2018 By Sylvia

Guidelines on How to Eat Vegan on a Budget

Contrary to popular belief, a vegan diet doesn’t have to be expensive. Of course, there are some exotic plants and products that can break the bank, but most vegans choose ingredients for their nutritional properties. This doesn’t mean that the ingredients have to be pricey.

In case you are a vegan on a limited budget, there are some tips and tricks you can use to get the best foods at reasonable prices. It might require some research and careful planning, but you will surely eat healthy vegan meals without going broke.

If you want to know how to eat vegan on a budget, give the following guidelines a try.

Stay Seasonal

Eating fruits and vegetables that are in-season is not only budget-friendly, but it also allows you to get the best out of these foods.

Off-season fruits and vegetables are sometimes much more expensive. This is because they are imported or grown under special conditions. When the producers factor in the overhead, shipping, and upkeep, the prices skyrocket.

However, a lot of the in-season foods for your vegan diet are grown locally and naturally. There is much less upkeep and the shipping cost is lower. What’s more, you are getting the best nutrition from these plants because they are fresh.

Forage the Local Markets

Wondering how to eat vegan on a budget? Well, your local markets are usually great places to find healthy nutritious foods at reasonable prices.

Search your neighborhood to locate the best markets you can find. It doesn’t hurt to ask around a little either. Other people, vegan or non-vegan, are usually more than willing to give you the latest scoop about the best places that sell fresh foods.

You should know that some markets open only on weekends or at designated hours. This information is usually posted on the Internet or on local bulletin boards. Some of the seniors in your neighborhood might also be a great source of information about the local markets in your area.

Befriend a Farmer

The number of small-scale local farmers that produce healthy organic foods is growing, even around densely populated urban areas.

What’s more, a lot of these farmers are quite tech-savvy, so you can easily find them on the Internet. Instagram, for example, is a platform quite a few contemporary farmers utilize to advertise their produce. A simple online search should thus yield a plentitude of places that grow affordable vegan foods.

Don’t hesitate to pay the farmer you like a visit. They love doing business face-to-face, and you might even get some discounts for your effort. On top of that, you will be able to witness their farming practices and conditions first-hand.

Buy in Bulk

This might not sound like a good tip on how to eat vegan on a budget, because buying more equals spending more. However in reality, buying in bulk can do wonders for your budget.

This is especially true if you are visiting a local farmer or market. Most of the farmers or market retailers will be willing to offer you special prices if you buy in bulk. It might take some negotiating, but you will usually end up with quite a bargain for your food.

You need to be careful about the foods you buy in bulk, though. Some foods go bad quicker than others, or they require special upkeep. But if you lay out a wise plan for your vegan diet, you won’t end up throwing away expired food.

Make Your Own Meals

It should go without saying that eating at vegan restaurants on a regular basis can be quite expensive, though you can treat yourself to an occasional dinner with friends, since there are budget vegan restaurants as well.

However, making your own vegan meals gives you better control and understanding of the foods you take in. Take your time to prepare a lunch box, so that you don’t depend on food stalls. This might require some extra effort on your part, but it pays large dividends in the long run.

Don’t worry if you are not a fan of cooking. Most vegan meals take less than half an hour to prepare, and they include only a few ingredients.

Make Your Own Drinks

Some off-the-shelf vegan drinks can be quite expensive. Thankfully, there is no need to spend your hard earned cash since you can make them at home.

Use the ingredients you get from your local farmer and blend them into a tasty drink. You can use some vegan sweeteners for added flavor. In a couple of minutes, you’ll have a tasty nutritious drink at a fraction of the price you’d pay for a ready-made one.

Get Whole Foods

One of the top tips on how to eat vegan on a budget is to buy whole foods. Besides being budget-friendly, whole foods are the healthiest and most nutritious option you can get.

These foods are not processed in any way, which makes them less expensive. What’s more, they are readily available no matter where you buy them. Starchy foods such as potatoes, brown rice, or oats are a great option for your budget-friendly vegan diet.

That’s not to mention the fact that most fruits and vegetables, even the organic ones, can be found at reasonable prices. Nuts can also be quite affordable, especially if you buy in bulk.

Research Your Foods Thoroughly

Thorough research, both online and offline, is paramount to get a better understanding of how to eat vegan on a budget.

Your research should provide invaluable information about the best places to buy food. It will also find you budget-friendly vegan recipes. Don’t hesitate to browse vegan message boards to pick up some tips and tricks from other members of the community.

There are also more than a few vegan blogs that provide a great repository of simple and affordable vegan meals. They can give other insightful guidelines about the vegan lifestyle that could have a positive effect on your budget.

The Last Bite

These simple guidelines can give you a better understanding of how to eat vegan on a budget. Remember, being a vegan is a matter of wise lifestyle choices. It is thus advisable to plan in advance and prepare well before you go out to purchase vegan foods.

Of course, you can still splurge a little every once in a while and treat yourself to a tasty exotic fruit or vegetable!

September 13, 2018 By Sylvia

Top Vegan Diet Benefits for Healthy Living

There are quite a few benefits to eating a vegan diet, but some people still fail to grasp how plant-only nourishment can be good for your health.

The doubt about the vegan choice of foods stems partly from the fact that human beings have evolved to be omnivores. The omnivore nature of humans can be observed in the teeth. Humans, like most other omnivores, have canines, incisors, and chewing molars—ideal tools for their usual meals.

In the contemporary world, however, people don’t have to hunt for meat in order to survive and thrive. In fact, the vegan diet benefits may even exceed the advantages of an omnivore diet.

Take a look at some of the top benefits vegan foods may bring. These benefits should help you get a better understanding of all the positive changes your choice to go vegan may bring.

You Can Shed Excess Weight

A growing number of people resort to a vegan diet to lose weight, and there are some good reasons for making this kind of choice.

As a rule, vegans are much thinner and leaner than non-vegans. A 2013 study found that the participants on a vegan diet were able to lose 9.3lbs more than the group on a regular controlled diet. This is an interesting fact because the participants on a vegan diet were allowed to eat as much as they wanted.

So if you are looking for an effective way to shed excess pounds, going vegan may be just the thing you need. You won’t have to starve yourself or feel hungry all the time. To get the best results, make sure to consume only healthy fresh fruits and vegetables.

Rich in Nutrients

The richness of nutrients that comes with some vegan foods is among the primary vegan diet benefits. As a matter of fact, the vegan diet is even richer in some essential nutrients than most other diet options.

When you decide to ditch animal-based products, you consequently rely solely on other types of food for sustenance. Most vegans, for example, resort to whole foods as a good replacement for animal-based protein and nutrients. Since a vegan diet consists mainly of whole foods, there is a higher intake of healthy nutrients.

What’s more, clear scientific evidence shows that a vegan diet is richer in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. As such, your body won’t lack any of these essential compounds that are required for healthy living.

Improved Heart Health

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most widespread chronic illnesses in the modern world. Recent data indicates that about one in every three deaths in the U.S. is linked to a heart disease or some other cardiovascular condition.

On the bright side, the vegan diet benefits can significantly improve the health of your heart and blood vessels. Namely, eating a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits provides all the fibers, minerals, and other nutrients your cardiovascular system needs.

On top of that, vegan foods like nuts and legumes may keep your blood pressure at an optimal level. Due to this, there is much less risk of stroke and you will feel fitter and more energized.

An Energy Boost

Non-vegans tend to consume a great number of processed sugars and fats. The negative side-effect of these foods is that they notably reduce your energy levels. On the other hand, a vegan diet provides an opposite effect.

When you eat fresh vegan foods rich in minerals and vitamins, you will feel a significant improvement in your energy levels. Even if you are new to the vegan diet, it takes only a week or so for these vegan diet benefits to kick in.

However, being a vegan does not mean that you should deprive yourself of sugars. There are a lot of healthy syrups that add sweetness to your vegan meals. At the same time, you can go for some sugar alternatives like stevia, rapadura, or maple sugar.

Improved Brain Health

Vegans generally feel less anxious and stressed out compared to omnivores. They also tend to have sharper brains than their non-vegan friends. This mental stability and capacity are inextricably linked to the vegan diet and lifestyle.

As you already understand, a vegan diet is packed with foods that are rich in vitamins. The vitamins B12, D, and A are all essential for the proper function of your brain. These vitamins affect the brain’s metabolic processes and may influence your mood and cognitive functions.

When planning your vegan diet, look for fruits and vegetables that are rich in the vitamins mentioned above. This will ensure that you are a sharp and happy cookie.

Healthy Bones

Calcium is the most important element for healthy bones. Non-vegans mostly get their calcium from milk and cheese. However, animal-based dairy products are not the only source of this mineral.

Great calcium sources for vegans include black-eyed peas, figs, and turnip greens. Spinach is another leafy green that contains a bunch of calcium and iron as well. You can also give some animal milk alternatives a try, seeing as plant-based milk substitutes can be highly beneficial for your bones.

You can take almond or soy milk since they are both rich in magnesium and potassium. These minerals are also important for the strength of your bones.

On top of that, a study shows that vegan metabolism is also better at absorbing calcium and some other essential elements.

Lower Risk of Cancer

Among all other vegan diet benefits, a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer might be the most important one.

According to research, if you eat seven or more portions of fresh vegetables or fruits a day, there is 15% less chance you’ll die from cancer. The vegan diet consists of large amounts of legumes and soy products that provide protection from some types of cancer.

In addition, vegans don’t smoke their food or cook it at high temperatures. As a rule, food that has not been processed too much retains all the nutrients and provides better nourishment. Consequently, there is a lower risk of developing cancer.

The Final Takeaway

In today’s fast-paced world, a healthy diet is of utmost importance. Contrary to popular belief, the vegan diet provides your body with all the nourishment it needs. That’s not to mention all the other vegan diet benefits for your overall health. Thus there is no reason to deprive your body of the minerals, vitamins, and nutrients it can get from a vegan diet.

September 9, 2018 By Sylvia

An Answer to a Pressing Question – Are Tortillas Vegan?

There is an unofficial debate going on both online and offline—are tortillas vegan? This seemingly simple question might be bothering tortilla fans who have just turned vegan.

If you belong to the above-mentioned group of people, you are probably asking yourself the above-mentioned question. The answers, suggestions, and vegan tortilla recipes are all over the internet. The fact is, yes, tortillas can be vegan and you don’t have to deprive yourself of these tasty Mexican pancake-like treats.

When it comes to vegan or non-vegan tortillas, it all boils down to preparation. Although most tortillas are in fact vegan, there are some non-vegan variants you should know about.

Vegan and Non-Vegan Tortillas – How to Tell Them Apart?

When you are at your favorite tortilleria, you may ask the vendor, “Are your tortillas vegan?” In most cases, you will get a positive answer. But how can you actually make sure you are getting the thing you want?

Well, there is a simple distinction that makes some tortillas vegan and others non-vegan. As previously mentioned, it’s about the preparation. To be more precise, a single ingredient makes some tortillas unsuitable for vegans.

Below are some tips and tricks on how to tell them apart.

Non-Vegan Tortillas

Wheat flour tortillas, may sometimes contain lard, an unacceptable ingredient in any vegan menu. You should always check whether the tortillas you are buying contain lard or not.

You will get a more accurate response if you ask the vendor at the tortilleria if the tortillas contain lard than if you ask if their tortillas are vegan. The same rule applies if you are buying tortillas at your local supermarket, although there is no need to ask anybody. Just take a look at the label to make sure that there are no animal-based ingredients.

Vegan Tortillas

Tortillas usually contain very few ingredients, which makes them quite appealing for most vegans. To make tortillas, you need some flour, water, oil, and baking soda. All of these are natural and vegan ingredients, so you shouldn’t worry about breaking the rules of your plant-only diet.

A debate has recently sprung up in the online vegan community questioning whether white flour tortillas are truly vegan. The underlying premise was that white flour cannot be vegan due to the bone char bleaching process. However, the premise hasn’t been confirmed to this day.

On the other hand, if the notion of bone char bleaching is bothering you, you can choose other types of flour as an alternative. Wheat flour, for example, is a great option because there is no bleaching process involved. You can also go for the unbleached regular flour. Just make sure that the package has a clear unbleached label.

Either way, if you want to stop asking yourself and others, “Are tortillas vegan?,” you should start making them at home. This way you will have complete control over all the ingredients that go into your tortillas.

In addition, vegan tortillas are quite simple to make even if you are not exactly a chef extraordinaire. There are more than a few vegan tortilla recipes you can find online. The following recipes should be the quickest and simplest to make, but don’t let that fool you. Homemade tortillas are every bit as tasty as the ones you get from your favorite tortilleria.

Basic Vegan Tortilla

This is a recipe for a very simple vegan tortilla. There are only six ingredients you need and the entire process should take less than half an hour including the cooking.

Ingredients

3 cups of flour (wheat or other)
½ tbsp of sugar (you can use vegan sugars)
1 tbsp of salt
½ tbsp of baking soda
6 tbsp of oil (canola oil is a good option)
1 ½ cups of water

Preparation

Get a sizable bowl, dry-mix the ingredients, and then add water and oil. Use your hands to mix the dough. Do rapid hand movements until the dough is stiff enough. You can add some water if needed.

The dough should be kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once it’s elastic enough, let it rest for about 10 minutes. You can place it in a well-oiled bowl and put a wet cloth on top.

After the dough has rested for 10 minutes, take it out and divide it into 12 parts. Each piece should be rolled into a small ball. Then roll out each ball with a rolling pin until it becomes very thin.

Now, you should heat up a pan to medium heat and start putting the tortillas on one-by-one when the pan is hot enough. Each tortilla should be cooked for about two minutes on either side. You are done when tortillas become white.

Vegan Burritos

The answer to the question “Are tortillas vegan?” above may have indicated that burritos cannot be vegan because the tortillas contain lard. However, that is not always the case. This recipe should give you an idea of how to make mouth-watering vegan burritos.

The filling for these vegan burritos consists of salsa, but you can add any other vegan fillings per your desire.

Ingredients

The tortilla ingredients:

1 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of salt
3 cups of flour
¼ cup of olive oil
¾ of hot water

The salsa ingredients:

Chopped coriander
½ tsp of hot chili flakes
25 cherry tomatoes and 3 regular tomatoes
A sliced spring onion
Juice from ½ of a lime
A pinch of pepper and salt

Preparation

Chop the tomatoes into dices then add the sliced spring onion and the chili flakes. Season the mix with pepper and salt to your taste.

Dry-mix the tortilla ingredients before you add hot water and oil. While adding water and oil, you can mix the dough with a spoon. Once it gets firm enough, knead the dough using your hands until it’s nice and elastic. Let the dough rest before you cut it into pieces and then roll out the pieces and bake the tortillas the same way as described in the previous recipe.

After you finish baking, add the filling and enjoy.

The End Tortilla

Are tortillas vegan? Yes, they are, and as a vegan, you can eat all the tortillas you want. However, make sure that there is no lard or other animal-based ingredients in your tortilla.

In addition, tortillas are a great wrapping for your favorite vegan fillings. Feel free to experiment until you find the perfect mix for you.

September 4, 2018 By Sylvia

Being Vegan on a Budget: It’s Easier than Many Believe

Adhering to a vegan diet is a major life decision. It involves embracing an entire philosophy, not just choosing what you’ll have for lunch tomorrow. And as is the case with all decisions of such magnitude, certain issues and questions are bound to arise.

Now, it doesn’t matter if you’re still thinking about switching to veganism or if you are already onboard. One question which is sure to pop up is the matter of finances. As you are well aware, there is a rather widespread belief that this diet is expensive and that it is impossible to be vegan on a budget.

Fortunately, that is not the case. The truth is, any diet can be either expensive or affordable. The cost depends on the limits you place upon yourself.

The number of luxury and high-end products you’ll go for. Famous brands versus less-known alternatives. Organic or not. How many times you’ll eat in restaurants each month. Those are the factors which determine how big of a food budget you’ll need. Whether it’s vegan or not doesn’t play a particularly significant role.

If anything, the staples of vegan cuisine tend to be on the lower end of the price scale. Things such as rice, beans, and various vegetables are among the most affordable ingredients you can find on store shelves. Plus, by giving up meat and dairy, you are freeing up a very significant portion of your budget.

In essence, going vegan does require an additional investment. However, you do not need to put in more money. Instead, what you need to invest is extra effort. You have to take the time to make a plan and you need the discipline to stick to it.

Below you will find a list of tips to help you maintain this diet without breaking the bank. By incorporating as many of them as you can into your everyday routine, you will see that being vegan on a budget is not only doable, but that it simply comes down to making informed decisions.

Cook Your Own Food

The first rule of a successful vegan on a budget is to become intimately familiar with your kitchen. As a matter of fact, preparing your own food is what will allow you to make the most of all the tips which are to follow.

Relying on prepackaged foods is not something you want to do when you’re counting your pennies. Preparing everything from scratch is often much cheaper and really pays off in the long run.

As you know, veganism has become quite a buzzword in recent times. Among other things, this also means there are a lot of people out there looking to take advantage of this trend in order to make a quick buck. Whether it’s slapping huge price tags on vegan meals in restaurants or doing something similar in stores, this can be a large drain on your finances.

You can easily avoid all the extra costs if you just do the work yourself. As a bonus, this way you will always know exactly which ingredients are in your meals.

Another worthwhile thing you can do is get in the habit of cooking a bit extra and then using those leftovers to make a packed meal for the next day. If you need to eat something at work, this is much cheaper than going out and buying lunch. In addition, it can also be more convenient, as vegan options aren’t always available when you eat out.

Comparison Shopping Is the Way to Go

As mentioned before, being vegan on a budget does require more of your time, and this is where you will spend a sizable chunk of it. The fact is, prices vary by store. And making the most of this calls for some legwork.

The first step is to make a list of the ingredients you use the most. Beans, pasta, fruit, etc. Then, you simply visit as many shops as you can and you note down the prices. No need to do this at once, but do make a conscious effort to shop around. And of course, you mustn’t forget about farmers’ markets.

While you’re doing this, remember to check the product price by weight. Larger packages almost universally give better value for money if you make sure nothing goes to waste. And if the store doesn’t display this price, use your phone and calculate it yourself.

The Freezer Is Your Friend

Whenever you’re looking to save money on food, the freezer can be a tremendous help if you’re serious about the vegan on a budget lifestyle. When it comes to freezing food, there are several things you can do. For one, you can often get frozen fruits and vegetables on the cheap. Get as much as you need, put it in your freezer, and you’re set for a good while.

On the other hand, sometimes it’s the fresh produce that’s more affordable. If you find a really good deal, buy as much as you can and freeze it yourself.

Finally, you can also freeze the meals you make. Cook a big batch of curry, divide into portions, freeze everything you don’t eat, and you have instant meals when you’re in a rush. It’s convenience at its finest—all you need is a microwave and you have a vegan dish in minutes.

Plan Ahead

Going to a store without a shopping list is not a good idea when you’re trying to be pennywise. On the one hand, it’s easy to overspend and buy ingredients you don’t really need or won’t be able to eat in time. On the other, you can forget to purchase something you do need, necessitating another shopping trip.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to plan out your meals in advance. For example, decide which dishes you’ll prepare for the entire week. Check the ingredients you already have and write down everything else. Then, when you go to the store, don’t buy anything that’s not on that list. Or set a very firm limit. This requires willpower, but the savings add up tremendously over time.

Conclusion

The notion that a vegan diet is inherently more expensive than “regular” cuisine is a misconception. Still, it is different from what most people eat and thus requires some effort to pull off cost-effectively.

However, that should not deter you. All it takes is some time, forethought, and a few wise shopping habits and you can be a vegan on a budget and enjoy the many benefits of this lifestyle without paying through the nose for it.

August 28, 2018 By Sylvia

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