Vegan restaurants can be hit or miss. When I’m traveling, finding great plant-focused food is not always easy. Thankfully, there are more vegan restaurants showing up daily. There are also plenty of traditional restaurants that are now adding plant-based options to their menus as well.
On a recent trip to Houston, I discovered that there are quite a few vegan restaurants worth trying. Houston is home to a growing number of vegan restaurants that offer delicious, nourishing and accessible dining options. I think that experienced vegans and plant-based beginners can all find something tasty to enjoy. Here are two that are definitely worth mentioning.
Vegan Restaurants Offer A Whole Lot of Soul
1. Mo Betta Brews
First up is Mo Better Brews. I loved the whole vibe and this is one of my fave vegan restaurants in the city. I love the fact that they sell old school vinyl records there. The walls are adorned with vinyl classics like Prince’s Purple Rain or Nice and Smooth’s debut album. It doesn’t get more old skool than that. There is a sign that reads, “Wrecka Stow.” What’s really cool is that the outdoor space features comfy seats and a huge flat screen tv. Looks like a great spot for girls night out, birthdays and first dates.
I ordered the chicken and waffles and fell out over just how bomb the fried mushrooms were. The seasonings reminded me of every piece of fried chicken I ever ate. Vegan restaurants, take note. Don’t slack on the waffle. Their waffle mixture was so yummy. The winner of the afternoon was the Boudin rice ball. I don’t know how many vegan restaurants could top this dish. This amazing cajun treat is originally made with pork sausage. The vegan version was spicy and flavorful. Their original trill sauce took it to the next level. Mo Betta Brews. 1201 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004 https://mobetterbrews.com/
Fresh and Creative Flavors Make The Difference
I was excited about exploring vegan restaurants in Houston and really glad that I discovered Mantra. The owners of this fairly new spot also own the legendary Green Seed Vegan restaurant. The Mantra vibe is very zen. I felt like I’d just stepped into a peaceful and quiet oasis.
The menu had a very creative take on some traditional foods. The key to visiting vegan restaurants is to make sure that you actually like what’s on menu. Not because it’s so plant-focused but because the items sound like something you want to eat. That was definitely the case for me. Fresh and simple ingredients brought the dishes to life.
Here’s what I ordered at Mantra:
- Coconut Ceviche: coconut meat, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, avocado, plantain chips
- Tex Egg Roll: crispy cassava tortilla filled with black lentils, kale, red bell pepper, cheddar, and cilantro
- Korean BBQ Tacos: soft cassava tortilla topped with a variety of plants including mushroom, arugula, tomato and microgreens and tossed in BBQ sauce
My favorite? the Tex Egg Roll. That is definitely something that I will try to recreate at home. The next time you are in Houston looking for good vegan restaurants, be sure to stop by and let them know that Black Girls Eat sent you! Mantra Kitchen. 4104 fannin, Houston, TX 77004. https://www.mantrakitchen.com/
LA Dunn is a plant-based advocate and always on the look out really good plant-focused restuarants. She is also studying to be a nutritionist. Want to stay connected?
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