Scenic vistas, vibrant nightlife, street cars are just a few of the things that the city Portland, Oregon is known for. But did you also know that Portland is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the United States? As a city, Portland is known for being a bit rebellious (in a good way). In recent years, Portland has become a hub for vegans and other “rebellious eaters,” who’ve switched to a more ethical, planet-conscious lifestyle.
Is Portland The Best US City For Vegans?
Today, I’m going to share some of my favourite eats in Portland and show visitors what they can expect in terms of vegan culture in Portland. Whether you’ve got a trip planned or you’re just curious, I guarantee you’ll want to add Portland to your list of vegan-friendly travel destinations. For starters: there are over 50 restaurants in Portland that are 100% vegan, meaning that all of their dishes are:
- meat-free;
- dairy-free;
- egg-free;
- 100% plant- and fungi-based!
Additionally, there are many more restaurants that are vegetarian, offer a vegan-friendly menu, or allow eaters to modify dishes with plant-based proteins in place of meat. It’s no wonder that PETA ranked Portland as “The Most Vegan-Friendly City In The US” in 2016. It’s one of the few cities north of Cali that I truly recommend for vegans. So far, Los Angeles is the only other West Coast city that offers vegan pizza that can match the vegan pizzerias in Portland.
Vegan Culture In Portland
Great vegan food isn’t the only thing you’ll find in Portland. As a hub for vegans, you’ll be welcome pretty much anywhere you go in the city. During my most recent week-long trip to Portland, I made several friends who I’m still in contact with. Portland features plenty of vegan-friendly events, meet-ups, and plant-conscious groups where you’ll be able to meet with other plant-based eaters, socialize, and make a difference. Some of the events you’ll find in Portland include:
- Vegan-friendly public picnics
- Vegan outdoor pot-lucks
- Climate activism events
- … and more!
From culture, to food, and great people, you really can’t go wrong with Portland. Plus, you’ll be able to experience some of Oregon’s incredible natural landscape if you drive right outside of the city.
The Best Vegan Meals In Portland: Local Favourites
If you’re a vegan foodie, then Portland is as close to heaven as it gets. It’s, by far, one of the best cities I’ve ever been to in terms of the plant-based food you’ll find. With so many vegan restaurants competing, you’ll find some truly creative dishes inspired by cuisine and culture around the globe. If you’re going to Portland, you’ve got to try at least one of these awesome vegan meals.
#1. Yakisoba Noodles at Blossoming Lotus
Yakisoba noodles are a quintessential Japanese dish that first came about in the 1930s. The only problem is that most Yakisoba noodle dishes aren’t vegan-friendly, as they often contain meat, non-vegan Worcestershire sauce, and other not-so-vegan-friendly ingredients. Blossoming Lotus has an incredible plant-based menu, but the restaurant’s vegan Yakisoba noodles were out of this world. The noodles are made from whole buckwheat flour, tossed in a vegan Worcestershire sauce, and served with plenty of vegetables.
#2. Seitan BBQ Ribs at Dirty Lettuce
When most people think of soul food, veganism is the last thing that comes to mind. Dirty Lettuce lives to defy expectations and features some delicious vegan soul food dishes, such as:
- Vegan fried “chicken”
- Vegan “BBQ”
- Vegan mac n “cheese”
- Vegan burgers
My favourite menu item is the seitan BBQ ribs, though. The seitan is cooked to perfection and is brushed with a super-flavourful home-made BBQ sauce that’s 100% plant-based.
#3. Vegan Cheesecake at Rawdacious Desserts
Who says that cheesecake can’t be made without cheese? Rawdacious Desserts has a mouth-watering menu that’s packed full of vegan dessert options, such as:
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Brownies
My favourite dessert, though, is the restaurant’s vegan cheesecake that’s made from a cashew milk base, unrefined sugar, and topped off with fresh fruit. Now that’s a cheesecake I can feel good about!
#4. Vegan Pizza at Virtuous Pie
No vegan food tour is complete without a proper slice of pizza. Virtuous Pie is an industrial design-inspired pizza joint with large open tables so you can bring all of your friends and share some of the restaurant’s incredible dairy and meat-free pizzas, including:
- Margherita Pizza
- “Stranger Wings” (topped with buffalo vegan wings)
- “Superfunghi” (topped with vegan ricotta and mushrooms)
- … and a whole lot more!
Wrap Up: Vegan In Portland
My last trip to Portland was nothing short of incredible. To be completely honest, though, I feel like I barely scratched the surface. I can’t wait to go back, try a couple of my favourites, and experience new restaurants. All in all, Portland is a perfect city for vegans and offers a great mix of food, culture, and fun.
