Where to find Good Vegan Food in Philly

I have been a vegetarian for over 30 years and I try to eat vegan as much as possible. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy nowadays to find ample plant-based entrees in restaurants across the country. As more people begin to experience the health benefits of a meat and dairy-free diet, restaurants continue to add more vegan items to their menus. We all know Philadelphia is most well-known for their iconic cheesesteaks. Surprisingly, Philly is also a hotspot for vegetarian and vegan food.

In recent years, the number of vegetarian friendly restaurants has exploded. In fact, some of the cheesesteak places even offer a vegan version! From coffee shops offering vegan pastries, to vegan fast food, to vegan pizza, to naturally dairy-free international cuisine, there are more than enough interesting choices to consider during your time here.

Check out my top 10 picks for vegetarian food in the City of Brotherly Love!

1. Su Xing House

Highlight: 100% vegetarian menu

What to try: Veggie Fried Rice, Veggie Lo Mein, hot and sour soup, spring rolls

Right in the middle of Center City lies a wonderful 100% vegetarian Chinese restaurant. It’s difficult to find an all around great Chinese restaurant, let alone one that serves all vegetarian fare. Su Xing House combines excellent vegan fare, with attentive service and a winning ambiance. The entire menu is vegetarian, and most items are also vegan. There are lots of interesting choices here, including the most amazing appetizers. A few of the more enticing selections include fried seaweed rolls, fried tofu with cashew nuts, and potato croquettes.

Try the miso or hot and sour soup, treat yourself to some spring rolls, and then indulge in the veggie fried rice. Not only is it delicious, it’s also a bit healthier (and way more filling) than usual with a brown rice substitution available. The ambiance here is just perfect for date night (nice decor, great service, cozy and intimate). And the convenient central location easily puts you within walking distance of other city sights.

2. Goldie

Highlight: 100% vegan menu, tasty fast food

What to try: The special which includes a falafel pita, french fries, and a tehina shake

Goldie, a trendy vegan Israeli restaurant, continually ranks as one of the top foodie spots in all of Philly. On any given day there can be a wait to get into this hot restaurant. The menu is pretty simple consisting of pitas, French fries, and the most delicious shakes. They offer a fantastic combo for under 20 bucks. This is a rather unusual fast food place as the menu is entirely vegan! It’s vegan food even a carnivore will love! What a treat to have in a great city like Philly.

The falafel pita here is so tasty and satisfying: the best you will find anywhere in the city. However, everyone really comes here for the awesome shakes. Seriously, you will be back again for another before you leave. I’ve even found the imitation recipe online so I can make it at home! These naturally dairy-free shakes use a base of tahini, almond/soy milk, and dates/sugar. Optionally you can add Turkish Coffee or mint flavor. Tehnia shakes are the perfect treat on a warm summer day.

3. Neighborhood Ramen

Highlight: Incredible vegan ramen bowl

What to try: Yasai Bowl, Sesame salad

The best place for a comforting bowl of ramen in Philly can be found at Neighborhood Ramen. The menu here is really simple consisting of a selection of various ramen bowls and a handful of sides. The Yasai bowl is a delicious choice for vegans and anyone else trying to eat healthier. The bowl includes a savory mix of Vegetable dashi, memma, roasted mushroom, shiso oil, and ajitama (note – you can omit the egg in the picture above).

Nothing tastes better than a warm bowl of ramen on a brisk afternoon. A steaming bowl of flavorful soup is just what the doctor ordered come wintertime. After exploring the city on a freezing winter day, pop by for a nice warm bowl of ramen – you will leave both warmed up & satisfied.

Update: Unfortunately, this place closed in summer of 2024.

4. Isot

Highlight: Exceptional cuisine, service, & ambiance

What to try: Lentil soup, Veggie Kabob, Bulgur Rice, Veggie Pita, Hot Hummus

Isot is a wonderful Turkish restaurant offering plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. Mediterranean style dishes focus heavily on veggies, rice, and exotic spices, and thus, are a naturally perfect choice for vegetarians who do not want to hassle with substitutions. Consider visiting for lunch (M-F, 11-4) to take advantage of their amazing special.

The vegan option includes a Veggie Kabob served with 2 different types of salad, soup, 2 sides of your choice, and Turkish coffee. The salads are fresh and delicious, the lentil soup is the best soup in the city, and the Turkish coffee is beyond outstanding (the best I’ve tried to date). Side options include bulgur rice, French fries, sauteed veggies, hummus, and Russian salad. The exceptional service, combined with a modern & appealing atmosphere make Isot a perfect date destination.

5. Han Dynasty

Highlight: Beautiful ambiance

What to try: Tofu Veggie Soup, Fried Rice, Veggie Lo Mein, Homestyle Tofu

Han Dynasty is the most well regarded restaurant in Philly’s Chinatown neighborhood. Although it’s always great to visit the original, they now operate several locations including a prime spot in Old City. If you find yourself exploring America’s birthplace, you will want to swing by Han for a fantastic lunch. The restaurant is located in a beautiful old bank building and the architecture is just as mesmerizing as the food.

Their specialty is Szechuan style Chinese food which is popular for its’ boldness and spiciness. Their popular Dan Dan noodles can be made vegan by omitting the pork. The menu surprisingly offers quite a few choices for vegans. The Veggie Lo Mein is an outstanding dish loaded with fresh veggies. You may not find quite the same vegan friendliness as Su Xing House, however, Han does have the upper end in terms of atmosphere and location.