A Vegetarian’s Guide to Gastronomic Adventures in Chicago!

Chicago is a paradise for foodies! Every street corner, every restaurant will take you on a culinary journey that you won’t forget anytime soon. Chicagoans love their fancy delicacies as much they drool on their street grubs. And the city’s culinary history, which features mouth-watering dishes created in the kitchens of grandmothers and aunties, is yet to be fully explored.

And while it’s true that most dishes contain meats of some kind, it doesn’t mean that Chicago is not a place for a vegetarian. You will be glad to know that the city is full of vegetarian and even vegan establishments that serve world-class fare. Be it Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese or any other cuisine, here you can get any dish that you can think of. In fact, the city’s culinary grandeur cannot be underestimated, even during the pandemic. Though restaurants and other eateries are hurting, the food scene in Chicago is slowly but steadily recovering.

And if you need another reason to explore Chicago, here is another one! Travelling to Chicago is now even easier and affordable with United Airlines’ new direct flights from New Delhi. So, now your 16-hour flight journey to Chicago will be done in the most comfortable and hygienic way. You can fly without any worries as the airline maintains the highest standard for COVID safety. 

So, if you plan to travel to Chicago and eat your way through the city, give these vegetarian eateries a try. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed, even when there are restrictions related to the pandemic. 

Kāl'ish

Kāl'ish provides sumptuous plant-based recipes for you in the Uptown neighbourhood. Be it burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, soups, or the all-day breakfast menu, this vegan place lets you indulge without any guilt! Please note that dine-in facilities might not be available due to the pandemic. You can go for delivery or pickup in that case. 

Address: 1313 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

The Chicago Diner

Serving meat-free delicacies since 1983, this thoughtful diner prepares sustainable food with local and seasonal ingredients. Looking for gluten-free recipes? The Chicago Diner is the spot for you! Due to the pandemic restrictions, the establishment might not offer dining. Nonetheless, you can still go for home delivery or pick up your meals. Get in touch with the restaurant for the latest update on the protocol that needs to be followed for a better experience. 

Address: 2333 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 

Althea

Serving dishes prepared under the guidance of a celebrity chef and plant-based pioneer, Althea is a futuristic vegan restaurant. Go for their organic specialities and international twists in traditional foods. The menu has lunch, dinner and beverage options. Fried Yuba sandwich, coconut curry risotto, lasagne and frozen coconut cream pie are a few dishes you can pick and pair with white wines like Chardonnay or Sancerre. Too lazy to go out? Althea also takes home delivery orders! 

Address: 700 North Michigan Ave. 7th floor, Chicago, IL 60611

Original Soul Vegetarian

Ever heard of food that’s 100% free of chemicals and animal products? Their burgers, lunch baskets and platters are the best-loved picks among vegetarians of Chicago. The luxurious decor and more than 30 years of service, make this restaurant a must-visit place for those who don’t like meat. Even your non-vegetarian companions will appreciate the soulful food that is served as medicine at this family-owned establishment. 

Address: 203 E. 75th street, Chicago, IL 60619

Handlebar

The bar and grill specialises in breakfast burritos, avocado tacos, muffins, salads, samosas (yes, you heard it right!), oatmeal cream pie and mulled wine. And most of the dishes are available in a vegan preparation. A gluten-free menu is also available at this place and breakfast is served till 3 pm.! Please note that the restaurant might be closed for indoor dining due to the pandemic. Yet, you can enjoy patio dining, take away and home delivery.  

Address: 2311 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60647 

Perhaps it was eons ago when finding vegetarian options in a city like Chicago would have been tricky. Today, with the popularity of veganism and vegetarianism, you can find loads of options in various shapes and sizes. Apart from the above-mentioned picks, some other options to try are chaufa at Tanta, beet burgers at Ground Control, Indian delicacies at Uru Swati and dosa at Annapurna. 

Happy plant-based dining in Chicago!