Vegging out: The best in vegan dining
By Marla Seidell, Contributor
Contrary to popular belief, vegans--who swear off meat, dairy and refined sugar--are not deprived. The reality is an explosion of creativity and unleashed flavor. From diner burgers to Indian buffets, Chicago's dairy- and meat-free options are aplenty. So go ahead, introduce your palette to six staple restaurants on the vegan scene.
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Arya Bhavan
2508 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL
A 20-foot long buffet with an eye-popping array of chutneys, curries, rice and soups boasts plenty of vegan dishes. Aloo tikki--crisp fried patties of potato and pea--pair perfectly with the sweet tamarind sauce, and undiha, a spicy melange of sweet potatoes and chickpeas, is a palette pleaser. Put out the fire with a mango soy shake. -
Chicago Diner
3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
This venerable establishment in Wrigleyville caters to vegans who want to have their cake and eat it, too. The enchiladas with tofu chicken offer serious competition to any taqueria, and the mega slices of cookies and cream cake are desserts to savor. -
Karyn's Fresh Corner
1901 N Halsted Ave, Chicago, IL
Delicious but health-conscious raw fare is the name of the game at this Lincoln Park swank spot. Creamy pasta primavera is made entirely of nuts and vegetables, and the tiramisu made from carob and flax seed is no less titillating. -
Amitabul
6207 N Milwaukee Ave Fl 1, Chicago, IL
With decor that celebrates the 70s and vegan Korean fare cooked in the Buddhist spiritual tradition, i.e. steamed and stir-fried with water, this temple of healthy is worth the schlep to Norwood Park. The veggie seaweed salad is tangy and fresh, and the greener than green nirvana is just like it sounds--piled high with yes, green vegetables, in addition to tofu and brown rice. -
Blind Faith Cafe
525 Dempster St, Evanston, IL
The Mongolian stir-fry with seitan is a popular favorite at this long-standing vegetarian establishment in Evanston. For a quick bite, however, vegans can whiz in to the self-serve section to pick up a tofu wrap or deli concoction at the counter. Nutty "funa" (tuna made from nuts) and kale salad hit the spot. -
Alice and Friends Vegetarian Cafe
5812 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL
This serene, Asian-inspired mostly vegan cafe in Edgewater doubles as a spiritual/meditation center. The love letter from the earth salad, made with sweet potatoes, avocado and cucumber and tofu dressing is just as nourishing as the fresh homemade soup. Sink your teeth into the soy green tea cheesecake for dessert.
