Tyler McFarland on February 5, 2024
Updated on February 8, 2024 Reviewed and fact-checked Found a mistake? Let us know!
‘You are what you eat,’ as the old saying goes, and if you’re aiming to live a healthier lifestyle, you might find yourself gravitating towards more plant-based meals. As a resident of Queens or a visitor, you’ve probably noticed that the borough offers an array of diverse vegan restaurants.
From the soul-soothing dishes at Urban Vegan Roots to the exotic flavors in Spicy Lanka, you’re in for a delightful culinary journey. But it’s not just about the food; it’s also about the unique stories and cultures that these five vegan eateries bring to the table.
Read on and discover what makes Queens a heaven for vegan enthusiasts!
Key Takeaways
- Urban Vegan Roots is popular for its delicious and varied menu, coupled with an exciting atmosphere thanks to live music and DJ nights.
- Spicy Lanka offers an authentic and unique Sri Lankan dining experience with its innovative and eclectic menu.
- Phayul provides a seamless dining experience with a variety of vegan-friendly dishes, offering the chance to explore Tibetan cuisine.
- Jujube Tree stands out with its extensive menu that features both local favorites and unique creations, all made from high-quality ingredients.
- El Toum is a vegan-friendly eatery that offers an array of flavorful plant-based dishes, making it a must-visit for any food lover in Queens.
Urban Vegan Roots
Urban Vegan Roots is a hidden gem in Queens, offering a delectable selection of vegan food. Their menu is filled with mouthwatering options like pizza, Korean barbeque wings, mac and cheese, or chicken and waffles. The best part? Everything is entirely vegan!
Each dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the flavors are robust and satisfying. Whether you’re a vegan or not, you won’t be able to resist indulging in their delectable creations.
But it’s not just the food that makes Urban Vegan Roots a standout. The restaurant also hosts live music and DJ nights, creating a vibrant and exciting ambiance. So not only will you be treated to amazing food, but also a memorable dining experience.
If you’re on the hunt for exceptional vegan dining in Queens, Urban Vegan Roots is a must-try. Their dedication to providing delicious vegan options, combined with their lively atmosphere, makes it a top choice for vegans and food enthusiasts alike.
HappyCow Score: 5 stars
Spicy Lanka
Spicy Lanka is a vegan restaurant that will take your taste buds on a journey to Sri Lanka. Located in the heart of Jackson Heights, this vibrant eatery offers a diverse and eclectic menu of Sri Lankan cuisine with vegan options. With a dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience, Spicy Lanka immerses you in a culinary adventure with dishes ranging from mild to burning hot.
This vegan restaurant in Queens continuously innovates its menu, introducing new vegan and vegetarian specials and seasonal dishes. From their flavorful curries to their aromatic rice dishes, every bite at Spicy Lanka is a burst of authentic oriental flavors.
The ambiance at Spicy Lanka is inviting and cozy, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to help you navigate the menu and find the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings.
Yelp Score: 4.5 stars
Phayul
Phayul Vegan Restaurant is a hidden gem in Queens, offering a sophisticated and seamless dining experience for vegans and non-vegans alike. While their menu includes dishes that contain eggs or meat, don’t be discouraged. Phayul happily accommodates vegan options and ensures that flavor is never compromised.
Phayul has many mouthwatering options that vegans can feast on. Perhaps the best highlights of their menu are the Veg Momos, delicious veggie dumplings, and Veg Lhasa – a flavorful dish of fried noodles. If you’re looking for something refreshing, the laphing, a cold noodle dish, is also a great choice. Finally, for a comforting and traditional option, the veg thenthuk, a Tibetan soup, is highly recommended.
You don’t really like how spicy the food is? No problem – simply inform your server, and the chefs will happily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Tripadvisor Score: 4.5/5
Jujube Tree
With its excellent reputation and diverse menu, it’s no wonder that Jujube Tree has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The menu at Jujube Tree offers a wide range of vegan dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Start your meal with their famous Spring Rolls, filled with fresh vegetables and served with a flavorful dipping sauce. For a comforting and hearty option, try their Pumpkin Soup, which is both creamy and bursting with autumn flavors.
One of the standout dishes at Jujube Tree is their Pad-thai. This classic Thai dish is given a vegan twist with the use of tofu and a medley of colorful vegetables. The combination of bold flavors and textures makes this dish a true winner.
If you’re looking for something unique, try the Tofu Skin Wraps. These wraps are filled with marinated tofu, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
For those craving something crispy and savory, the Scallion Pancakes are a must-try. These pancakes are perfectly flaky and infused with the flavors of scallions and spices.
And if you’re in the mood for something indulgent, don’t miss out on their Vegan BBQ Ribs. These tender and flavorful ribs are made from plant-based ingredients, but you won’t believe it when you taste them.
Jujube Tree prides itself on using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, so no matter what you order, it’s bound to be healthy and filling.
Yelp Score: 4.5/5
El Toum
El Toum is a vegan-friendly haven located in the vibrant neighborhood of Jackson Heights, Queens. While selling meat-based dishes, this casual eatery also offers an extensive menu of vegan-friendly appetizers and vegetarian options that are sure to satisfy any plant-based food lover.
One of the plant-based highlights at El Toum is their falafel platter. The crispy and flavorful falafel balls are served alongside fresh salads, hummus, and tahini sauce, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes. For those looking for a handheld option, the falafel sandwich, wrapped in warm pita bread and filled with crunchy veggies, is a must-try.
Another standout dish at El Toum is their vegan spinach pie. The flaky pastry is stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach, onions, and herbs, creating a satisfying and comforting treat. Pair it with their pumpkin kibbeh, a croquette-like dish made with bulgur wheat and fresh herbs, for a truly unique and delicious combination.
The table service at El Toum is welcoming and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is enjoyable from start to finish. Don’t forget to check out their daily specials, which often include vegan options that showcase the creativity and versatility of their chefs.
Yelp Score: 4.5 stars
Conclusion
As you can see, Queens is a hotbed of vegan-friendly dining options. From the soul-soothing dishes at Urban Vegan Roots to the fiery flavors of Spicy Lanka, from the Tibetan delights at Phayul to the diverse offerings at Jujube Tree, and finally, the Middle Eastern treats at El Toum, there’s something for everyone.
Each of these eateries brings its own unique spin on vegan cuisine, ensuring that your taste buds never tire of exploring new tastes and textures.
So whether you’re a committed vegan, considering the switch, or simply looking to explore diverse plant-based meals, Queens has got you covered. Don’t just take our word for it; give these restaurants a try and experience the vibrant world of vegan cuisine first-hand!
I’m Tyler McFarland, the editor and main author here. When I first went vegan 13 years ago, convenience products like veggie burgers and soy milk were a lot harder to find. Now they’re everywhere!