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Where to Eat Vegan in Bend Oregon

The word vegan can conjure images of bitter kale and tasteless veggie burgers. Mushrooms masquerading as meat? Chickpea protein? Sunflower seeds impersonating cheese? We understand the hesitation. Despite having plenty of health and environmental benefits, veganism doesn’t always get the best rap, but the best chefs act as magicians to assuage any doubts. 

Vegan Dishes: Plant-Based Palate Pleasers

Fortunately, a growing number of Central Oregon restaurants have changed the narrative to prove that a plant-based menu can be just as indulgent as a dairy or meat-filled counterpart. From rich biscuits and gravy to creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, plus hearty protein-filled lunches on the go, these local eateries prove vegan eating is anything but dull. Central Oregon’s best vegan dishes are bursting with flavor and satisfaction—and there’s not a kale leaf in sight.

Big Country Combo Breakfast at A Broken Angel Foodtruck in Bend
The Big Country Combo Breakfast at A Broken Angel Food Truck in Bend

Breakfast Without Bacon

Reimagining a breakfast menu staple of biscuits and gravy from plants may seem daunting, but Chef Richard Hull at A Broken Angel food cart defied expectations when he took on the challenge. Hull developed his gravy recipe, considered one of Bend’s original vegan classics, using wild mushrooms. While some may raise eyebrows at the idea of using mushrooms in lieu of meat, Hull’s rich and indulgent gravy may silence any naysayers. With an earthy depth and umami richness, it delivers a flavor profile reminiscent of traditional gravy. Paired with their meat-like texture, mushrooms serve as a surprisingly satisfying substitute. 

Taste for yourself with an order of A Broken Angel’s Big Country Combo, a plate stacked high with a generous portion of buttery, but butter-less biscuits, handmade by owner Barbara Troyer and smothered in Hull’s creamy wild mushroom gravy. Accompanied by the house scramble of organic tofu, cremini mushrooms, roasted chilis, squash and braised greens, this hearty dish is an example of a standalone vegan dish that is filling without needing to duplicate its traditional meat-based counterparts. That is exactly what Troyer and Hull hoped for, to show people that “eating plant-based is easier than you think–and it’s fun to explore new ways of cooking.” Troyer said. 

Looking for a sweeter start? Head to NW Raw off of Century Boulevard for the Big Bear Waffle topped with whipped almond butter, whipped coconut cream, bananas and candied coconut, all drizzled in maple syrup.

The Spicy Falafel Wrap at Bo’s Falafels
The Spicy Falafel Wrap at Bo’s Falafels

Powerhouse Protein

For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, take a seat in Bo’s Falafels diner. For those worried that a vegan lunch means sacrificing protein, think again. Falafels, such as those served at Bo’s, are crafted with protein-packed, tiny, but mighty chickpeas—an excellent and healthy option for those wanting to forgo meat but still fuel up with a nutritionally valuable meal. Chickpeas not only boast impressive protein content, they also have plenty of fiber, essential vitamins and minerals. But it’s not just about the nutrition—Bo’s falafels satisfy the taste buds with a delicious blend of spices, and a perfectly crispy exterior that gives way to a tender and flavorful center. 

While not a strictly vegan joint, the menu at Bo’s Falafel includes a variety of delicious plant-based options, thanks to owner Sierra Phillips’ past experiences with vegan eating. “I was vegan for five-plus years and raw vegan for one year,” she shared. “I remember the frustration of trying to find a vegan option back in the days before anyone had heard of almond milk or plant-based anything.” Her soft spot for vegans manifests with dishes such as The Spicy Falafel Wrap, a warm pita stuffed with Bo’s handmade, plant-based falafel topped with pickled onions, beets and cabbage, along with pepperoncinis, toum and housemade garden sauce.

For another lunchtime option, swing by The Podski food truck lot for a crowd-pleasing midday delight from Toasty, a vegan food truck founded in 2019 by Brooke Preim-Tobias. Her mission to veganize everyday comfort food paid off in spades, as Toasty’s Nacho Crunchwrap is a calling card for Bend’s vegan community. Wrapped within a crunchy tortilla is a mouthwatering stack of Beyond Beef, black beans, cashew-based cheddar queso, avocado, onion, lime crema and hot sauce. It’s all vegan, and it’s all delicious.

A close up of the Vegan Mac and Cheese at the Lively Up Yourself Food Truck in Bend
Vegan Mac and Cheese at Lively Up Yourself Food Truck in Bend and Sisters

Comfort Food Without Compromise

When late-night cravings hit, one eatery stands out: Lively Up Yourself food truck, with locations at both MidTown Yacht Club in Bend and Eurosports food truck lot in Sisters. Renowned for its creamy and indulgent vegan mac and cheese, at Lively Up Yourself, diners find themselves second-guessing everything they thought about plant-based eating, and sunflower seeds. That’s right, the secret ingredient behind the truck’s beloved “Cheeze” sauce are sunflower seeds. These tiny powerhouses impart a creamy texture and a nutty, cheesy flavor to the sauce. They also pack a serious nutritional punch. Loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium and selenium, sunflower seeds deliver health in every bite. Plus, the ingredient is allergy-friendly and doesn’t break the bank. 

Owners Sarah McKay and Elliott Roloff launched the cart with a mission to provide vegan comfort food that evokes nostalgia and dazzles nonvegans with the potential of animal product-free dishes, they explained. “We want to show the world that vegan food is good,and not boring, for them, the animals and the planet,” shared McKay. While the Lively Up Yourself menu includes a variety of options such as burritos and appetizers, it’s the mac and cheese dishes that undoubtedly steal the spotlight. Featuring a diverse range of macs including buffalo, barbecue and the creative Krabby Mac, there’s something to please every palate. For those longing for a taste of simple nostalgia, the Classic Mac ‘N Cheeze is a must. With macaroni noodles coated in Lively’s signature OG Cheeze sauce, garnished with green onions and paprika, it shows that indulging in vegan fare doesn’t mean sacrificing the flavors diners adore.

Other savory meal options include soul-soothing noodles at Miyagi Ramen. Order a bowl of the Smoked Mushroom Hazelnut Ramen—a plant-based dish brimming with noodles in a robust and flavorful broth, topped with tomato oil, roasted tomatoes, bok choy, tangy pickled shiitake, scallions and spicy tofu.

Also, be sure to check out Dinky Dau when you are in downtown Bend – a food cart found in the Mirror Pond Plaza by the Commons Café. They offer a wide variety of vegan (also gluten-free and dairy-free) options. Their two Banh Mi specialties are peanut tofu and sweet and sour tempeh. Plus, many of their salads are vegan or can be made into delicious rice bowls with Asian-inspired flavors.

Plants are no longer stuck in roles as side dishes; instead, they prove their worth in the spotlight, with a tasty reminder people can eat well and feel good at the same time.

3 Winter Warmer Drinks Made with Bend Ingredients

Gone are the days (for now) of condensation on a cool glass of lemonade at a barbeque, or a refreshing brew on a patio after a mountain bike ride. It’s time to cozy up fireside and watch the snow fall with a warm mug of cocoa, tea or even a boozy nightcap. Try these three delightful winter drink recipes made with local ingredients this chilly season.

Bend Winter Warmers Honey-sweetened Earl Grey

Broadus Bees honey

Broadus Bees owner James Broadus Wilkie V founded the Central Oregon company in 2019 with pollinators as priority. Broadus Bees sells lip balms, whole beeswax, honeycomb and flavor-infused honey. Find the honey at stores including Newport Avenue Market and Central Oregon Locavore.

For a simple and delicious warming drink, steep Earl Grey tea in a mug with hot water. After letting it cool to your preference, remove the bag. Measure one teaspoon of Broadus Bees lavender honey—along with milk if desired—for a sweet, fragrant winter drink. See broadusbees.com.

Ingredient List

  • Hot water
  • 1 packet of Earl
    Grey tea
  • 1 teaspoon of Broadus Bees lavender honey

Bend Winter Warmers

Smoked Hot Toddy

Meadowland Simple Syrup

The whimsical—not to mention delicious—Meadowland Simple Syrup brand is a collaboration between Kathy Irwin and Katie Daisy. Beyond Daisy’s imaginative illustrations on the bottles, the syrups range from floral to fruity to piquant, all distinct in their flavor.

This winter, try Meadowland’s own tried and true recipe: a smoked hot toddy. The whiskey, hot water, cinnamon stick, honey and lemon of the common recipe are sure to comfort winter blues, but why not add a twist to a classic? Replace honey with Meadowland’s Woodfire Apple simple syrup for a sweet and smoky addition to this winter nightcap. See meadowlandsyrup.com.

Ingredient List

  • 1½ oz whiskey
  • ¾ oz Woodfired Apple simple syrup
  • Squeeze of lemon
  • Hot water
  • Lemon wheel and cinnamon stick garnish

Bend Winter Warmers

Rich Hot Chocolate

Seahorse Chocolate Cocoa Mix 

Seahorse Chocolate is owned by husband and wife RC and Amanda Gartrell, and the company’s partners, Parker Vaughan and Jay Junkin. They specialize in the creation of high-quality chocolate from cocoa sourced from around the world, including Trinidad, Peru and Vietnam. Aside from delicious bars and variety packs—samples of the luxurious chocolate—the cocoa mix from Seahorse can be found in hot chocolate and mochas at Palate and Still Vibrato Coffee. 

At home, turn the cocoa mix into a classic winter warming drink of your dreams. Grab the mix at Suttle Tea in Sisters and Jackson’s Corner in Bend. Bring milk to warm on the stove in the top pot of a double-boiler; stirring continuously so that it does not 

Burn, curdle or boil. When heated, add the cocoa mix and stir. Pour in a mug, add a spritz (or two) of whipped cream and enjoy. See seahorsechocolate.com.

Ingredient List

  • 7 ounces of milk
  • 1½ level tablespoons of Seahorse Chocolate cocoa mix

 

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