As a lacto vegetarian — one who does not eat meat, fish, or eggs — living in New Jersey, it's fairly easy to look for new spots to fulfill my cravings. What's not easy is the distance needed to travel to indulge in those cravings. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as going to the nearest fast food chain to get a burger or donuts. Though because of this, I don’t have much of a hunger for them anyways and tend to lean toward more healthier options. But when I do, at least I already know some of the best spots around to get what I need.
So after years of trial and error, here is my list of the best vegan and vegetarian-friendly places to eat around the Rutgers, New Brunswick campus and in New Jersey in general.
1. Mamoun’s
Type: Vegetarian-friendly
Locations: New Brunswick, Princeton, Hoboken
About them: By far, this spot is my ultimate favorite place to eat on campus and has the best Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine. Half of their menu is vegetarian, and that’s not just because of appetizers such as salads or side dishes. Half of their main courses are completely vegan so it’s finally nice to have that many options instead of just one or two. I always order their specialty falafel sandwich and it has never disappointed me.
2. Honeygrow
Type: Vegan-friendly
Locations: New Brunswick, Hoboken, Cherry Hill, Marlton
About them: Though they only have one vegan option on their menu, the red coconut curry rice noodle stir-fry, you can’t go wrong with making your own stir fry bowl. There are so many ways to substitute what you don’t want or take bits and pieces of the flavors you’d like from every bowl.
3. Veganized
Type: Vegan
Location: New Brunswick
About them: Somehow I’ve only been here once, but I need to go back just to try all of their flatbreads and mac and cheese.
4. Tim Hortons
Type: Vegan-friendly
Locations: Raritan, Hazlet, Newark
About them: Fun fact - I never liked donuts until I tried theirs. Though not all of their donuts are vegan, most of the quintessential ones (as well as crafty ones) are. They have everything from Boston cream, to jelly-filled, to Nutella hazelnut. This Canadian based fast food chain is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
5. Veggie Heaven
Type: Vegan
Locations: Denville, Teaneck, Montclair
About them: Their cuisine is Asian inspired with dishes ranging from traditional Chinese to Korean. They experiment with the different proteins to give the taste and texture of meat, using tofu, tempeh, and wheat gluten. From being able to only eat a cucumber roll at a regular Japanese restaurant to having a whole page devoted to a variety of sushi, I have never been bored because of how much they offer.
6. Papa Ganache
Type: Vegan
Location: Matawan
About them: This quaint little bakery has won a season of cupcake wars and offers a variety of treats. They have some of the best specialty cupcakes, cookies, pies, and donuts. Basically, any baked item that is usually made with dairy, eggs, and gluten, is not here, and that is my idea of heaven.
7. La Bonbonniere
Type: Vegetarian-friendly
Location: Edison, South Plainfield, Woodbridge, Somerset
About them: When it comes to large events like birthdays or parties, we usually ended up making our own cakes, until we found this local bakery. Though they only provide one eggless cake option, yellow sponge, many of their fillings and icings are also eggless or can be made so. My go-to fillings are the chocolate mousse and strawberries with vanilla custard. It's funny how refreshing it is to have a cake that is professionally decorated and iced.
There are so many more places around that I have yet to try and add to my list. I hope this small selection makes your search easier the next time you’re looking for better options suited to your vegan and vegetarian needs for some amazing food and desserts. Bon appetit!
