The Vegan Guide to Houston

Colloquially called Space City, as the home of the Astros baseball team and NASA Space Center, Houston’s vegan food just so happens to also be out of this world. The plant-based culinary movement in Houston has grown with its population. Now ranked as the fourth most populated city in the US, local restaurants have picked up on the rising tide of vegan culture and tourism. This influx has led to a variety of vegan cuisines in Space City—from tried-and-true Texas barbecue to globally inspired eats. Here’s a local’s take on the vegan Houston food scene, including where to go and what to get.

Green Seed Vegan

1 Green Seed Vegan

Green Seed Vegan is a vegan restaurant pioneer as far as Houston is concerned. Now an impressive 10 years old, it’s the place to go for all things vegan, soy-free, and raw. The business has evolved from food truck to brick-and-mortar, but it’s still serving the same energizing elixirs, homemade veggie burgers, fresh juices, and raw desserts as always. First-timers can’t go wrong with the Grounded Elixir blended with turmeric, ginger, lemon, and cayenne along with the Big Tex—a buckwheat quinoa patty on a whole wheat bun with zucchini bacon, avocado, and jalapeños. It’s no wonder The Food Network named Green Seed Vegan one of the best vegan restaurants in the country in 2020.
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Chef Kenny’s

2 Chef Kenny’s

When you ask vegans in Houston where to go for Asian food they’ll direct you to Chef Kenny’s, a full-service restaurant offering vegan and Americanized Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients. The appetizers are solid; an order of the vegan cream cheese wontons or fried veggie dumplings is non-negotiable. The entrée selection is extensive and has a bit of something for everyone. This includes vegan meat and rice dishes like Spicy Kung Pao Beef; plant-based sushi rolls such as Vegan Crunchy Rolls and Vegan Spicy Tuna Rolls; as well as an array of dim sum and ramen bowls. You’ll need to visit a few times to try every delicious option on Chef Kenny’s menu.
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Mikah Danae

3 Sinfull Bakery

Is it sinful to purchase a whole vegan cheesecake, several savory kolaches, and a giant cinnamon roll all in one day? Looking at the mouthwatering array of baked goods at this 12-year-old vegan institution, your mind will certainly go there. The mostly organic bakery cranks out a dizzying amount of sweets and savories throughout the day with exceptional espresso beverages to pair them with. If the gargantuan cinnamon roll looks like too much for one person, the Cinnamon Roll Latte is a sippable alternative. Many locals will also stop in for breakfast and lunch, nibbling a slice of just-baked vegan quiche or forking into a Jackfruit Chick’n Salad. Those outside of the greater Houston area can get a taste of Sinfull Bakery by ordering a tight selection of cookies, bars, and granola for nationwide shipping.
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Korny Vibes