Top 5 vegan food spots in Halton
Published September 24, 2019 at 8:41 pm
The vegan revolution is upon us, with the popularity of faux meats skyrocketing and the prevalence of self-reported lactose intolerance ranging between 16 and 20 percent, more and more food services are providing consumers with a vegan option.
The newest Canadian Food Guide was released this year; criticized in the past for acting as a lobby for meat and dairy farmers, the latest recommendations created a stir with en emphasis on “plant protein”.
A recent report prepared by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) even argued that less meat and dairy consumption would help curb the current global warming epidemic.
It’s no wonder the new era of veganism has moved from not only more meat and dairyless menu options but outright vegan-only eateries.
Here are the 5 best places to get full on plants and legumes.
Kelly’s Bake Shoppe is more than just hype. Besides being a marketing juggernaut, Kelly’s has become a go-to dessert destination for vegan and dairy lovers-alike. Mostly known for their many cupcake variations, Kelly’s also offers cookies, brownies, bars, scones, cakes, and ice cream.
They’re 100% vegan and gluten-free, making it an ideal spot for those who suffer from food allergies.
We know, Waterdown is not part of the Halton Region. But our judges are allowing Bliss Kitchen to be included in this list because it’s far too good to be forgotten in the annex.
Bliss Kitchen is more than just about delicious food, it’s about the experience. The restaurant focuses on providing an overall mindful experience through its menu and its atmosphere.
Whether you’re stopping in for a smoothie, salad, bountiful bowl, tacos, or burgers, Bliss Kitchen pledges organic, gluten-free, naturally sweet ingredients.
They sometimes even offer Sunday yoga before brunch!
Mediterranean has long been the go-to cuisine for vegans with its unmatched use of chickpeas and spices. Dar Nabati takes it one step further with vegan creations you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Their Butter Chick’Un and Chick’Un Shwarma would satisfy even the biggest meat-eaters.
There are delicious falafel dishes, of course, but Dar Nabati also offers some fusion in its menu; with classic breakfast menu items and their take on the classic mac and cheese (cheeze) with the “cheese” made in-house.
Community Restaurant thrives on its hearty menu and positive atmosphere. Owners Alka Dhir and Vanusa Moore opened in early 2019, and they’ve already built a reputation as one of the top-rated overall restaurants in the entire region.
What makes Community Restaurant so successful is its robust menu that can accommodate anyone’s tastebuds. Even meat-eaters are raving about the crabless crab cakes and tempeh-based dishes.
Want a burger and fries? Get it with almond parmesan and mushroom gravy. Feel like pasta? Try the beet ravioli or Beyond Meat sausage and peppers fusilli. Weekend brunch? Order a mimosa to go with your cauliflower florets topped with dill and cashew tzatziki.
Community Restaurant also offers a variety of desserts you won’t normally find at a vegan food establishment.
From its humble beginnings in 2010 in Winnipeg, Boon Burger has since torn through Southern Ontario with locations in Burlington, Oakville, Waterdown, Guelph, and Hamilton. Boon thrives under its namesake, with hundreds of variations of meatless burgers. You can even substitute any patty with falafel!
Boon doesn’t just do burgers, though. They also provide variations of poutine, pizza (Peace-za as they call it), soup, chili, and desserts. You even have their own take on Pizza Pockets.
Boon isn’t just environmentally conscious through its avoidance of animals in its menu (although there are plenty of animal photos on the walls). The company preaches sustainability as one of Boon’s core missions. They pledge to never use garbage bags at their waste center. You also won’t find any plastics in its restaurants. Boon’s takeout cups and straws are made from biodegradable cornstarch.