Vegetarian and Vegan Finds on Buford Highway

***The below article is written by Healthy Harry, a guest blogger for Atlanta Eats***

Who says vegans only eat kale? Well, some days you might not be completely wrong…but that’s what Buford Highway is for! Full of extremely authentic and unique cuisines, this place is a haven for vegans and vegetarians alike. Put down the green smoothie today and check out some of these incredible restaurants to mix up your vegan routine!

Vegan Pho and Ché Pudding at Pho Bac

For those living under a rock, pho (a Vietnamese noodle soup) is extremely #trendy right now. If you want a real, flavorful, 100% authentic and healthy pho experience, try the vegan pho from Pho Bac. The dish features carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, rice noodles, tofu, onion, cilantro and unprecedented flavors in the broth with a side of bean sprouts, basil leaves, hot peppers, cilantro and limes wedges…oh yeah. I suggest ending your Pho Bac experience with a vegan treat unlike any…ché pudding. Ché pudding at Pho Bac feature crushed ice with mixed beans and legumes, mixed fruits, dates, coconut milk, seaweed and sugar syrup made in house…a surprisingly sweet, tasty and healthy dessert alternative. Avoid the PHOMO and make sure to check this place out next time you’re on Buford Highway!

Grab n’ Go Tofu and Pickled Veggies at Viettofu

Just across from Pho Bac in the same complex is Viettofu, the perfect place for unique vegan, Vietnamese dishes that can be taken on the go. Grab your own container and hit the buffet-style tofu bar for extremely unique tofu flavors such as chili lemongrass and fried mushroom bean card. Also available are bean balls, vegetarian egg rolls and other vegetarian/vegan options that vary depending on the day. If you’re really on the run or have an appointment to catch across the street at Magic Hands Massage, there are pre-packaged containers in the refrigerators with many salads, pickled and fermented vegetables options (which, not to be a mom, are an extremely important source of probiotics and vitamin B12 for vegans). If eating exciting and flavorful vegan foods are an issue for you due to lack of time, this is the place for you.

Photo credit: Creative Loafing

Menu Reconstruction at Mamak

Less then a mile down Buford Highway from Viettofu is Mamak, serving incredibly delicious Malaysian food. While the menu features many meat dishes, this place is a hidden vegan utopia. Any of the dishes featured can be prepared without meat and the chef will happily mix and match vegetable side dishes from various plates. Mamak brings vegetables to a whole…notha…level. I chose the vegetables on the menu that caught my eye most and ordered myself a vegan feast for one: coconut milk white rice, basil eggplant, vegetable coconut curry, garlic okra and papaya salad featuring carrots, mint leaves and peanuts. The food is perfectly seasoned with so many flavors that go so well on their own as well as combined all together. This place hands down serves the best eggplant I’ve ever had with just the right amount of a spice to get that metabolism kicking!

Lunch Buffet at Panahar

Bangladeshi, vegan-friendly buffet. Should I say it again? Probably. Bangladeshi, vegan-friendly, ALL YOU CAN EAT buffet. That’s right, check this place out before 2:30 pm on Tuesdays-Sundays and for the price of $10 enjoy the all you can eat lunch buffet. No dairy is used to cook any of the vegetable dishes so everything besides the meat is fair game. Everyday the vegetable/vegan dishes change so it is totally acceptable to go back all 6 days (might be guilty). I loaded my plate up (three times) with cabbage, eggplant, mushrooms, broccoli, potatoes, and a side of lentil soup all packed with unreal flavors and spices. For those who like it really hot there is a side of house-made, traditional spicy topping made without shrimp paste that will clear all your sinuses right out. This place is a must-go to mix up your vegan routine!

Yours truly,

Healthy._.Harry

For more Vegetarian restaurants, click here.