These days, I’ve found more and more of my friends have made the switch to veganism. With all the scary news that’s come to light about animal abuse, growth hormones, and a whole heap of other scary food facts, sometimes it just feels right to take a little break from animal products. Meat eaters fear not- these choices are super tasty.
(Photo via The Foodista, Mundo’s Artichoke w. Favas)
Mundo (31-18 Broadway, at 32nd St.)- Already one of the crown jewels of Astoria eating, this cafe has lots of healthy choices for meat free eating. Choose from: Red Sonjas, Veggie Wrap (ask for no cheese!), Artichokes w/ Favas, and more. Bonus- vegan items are clearly marked on the Mundo menu, and often they have vegan friendly dinner specials! (psst! I’ve heard rumors Mundo is going to start a macrobiotic menu, too.)
Fatty’s (25-01 Ditmars Blvd.)- A WHA favorite, Fatty’s has lots to offer vegan eaters. Their choose-your-own-salad has lots of amazing protein rich choices: tofu, almonds, and chickpeas. Their Mole Veggie Burrito tastes just as good sans cheese, and their hummus plate is sure to satisfy.
(Chickpea Pasta at Ornella)
Ornella (19-17 23rd Avenue)- A surprising choice, but Ornella really packs a punch! Lots of their satisfying, and unusual, pasta dishes are made on site. My favorite choice- the Chestnut Pasta, a nutty and chewy noodle sauteed with arugula, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Their vegetarian menu even features dishes made with seitan!!
Bareburger (33-21 31st Avenue)- Not surprising, this organic burger joint (and we hear, soon to be chain!) serves up lots of vegan friendly fare. Their veggie burgers have the vegan seal of approval, and lots of their toppings and sides are meat and dairy free too. While their brunch might be a bit more challenging, my vegan friends swear by their granola and fruit salads.
Kebab Cafe (25-12 Steinway St.)- One of the stars of the North African corridor on Steinway, Kebab Cafe serves up hearty and affordable vegan food. Falafel, hummus, fava bean spreads, babba ganoush, and much more await hungry diners. Go for the food, but stay for the vibrant atmosphere that owner/chef Ali creates! (Anthony Bourdain even says people are blessed to live in the Astoria simply because of Ali and his cooking!)
These other Astoria favorites also serve up a healthy dose of meat and dairy free eats: La Papa, Cafe Bar, Seva, and Wave Thai.
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I would just be careful with Ornella, as they seem themselves not to really understand that vegans are no dairy nor eggs, as when I checked out their vegetarian/vegan menu, I saw a couple dishes labeled “vegan” that contained one or both of the no no groups. Also, most pasta is made with eggs, so it would just be good to ask before ordering… and that’s certainly not to say that Ornella isn’t amazing… it really is!
great recommendations! I’ve eaten at most of these places many times, and I’ve been meaning to try Mundo for awhile.
awesome! Thanks for this
Red Basil Thai Kitchen also has it’s own vegetarian separate menu- they are really wonderful! and Crave has some wonderful vegan choices as well.
Molly- Where’s Crave? Red Basil is good- I just had some broccoli and “mock duck” just now!
Jen- I totally agree, I feel that it’s best to double check just about everywhere, but thanks for the pasta heads up.
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