Table of Contents
Introduction
Plant-based foods are foods that are made from plants or plant-derived ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and oils. They do not contain any animal products, such as meat, dairy, eggs, or honey. Plant-based foods are becoming more popular in recent years, as more people are becoming aware of the benefits of plant-based eating, such as:
- Health: Plant-based foods are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, which can help prevent or treat various chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer . Plant-based foods are also lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories, which can help maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure .
- Environment: Plant-based foods are more sustainable and eco-friendly than animal-based foods, as they require less land, water, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions to produce . Plant-based foods also help preserve biodiversity, soil quality, and water resources, and reduce deforestation, pollution, and waste .
- Animal welfare: Plant-based foods are more humane and compassionate than animal-based foods, as they do not involve the exploitation, suffering, or killing of animals for food . Plant-based foods also respect the rights and interests of animals, who are sentient beings with their own personalities, emotions, and preferences .
The main purpose of this blog post is to explore the rise of plant-based foods in the Twin Cities, which are Minneapolis and St. Paul, the two largest and most populous cities in Minnesota. The Twin Cities are known for their diverse and vibrant food scene, which includes a variety of cuisines, cultures, and flavors. In this blog post, we will look at some of the best plant-based dishes and restaurants in the Twin Cities, as well as some tips and recipes for vegan cooking.
Best Plant-Based Dishes and Restaurants in the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities have a lot to offer for plant-based eaters, as there are many restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and shops that cater to their needs and preferences. Here are some of the best plant-based dishes and restaurants in the Twin Cities, along with some photos, ratings, reviews, and links to their websites or social media pages:
1. Trio Plant-Based
Trio Plant-Based is a vegan restaurant that specializes in soul food, such as mac and cheese, greens, cornbread, and BBQ ribs. Their menu is influenced by the African American and Caribbean cuisines, but with a plant-based twist. Some of their signature items include the Soul Food Platter, which is a combination of mac and cheese, greens, cornbread, and BBQ ribs, the Jerk Tofu Bowl, which is a spicy dish with jerk tofu, rice, beans, and plantains, and the Banana Pudding, which is a creamy dessert with vanilla wafers and banana slices. Trio Plant-Based has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with colorful decor and live music. They also have a social mission, as they support local farmers, donate to food shelves, and hire formerly incarcerated individuals.
Rating: 4.5/5 (Google)
Review: “Trio Plant-Based is a gem in the Twin Cities. The food is flavorful, satisfying, and comforting. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The ambiance is cozy, lively, and fun. I love their Soul Food Platter, their Jerk Tofu Bowl, and their Banana Pudding. They also have great drinks, like their ginger beer and their hibiscus tea. I highly recommend Trio Plant-Based to anyone who loves soul food or wants to try something new and delicious.” – Jamal, Yelp
Website: https://www.trioplant-based.com/
2. Reverie Cafe + Bar
Reverie Cafe + Bar is a vegan restaurant that serves global cuisine, such as tacos, curry, ramen, and pizza. Their menu is diverse and creative, as they use a variety of ingredients and flavors to create their dishes. Some of their signature items include the Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos, which are tacos with jackfruit, salsa verde, cabbage, and cilantro, the Thai Curry Bowl, which is a bowl with coconut curry, tofu, vegetables, and rice, and the Margherita Pizza, which is a pizza with tomato sauce, vegan cheese, and basil. Reverie Cafe + Bar has a hip and trendy atmosphere, with a spacious patio and a full bar. They also have a live music venue, a catering service, and a monthly art show.
Rating: 4.7/5 (Google)
Review: “Reverie Cafe + Bar is a great place to enjoy vegan food and drinks. The food is fresh, tasty, and varied. The drinks are strong, smooth, and refreshing. The service is fast, friendly, and efficient. The vibe is cool, relaxed, and fun. I love their Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos, their Thai Curry Bowl, and their Margherita Pizza. They also have amazing cocktails, like their mojito and their sangria. I highly recommend Reverie Cafe + Bar to anyone who loves global cuisine or wants to try something new and exciting.” – Mia, Google
Website: http://reveriempls.com/
3. Hi Flora!
Hi Flora! is a vegan bakery that makes cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and pies. Their menu is sweet and indulgent, as they use high-quality ingredients and natural flavors to make their baked goods. Some of their signature items include the Chocolate Cake, which is a moist cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles, the Lemon Cupcake, which is a fluffy cupcake with lemon frosting and zest, and the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, which is a chewy cookie with oats and raisins. Hi Flora! has a cute and charming atmosphere, with floral wallpaper and vintage furniture. They also have a delivery service, a custom order option, and a loyalty program.
Rating: 4.5/5 (Google)
Review: “Hi Flora! is the best vegan bakery in the Twin Cities. The baked goods are delicious, beautiful, and satisfying. The staff is sweet, helpful, and professional. The atmosphere is lovely, cozy, and inviting. I love their Chocolate Cake, their Lemon Cupcake, and their Oatmeal Raisin Cookie. They also have great coffee, tea, and juice. I highly recommend Hi Flora! to anyone who loves vegan sweets or wants to try something new and delightful.” – Anna, Facebook
Website: N/A
4. Vegan East Cafe
Vegan East Cafe is a vegan cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu is wholesome and nutritious, as they use organic and gluten-free ingredients to make their dishes. Some of their signature items include the Breakfast Burrito, which is a burrito with tofu scramble, black beans, salsa, and vegan cheese, the BLT Sandwich, which is a sandwich with tempeh bacon, lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo, and the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake, which is a creamy cheesecake with chocolate chips and cookie dough. Vegan East Cafe has a bright and modern atmosphere, with a large window and a minimalist design. They also have a bakery, a grocery store, and a gift shop.
Rating: 4.8/5 (Google)
Review: “Vegan East Cafe is a wonderful vegan cafe in the Twin Cities. The food is healthy, delicious, and filling. The staff is courteous, attentive, and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is clean, spacious, and comfortable. I love their Breakfast Burrito, their BLT Sandwich, and their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake. They also have excellent coffee, tea, and smoothies. I highly recommend Vegan East Cafe to anyone who loves vegan food or wants to try something new and nutritious.” – Sam, Yelp
Website: http://veganeast.com/
5. Hard Times Cafe
Hard Times Cafe is a vegetarian and vegan cafe that serves American and Mexican food, such as burgers, burritos, salads, and soups. Their menu is affordable and satisfying, as they use fresh and local ingredients to make their dishes. Some of their signature items include the Black Bean Burger, which is a burger with black beans, oats, spices, and vegan cheese, the Veggie Burrito, which is a burrito with rice, beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, and vegan sour cream, and the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is a soft cookie with peanut butter and chocolate chips. Hard Times Cafe has a funky and eclectic atmosphere, with graffiti, posters, and stickers on the walls. They also have a 24/7 service, a community board, and a free library.
Rating: 4.5/5 (Google)
Review: “Hard Times Cafe is a classic vegetarian and vegan cafe in the Twin Cities. The food is cheap, tasty, and plentiful. The staff is friendly, helpful, and laid-back. The atmosphere is quirky, colorful, and lively. I love their Black Bean Burger, their Veggie Burrito, and their Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie. They also have great coffee, tea, and juice. I highly recommend Hard Times Cafe to anyone who loves vegetarian and vegan food or wants to try something new and fun.” – Alex, Google
Website: http://hardtimescafe.tumblr.com/
In conclusion, the Twin Cities are a great destination for plant-based eaters, as they have a wide range of restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and shops that offer delicious and diverse vegan and vegetarian food. Whether you are looking for comfort food, soul food, global cuisine, or sweet treats, you can find it in the Twin Cities. You can also enjoy the friendly service, the cozy ambiance, and the social impact of these plant-based businesses. The next time you are in the Twin Cities, be sure to check out some of these amazing plant-based dishes and restaurants. You won’t regret it! 😋