A few of my friends have recently told me they’re thinking of going plant-based (I heard angels singing hallelujah in the background). My friends said they don’t know where to start so they would like to find out what I buy at stores and order at restaurants (well, well, I thought you’d never ask!). While I don’t like to self-promote, I don’t shy away from talking about vegan food once I get started. In fact, I’ve uploaded videos of my Asian grocery finds here and Filipino essentials here. I’ve also organized an “Astig Vegan Resource List” and emailed it to them. So far, the response has been great. One of my friends told me she printed the email and placed it in her car glove compartment to keep it handy when she goes grocery shopping (success!).
Because I have this list already set, I realize I might as well share it to anyone else who needs it. Are you also a bit confused navigating the plant-based diet/lifestyle? Or know somebody who is? Or are you your friends’ resident expert of the vegan and plant-based realm? Perhaps you could share your own recommendations? We’d love to hear your list.
My list below applies mainly to those who live in the Bay Area, but could also apply to those who live in other parts of the US, even other parts of the world. I recommend to just check local availability.
My favorite vegan brands:
(Available at most major supermarkets)
- Milk – Silk cashew milk, Califia almond milk
- Tofu – Azumaya extra firm tofu, Hodo Soy, Wild Wood, Tofu-Yu
- Mock meat – Gardein
- Cheese – Follow Your Heart (everyday cheese), Miyoko (artisanal cheese)
- Cookies – Uncle Eddie’s
- Muffins – Abe’s muffins
- Ice cream – So Delicious cashew milk ice cream (everyday ice cream), Ben and Jerry’s non-dairy coffee caramel fudge flavor (everyday ice cream), DF Mavens (“treat for myself because I deserve it” ice cream)
- Energy bar – Clif bar
- Mayo – Just Mayo
- Bread – Dave’s Killer Bread
- Instant ramen – Dr. McDougall’s
My Pantry Staples:
- Mushrooms –brown button, oyster mushroom, trumpet mushroom, portobello mushroom
- Quinoa
- Maple syrup
- Nutritional yeast
- Coconut oil (refined and unrefined)
- Pasta
- Rice
- Kale
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Medjool dates
- Oatmeal
- Rice flour
- White flour
- Pasta sauce
- All kinds of fruits and veggies
What I get at restaurants:
Chinese – Salt and pepper tofu, Seaweed Soup (no meat, no egg), Vegetable Chow Mein (no egg), Vegetable Chow Fun, , Eggplant in Szechuan Sauce, Mixed Vegetables with Tofu, Eggplant in Garlic Sauce (ask if it has oyster sauce), Green Beans in Garlic Sauce (as if it has oyster sauce). Most Chinese restaurant menus have a section for vegetables so I’m sure you’ll find more options there. Some Chinese restaurants even have mock meat, so feel free to ask the servers.
Thai – Just mention to not put eggs, shrimp, and fish sauce in: Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup, Vegetarian Tom Kha soup, Vegetable and Tofu Pad Thai, Fried Tofu appetizer, Eggplant Salad, Vegetarian Red Curry, Vegetarian Yellow Curry, Vegetarian Peanut curry (basically any curry can be made vegan). For dessert, Sticky Rice with Mango.
Mexican – Vegetable burrito (black beans instead of pinto (pinto sometimes has lard), no cheese, no sour cream, add guacamole), Mexican Rice (but check if it’s cooked with lard), Nacho chips and salsa, vegetable Fajitas.
Italian – Marinara pasta (any kind of pasta noodles), Bruschetta, olives, salad with oil and balsamic dressing, bread with side of oil and balsamic.
American – Veggie burger (double-check if patty has egg whites), fries, salads, veggie sandwiches, fruits
Indian – Daal Makhni, Baigan Bartha, Aloo gobi, Channa Masala, Aloo Bengan, Aloo Mutter, Papadum, Vegetable Korma, Vegetable Biryani, Dosa
Mediterranean/Greek – Falafel, Dolma, hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Couscous, Pita bread, Greek salad (without the cheese)
Japanese – Avocado Maki, Seaweed salad, Cucumber Maki, mushroom maki, Inari, vegetable udon soup (check with server if soup has fish stock)
Burmese – Samusa soup, vegetable curries, tea leaf salad, coconut rice, chickpea tofu
Fast food chains – At Chipotle, they have tofu sofritas – so good especially with guacamole! Chipotle pinto beans are also vegan (usually others put lard), Blaze Pizza – they have vegan crust and vegan cheese, Tomatina –vegan marinara (soo good), Dennys/IHOP – hash browns, fries, bagels, muffins, fresh fruit, oatmeal, salad, sautéed spinach with mushroom, Olive Garden – their breadsticks are vegan(butter is made of soy), Yardhouse – has its own VEGAN section in the menu! Ike’s Place – has its own vegan section in the menu. Curry Up Now – has its own vegan section.
How about you? What are your vegan recommendations?
For more Astig Vegan recommendations:
- Common Ingredients in Filipino Cooking That You Should Try
- Vegan Finds at Asian Grocery Stores
- My Top 12 Vegan Food Staples