The dietary lifestyle of vegetarians and vegans is not new to the human race. First mention of a no-meat diet has been found in the works of philosopher Pythagoras in 500 BCE, and much of what we know presently is from observers of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Their ideals place the well-being of animals highly and promote humans to not harm them. What has been deemed “veganism” in our modern lexicon has been a practice for hundreds of years by these religions and peoples in South Asia and other surrounding areas. To be a vegetarian means to not consume the meat of any animal, with the exception being fish for pescatarians. And to be a vegan, the consumption or use of animal bi-products is strictly prohibited. This means dairy products, wool, figs, honey and other foods, items, etc. are on the no-no list.
These principles have turned into a growing international movement, and the Treasure Valley has joined in! My boyfriend and I decided to go vegetarian last year after we did much research on how big of an environmental impact the commercial meat industry has. It started with us replacing the “meat” portion in our dinner meal planning, with a plant-based alternative. A year later, we’ve learned how to cook vegetarian dupes like sweet and sour cauliflower or pulled mushroom BBQ sandwiches. But sometimes, we want to join our friends for a patio in Downtown Boise, and thankfully restaurants, cafes, and food trucks are making it easier for all of us to gather and have our dietary needs met.
Check out the ULTIMATE list of vegetarian and vegan-friendly vendors serving up their plant-based dishes for all to enjoy.
Photo Credit: The Void Food Truck
Afghan
African
Kibrom’s Ethiopean & Eritrean Food
American
Boise Fry Company
The Hyde House
Eureka!
Yard House
Mess Hall
Red Robin
Dave & Buster's
Sandbar Patio Bar & Grill
Asian
Thai Cuisine
Pad Thai House
208 Pho and Vegan
Hans Chimaek
Mai Thai
Thai Basil
Dharma Sushi
Chang Mai
Sa-Wed-Dee Thai Resturant
Mount Everest Momo Café
Bangkok Thai
BBQ
Breakfast
Goldy's Breakfast Bistro
Goldy's Corner
The Griddle
Joe Momma's Breakfast Eatery
Waffle Me Up
Cafe
Lemon Tree
High Note Cafe
Wild Root Cafe
Ceritified Kitchen + Bakery
Dawson Taylor
ā café
Flying M Cafe
Java
Deja Brew Laugh A Latte
Starbucks
Deli
Roots Zero Waste Market
Boise Co-op
Albertsons
Whole Foods
Even Stevens Sandwiches
Dessert
KBS Cookie Co
Guru Donuts
The STIL
Stella's Ice Cream
Cinnaholic
C4 Creamery
Amaru Confections
Food Truck
The Void
Vegan Soul
Potato Boi
Lime And A Coconut
Taste of Nigeria African Cuisine
Mountain Berry Bowls
Indian
Bombay Grill
Madhuban Indian Cuisine
Spice Indian Cuisine
Saffrin Indian Bar and Grill
Taj Mahal Homestyle Indian and Pakistani Cuisine
Masala Bistro
Italian
Latin
Madre Boutique Taqueria
The Funky Taco
KB's
Amano
Matador
Meal Prep
Mediterranean
Mazzah Mediterranean Grill
Taziki's
Pizza
The Wylder
Red Bench
Pie Hole
Mod Pizza
Flatbread
Americana Pizza
Idaho Pizza
Firenza Pizza
Quick Food
Freddys
Del Taco
Burger King
Rush Bowls
Boise Juice Co.
The Habit Burger
Cafe Yumm!
Boise Fry Company
Big Bun Drive-In
Westside Drive-In
Paddles Up Poké
Taco Bell
Chipotle
Qdoba
Carl's Jr.
Pita Pit
Taco Del Mar
Good Burger
Sit Down
Kin
Bardenay
Caci
Locavore
Diablo & Sons
Bittercreek Ale House
Ochos
Juniper
The Cheesecake Factory
Solid Grill & Bar
Fork
Are you gluten-free? Read our blog on the best gluten-free restaurants in the Treasure Valley
Where To Eat Gluten-Free In The Treasure Valley
Know a MUST-EAT Vegetarian or Vegan restaurant? Submit the information in our form to have it added to our list!
Submit a Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant
Photo Credit: Guru Donuts
Photo Credit: Guru Donuts