You don’t have to be a fully committed plant-based diner to enjoy the innovative and delicious dishes offered by some of Vancouver’s best and most popular meat-free eateries. Luckily for us, many of these restaurants are now offering takeout and delivery.
As we all look for ways to brighten our isolation with kindness and compassion for ourselves and others, perhaps appreciating a meal cooked with care and thought, and supporting those who provide it, is a good way to do both.
Do Chay
Photo by Justin Saint.
In the short time this East Vancouver vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant has been open, it’s garnered a justly loyal following—the food bristles with flavour and freshness.
Vegan spring rolls come with herbs to hand wrap and munch, the Monsoon rice paper roll—stuffed full of tofu and jicama (and more herbs)—is pepped up further with a pineapple dip, and the black-garlic braised eggplant is too good to share. And trust us, you will be fighting over the skillet coconut milk rice cakes. Is it dinner time yet?
Kokomo
Photo courtesy of Kokomo.
There’s something simply cheering about the vegan bowls this local eatery creates. Packed full of vibrant ingredients married with delicious and well-balanced dressings and sauces, each bite brings a sense that you’re doing something good for your body. Try the beet poke bowl with edamame hummus and pickled ginger, or start the day right with an almond acai breakfast bowl. You deserve it.
Beetbox
Photo by Lauren Kaljur.
Not only can you continue to satisfy that craving you have for one of Beetbox’s fried “chick-un” sandwiches or vegan chili bowls, you can now add to your pickup or delivery order from a selection of signature house-made pantry items. You know those sauces, salad dressings, and pickles are just the thing to brighten up the leftovers you’re repurposing for lunch.
Coho Market
Image courtesy of Salty Cabbage.
This local commissary dedicated to supporting Vancouver food startups has pivoted to provide a market offering everything from baked goods to condiments and ready-meals, all created by small, artisanal producers. Plant-based products include curries from Urban Tadka; soups, chili, and sauces from Kiki’s Kitchen; cookies from Joyful Choices; energy bars from Next Level; vegan kimchis from Salty Cabbage; and much more.
MeeT
Photo by Lauren Kaljur.
Pick up or order delivery from either the Main Street or Yaletown locations of this popular vegan restaurant group. We know it’s likely impossible to get past one of the mountains of fries—satay and spicy mayo, anyone?—but that’s easily balanced with the addition of a crispy “kalamari” Caesar salad, or a soothing macro bowl of marinated tofu, brown rice, and broccoli. And, after all that goodness, you’ll still have room for one of MeeT’s decadent desserts.
The Arbor
Image courtesy of The Arbor Restaurant.
A very limited menu—owners here are being fastidious about not overcrowding their kitchen—nonetheless offers what is arguably the best plant-based burger in the city. House made (down to the ketchup and mustard), vegan, and gluten-free, the Classic or BBQ burger both come served with fries.
Also on the menu: the pretty addictive fried-artichoke sandwich, a fennel pesto pizza that can be prepared on a gluten-free crust if desired, and a couple of desserts to sweeten you up. Hard to resist.
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