Concord, New Hampshire, is quietly becoming a haven for vegan food lovers. This unassuming city is serving up plant-based delights that are turning heads and changing minds about vegan cuisine. Let’s explore the hidden gems that are putting Concord on the map for food enthusiasts of all dietary persuasions.
Key Takeaways
– Concord, New Hampshire, is becoming a popular spot for vegan food lovers.
– Col’s Kitchen was a beloved vegan restaurant known for dishes like pad thai and cauliflower wings, even though it has closed.
– Café Indigo is famous for its vegan bakery items like carrot cake and whoopie pies.
– Spoon Revolution Vegan Bistro offers a rotating menu with dishes like Cream of Yucca and Bengali Vegetable Curry.
– Hermanos Cocina Mexicana adapts traditional Mexican dishes for vegans with options like vegan cheese.
– Teatotaller is a welcoming café known for vegan pastries, boba teas, and a variety of meals.
– Other vegan-friendly options in Concord include the Concord Food Co-op, Dos Amigos, and House of India.
– Concord’s vegan eateries are attracting both vegans and non-vegans with their delicious offerings.
Col’s Kitchen
Col’s Kitchen, once a beloved fixture in Concord, NH, was known for its all-vegan menu that attracted both vegans and non-vegans alike. Happy Cow reports that the restaurant offered mouthwatering dishes such as pad thai, cauliflower wings, homemade soda, and pie shakes. Despite its closure, Col’s Kitchen remains a notable mention for its significant contributions to Concord’s vegan scene.
The restaurant’s commitment to serving delicious plant-based cuisine helped pave the way for other vegan eateries in the area. While opinions on the food quality and service varied, many customers praised the variety and flavor of the dishes offered. Col’s Kitchen demonstrated that vegan food could be both satisfying and appealing to a wide range of diners, setting a high standard for plant-based dining in Concord. For those looking to explore more of New Hampshire’s natural beauty while enjoying vegan options, Spacious Skies French Pond Campground in nearby Henniker offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and eco-friendly accommodations.
Café Indigo
For those with a sweet tooth, Café Indigo at 128H Hall Street is a must-visit destination. This 100% vegan café has gained fame for its exceptional bakery, producing award-winning pastries that have put Concord on the map for vegan desserts.
But Café Indigo isn’t just about satisfying your sugar cravings. The café offers a range of savory options, including sandwiches and snacks that showcase the versatility of vegan cuisine. One of their standout offerings is the Sunday Brunch Sampler Plate, featuring a delightful spread of cinnamon French toast, lemon rosemary potatoes, tofu scramble, cornmeal pancake, and homemade soy sausage patty. This diverse plate perfectly shows the café’s ability to create vegan versions of classic comfort foods.
Spoon Revolution Vegan Bistro
For those seeking a unique dining experience, Spoon Revolution Vegan Bistro at 55 South Main Street offers a rotating menu concept that keeps things fresh and exciting. The bistro’s use of local, organic ingredients in their home-style vegan cooking. Signature dishes like Cream of Yucca and Yam, Fall Vegetable Medley, and Bengali Vegetable Curry with Brown Basmati Rice showcase the chef’s creativity and dedication to flavor.
What sets Spoon Revolution apart is not just its food, but also its community engagement. The bistro hosts weekly Meat Eaters Anonymous meetings, providing support and guidance for those looking to transition to a plant-based diet. This initiative demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to not only serving great vegan food but also fostering a supportive community for those exploring plant-based lifestyles.
Hermanos Cocina Mexicana
Hermanos Cocina Mexicana, located at 11 Hills Avenue, proves that traditional cuisine can be successfully adapted for vegan diners without sacrificing authenticity or flavor. This Mexican restaurant has embraced the plant-based movement by offering vegan cheese and sour cream options, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes in a vegan-friendly format.
The restaurant’s commitment to providing plant-based protein options and allowing vegan substitutions for most dishes ensures that no one has to miss out on the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. With the added bonus of live jazz entertainment, Hermanos offers a lively atmosphere that complements its diverse menu.
Teatotaller
Teatotaller, a bright pink beacon of inclusivity at 12 North Main Street, has quickly become a favorite among Concord’s vegan community. This queer-friendly café is not just about great food; it’s about creating a welcoming space for everyone. Teatotaller’s website features their impressive array of vegan pastries and boba teas, alongside a menu featuring lunch and breakfast sandwiches, salads, toast, scones, frittata, and waffles.
The café’s vibrant atmosphere and commitment to inclusivity have made it a popular spot for both vegans and non-vegans alike. Teatotaller demonstrates that vegan dining can be fun, fashionable, and accessible to all. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely afternoon, this colorful café offers a unique experience that goes beyond just good food.
Additional Vegan-Friendly Options in Concord
While our top five eateries offer a diverse range of vegan options, Concord’s plant-based scene extends beyond these establishments. The Concord Food Co-op provides a convenient option for those looking for grab-and-go vegan meals. Their natural foods grocery store, bakery, and café offer prepackaged vegan meals, sides, soups, and salads, perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
For those craving Mexican-inspired fast food, Dos Amigos is another excellent option. They offer burritos, quesadillas, and other dishes with plant-based protein and vegan cheese options. Their vegan cookie bars have also gained quite a following among locals with a sweet tooth. These additional options further showcase the growing diversity of Concord’s vegan culinary landscape, catering to various tastes and preferences within the plant-based community.
Indian cuisine is often a safe bet for vegan diners, and House of India in Concord is no exception. This restaurant has made a name for itself by being incredibly accommodating to vegan dietary needs. Almost any entrée can be made dairy-free upon request, opening up a world of flavorful options for plant-based eaters.
What sets House of India apart is not just its willingness to adapt dishes but also its generous portions. Vegan diners can enjoy the rich, complex flavors of Indian cuisine without feeling like they’re missing out or receiving smaller servings. This commitment to inclusivity and satisfaction has made House of India a favorite among Concord’s vegan community, further expanding the city’s reputation as a vegan-friendly destination.
The diversity of vegan options in Concord reflects a growing trend towards plant-based dining across New Hampshire and beyond. From dedicated vegan establishments like Café Indigo and Spoon Revolution Vegan Bistro to restaurants like Hermanos and House of India that go out of their way to accommodate vegan diners, Concord’s culinary landscape is evolving to meet the demands of health-conscious and ethically-minded consumers.
This shift isn’t just about providing options for vegans; it’s about introducing plant-based cuisine to a wider audience. Many of these establishments have found success by creating dishes that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike, proving that plant-based food can be just as satisfying and flavorful as traditional fare. The growing vegan scene in Concord is not only catering to existing plant-based eaters but also attracting curious omnivores, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive dining culture in the city.
The rise of vegan eateries in Concord has had a ripple effect on the local culture. It’s not uncommon to see mixed groups of vegans and non-vegans dining together at these establishments, fostering understanding and curiosity about plant-based lifestyles. Events like the Meat Eaters Anonymous meetings at Spoon Revolution Vegan Bistro provide a supportive environment for those interested in exploring veganism, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse dining scene.
Moreover, the success of these vegan-friendly establishments has encouraged other restaurants in the area to expand their plant-based offerings. This competition and innovation benefit all diners, vegan or not, by raising the bar for quality and creativity in Concord’s culinary scene. The growing vegan movement in Concord is not just changing the way people eat; it’s fostering a more open-minded and health-conscious community, making the city a more attractive destination for food lovers of all dietary persuasions.
As we’ve discovered, Concord’s vegan scene is more than just a collection of restaurants – it’s a testament to the city’s evolving culinary landscape and growing inclusivity. From award-winning pastries to innovative Mexican-inspired dishes, these hidden gems are not just catering to vegans but are winning over carnivores too. So, whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply curious about plant-based dining, Concord’s vibrant vegan scene invites you to explore, indulge, and perhaps even challenge your preconceptions about what vegan food can be. Your next culinary adventure awaits in the heart of the Granite State! And for those looking to extend their plant-based journey beyond the city limits, consider a stay at Spacious Skies French Pond Campground in Henniker, where you can enjoy nature while maintaining your vegan lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Concord, NH, a good place for vegans?
A: Concord is home to several vegan eateries offering a variety of delicious plant-based dishes that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans.
Q: What was special about Col’s Kitchen?
A: Col’s Kitchen was known for its all-vegan menu with popular dishes like pad thai and cauliflower wings, helping to boost Concord’s vegan food scene.
Q: What type of food does Café Indigo offer?
A: Café Indigo is famous for its vegan bakery items like carrot cake and whoopie pies, and also serves savory options like sandwiches.
Q: What is unique about Spoon Revolution Vegan Bistro?
A: Spoon Revolution Vegan Bistro offers a rotating menu with local, organic ingredients, providing fresh and creative vegan dishes.
Q: How does Hermanos Cocina Mexicana cater to vegans?
A: Hermanos Cocina Mexicana offers vegan cheese and sour cream, allowing traditional Mexican dishes to be enjoyed in a vegan-friendly way.
Q: Why is Teatotaller popular in Concord?
A: Teatotaller is known for its inclusive atmosphere and offers a variety of vegan pastries, boba teas, and menu items like sandwiches and salads.
Q: Are there other vegan-friendly options in Concord?
A: Yes, places like the Concord Food Co-op and Dos Amigos offer vegan meals, and House of India provides vegan-friendly Indian cuisine.