Your Guide to Vegan Food in Louisiana
Louisiana’s gumbo pots and crawfish boils carry deep cultural roots, but a new chapter in the state’s food history is bubbling up with vibrant vegan creations.
Louisiana’s gumbo pots and crawfish boils carry deep cultural roots, but a new chapter in the state’s food history is bubbling up with vibrant vegan creations.
From New Orleans to Lake Charles, you'll find everything from Southern staples to global flavors reimagined for plant-based palates. Think crispy tofu po' boys, spicy gumbo filled with fresh veggies and even vegan sugar-dusted beignets. Ready to dive into Louisiana’s flavorful vegan finds? This guide will show you where to start.
New Orleans
In the Big Easy, beyond signature Creole and Cajun fare, you'll find creative vegan twists on traditional dishes. This is a soulful city where food tells a story, and there are plenty of places where plant-based diners can get a taste of what makes New Orleans one of the top culinary destinations in the country.
1000 Figs
Meals From the Heart Cafe
Breads on Oak
Gumbo Shop
The Gumbo Shop in the heart of the French Quarter always features vegan options and a daily vegetarian (often vegan!) special, like Creole-style meatless beans and rice. And of course, if you're traveling with omnivorous friends, they’ll be thrilled with the chicken andouille gumbo, crawfish étouffée and overflowing po'boys that The Gumbo Shop has been serving up since 1948.
Menu | 630 St. Peter St., New Orleans
Killer PoBoys
Killer PoBoys crafts vegan "big killer" sandos that redefine the classic. Try the Thai BBQ Tofu, featuring lemongrass Thai chili mirliton slaw, spiced peanuts and a sprinkle of coconut. If you're in the mood for something hearty, the Roasted Sweet Potato Po' Boy, paired with braised collard greens and a pecan black-eyed pea spread, won’t disappoint. And don’t sleep on the pecan butter and jelly with house-made pecan butter and a rotating fruit jelly (or the locally made pepper jelly), all nestled between toasted whole-grain bread.
Menu | 219 Dauphine St., New Orleans
Meals from the Heart Cafe
For a morning stop, Meals from the Heart Cafe’s vegan grits are a favorite in the bustling French Market. For vegan New Orleans classics, try their vegan red beans and rice or Vegan Krab Po'Boy: Two “crab cakes” topped with lettuce, tomato and a lemon-garlic remoulade. The vegan okra gumbo is another highlight, with zucchini, squash, roasted red peppers and mushrooms simmered in Cajun spices. And if you have room, indulge in their house-made vegan beignets — fluffy fried dough dusted generously with powdered sugar.
Menu | 1100 N. Peters St. #13 (in the French Market), New Orleans
Sweet Soulfood
If you’re craving a complete vegan feast, wander the historical, mural-covered streets in the Tremé neighborhood and stop by Sweet Soulfood for lunch. Menu options vary by day, with options ranging from chickpea cakes to cashew mac to a Creole curry — plus local favorites like okra gumbo and collard greens. Try the bread pudding for dessert!
Menu | 1025 N. Broad St., New Orleans
Breads on Oak
Breads on Oak is a herbivore's haven in Uptown New Orleans, with a menu full of organic, plant-based baked goods. A local favorite is the Muffanada; with vegan Italian ham, vegan bacon, provolone and tangy olive salad on a sesame roll, it's like a traditional muffuletta with nada the animal products. Finish with a slice of their Grand Ganache Cake with layers of thick, fair-trade chocolate ganache.
Menu | 8640 Oak St., New Orleans
1000 Figs
At 1000 Figs in the nature-filled neighborhood of Bayou St. John, Middle Eastern cuisine bursts with flavor in a clean, modern atmosphere. To try all their best vegan options, order the Falafel Feast, a generous spread of freshly fried falafel, hummus, smoky baba ghanouj, pickled veggies and crunchy kale-and-cabbage salad. It’s served with creamy tahini, zhoug and garlicy toum, paired with a basket of warm bread.
Menu | 3141 Ponce De Leon St., Suite 1, New Orleans
I-tal Garden
Family-owned and fully plant-based, I-tal Garden serves up iconic flavors of New Orleans. Get the I-tal Plate: coconut-curry black-eyed peas paired with greens and cornbread-fried cauliflower. Meanwhile, the Mac Plate delivers dairy-free mac and cheese alongside collard greens, buttery cornbread and barbecue cauli-wings. Or opt for crab-less crab cakes made out of chickpeas, hearts of palm and artichoke hearts.
Menu | 810 N. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans
2 Phat Vegans
Set in the French Quarter where a rainbow of Victorian-style buildings line the streets, 2 Phat Vegans are known for their hot sausage po' boy made with Impossible meat on French bread, served dressed complete with vegan cheese. Other takes on comfort-food classics include a mushroom étouffée and crispy fried okra.
Menu | 1303 Decatur St., New Orleans
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge combines a laid-back Southern vibe with an eclectic food scene. Stroll through oak tree-lined streets, explore local boutiques or jam out at music events that regularly pop up throughout the city. While traditional Creole and Cajun dishes dominate, there are plenty of plant-based options to discover.
Veganish Vibes
The Plantry Café
MJ's Café
MJ’s Café
With a dining room covered in eclectic art and colorful flowers, MJ’s Cafe is a perfect place to settle in for a healthy lunch. Kick things off with the kimchi cucumber salad — spring mix, kimchi-marinated cucumbers, peanuts, sesame vinaigrette and marinated tofu. And if you're there for Sunday brunch, their French toast is a must-try: Thick slices of sourdough soaked with vanilla and cinnamon, then fried up and topped with bananas, blueberries, strawberries and a snowfall of powdered sugar.
Menu | 5162 Government St., Baton Rouge
Veganish Vibes
A fully vegan restaurant in Baton Rouge, Veganish Vibes reimagines Louisiana classics with a deliciously plant-based twist. Dig into creamy red beans and rice, juicy jackfruit ribs or a seafood potato overflowing with savory lion’s mane mushrooms. For dessert, indulge in fluffy beignets with Chantilly cream and berries or a rich bread pudding drizzled with rum sauce.
Menu | 4608 Bennington Ave., Baton Rouge
The Plantry Café
For a stylish and whimsical experience, visit The Plantry Café for vegan charcuterie, natural wine flights and high tea complete with biscuits, scones and a selection of jams. For lunch, munch on their mushroom scallops with remoulade or the oyster-mushroom po'boy. Sip a glass of vino and savor their mini handpies and cashew-cheese platters that highlight locally sourced ingredients.
Menu | 5454 Bluebonnet Blvd. Suite B, Baton Rouge
Lafayette
Lafayette, where live music spills from local venues, stands out with its vibrant Cajun culture and Southern cuisine that sings. But more than just a hub for fried chicken and crawfish, Lafayette now also boasts an array of vegan options that reflect its culinary diversity.
Masala Indian Kitchen
Scratch Farm Kitchen
Scratch Farm Kitchen
Scratch Farm Kitchen caters to all kinds of dietary preferences, but their vegan offerings are some of the most delicious on the menu. Taste their creamy potato-leek soup in a rosemary-coconut broth (vegan if you order it without the cheese garnish). But with a lineup that changes regularly, it’s always a treat to see what seasonal veggies are on the table when you visit.
Five Mile Eatery
For a breakfast worth getting up early for, Five Mile Eatery is a cool co-op that goes beyond the ordinary with their flavor combos. The wild mushroom toast pairs sourdough with brown-butter maitake mushrooms, the house ricotta, arugula and micro greens, chili oil, and a soft-boiled egg. Alongside, sip a Mystic Mocha steamed up with rosemary, maca, activated charcoal, sage, espresso and your choice of plant milk.
Menu | 317 Heymann Blvd., Lafayette
Masala Indian Kitchen
Masala Indian Kitchen has a menu full of clearly marked vegan options with all the authentic flavors you love. Begin the meal with potato-and-pea-stuffed samosas and mixed veggie pakoras with fruity mint and tamarind chutney. The jafrezzi’s stir-fried veggies simmered in a tomato sauce with Indian spices is a house favorite, and don't sleep on the kheer (Indian rice pudding made with almonds and pistachios) for dessert.
Menu | 2208 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Lafayette
Lake Charles
After a day walking along the Calcasieu River waterfront, stopping into boutiques and trekking trails lined with live oaks draped in Spanish moss, you’re sure to work up a healthy appetite in Lake Charles. As the culinary landscape grows, foodies can enjoy a variety of plant-based options that reflect the area's evolving tastes.
Main Squeeze Juice Co.
Creole Hidden Garden
Creole Hidden Garden
While the Creole Hidden Garden food truck is often on the move visiting Louisiana festivals and events, its hometown — and primary spot to set up shop — is on Broad Street in Lake Charles. The menu is always evolving, but you can bet it’s going to include mouthwatering treats like juicy smash burgers and veggie egg rolls with crunchy red cabbage and broccoli. The real showstopper? The desserts — like their soulful sweet-potato pie and dairy-free ice cream.
Main Squeeze Juice Co.
Kick your day off with a healthy serving of super foods at Main Squeeze Juice Co. Order the açaí berry bowl, chock full of wild-harvested açaí, almond milk, banana and blueberries, and sprinkled with crunchy granola — just ask for no honey to keep it vegan. For a savory option, the spicy breakfast sandwich features a vegan and gluten-free English muffin, Impossible sausage patty, a vegan folded egg and sliced avocado, drizzled with chili-garlic sauce and a pinch of Himalayan salt.
Menu | 3629 Nelson Rd., Suite 100, Lake Charles
Toga Grill
At Toga Grill, the scent of sizzling falafel and baked pita hits you the moment you step inside. This Mediterranean spot offers vegans a variety of flavorful options, including a variety of hummuses (the muffuletta hummus is flavored with their own olive mix). Bite into a falafel burger topped with creamy tahini, or try the Makali Special of fried okra, eggplant, zucchini, cauliflower and potatoes. Fresh ingredients like chopped parsley and garlic shine in every dish.
Menu | 4439 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles
Shreveport & Bossier City
Shreveport and Bossier City are known for their lively riverfront, where casinos glitter next to concert venues and local shops. Whether you're looking for dinner before catching a show at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium or lunch after strolling through the lush gardens of the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, the cities offer activities that pair perfectly with a plant-based meal.
Good Wishes Cafe
Vegans on the Run
Vegans on the Run
Vegans on the Run serves up vegan soul-food with dishes like the Loaded Chik’n Cornbread Bowl. Creamy mashed potatoes are topped with crispy fried vegan chicken, sweet corn and rich brown gravy, all served in a cornbread bowl. Their Southern Peach Cobbler is a sweet finish to the meal, with juicy peach slices in a caramelized brown-sugar crust. The warm, home-cooked flavors make this place feel like a visit to Grandma’s kitchen, with a vegan twist.
Menu | 1210 Milam St., Shreveport
Glow Alchemy Kitchen
For something unique and health-conscious, Glow Alchemy Kitchen offers tacos filled with roasted cauliflower florets, smothered in cashew queso and topped with a crunchy cabbage slaw. Pair them with a handcrafted drink, like the Magic Mushroom Cacao, a blend of rich cacao and warm cinnamon mixed with chaga and reishi mushrooms, known for their stress-relieving benefits.
Menu | 955 Pierremont Rd. Suite 200, Shreveport
Good Wishes Cafe
Good Wishes Cafe takes a whole-foods, plant-based approach to comfort food. Start your day with a fiber-packed carrot or chocolate-beet muffin, or go for a hearty burrito stuffed with rice, beans and spicy homemade hot sauce. Their nachos, loaded with zesty pico de gallo and creamy avocado, are another favorite. The clean, modern atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a wholesome, feel-good meal.
1405 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport
Divine9 Cuisine
Divine9 Cuisine, a hidden gem in Bossier City, has plenty of tasty vegan Vietnamese dishes. The veggie fried rice is full of broccoli and carrots and sprinkled with green onions, while the veggie pho broth is brimming with umami-rich mushrooms and crisp vegetables. Just ask for no egg, and you have a comforting vegan meal.
Menu | 1964 Airline Dr., Bossier City
Alexandria
In the heart of Central Louisiana, Alexandria boasts stunning nature, historical landmarks and a welcoming riverfront, perfect for a quiet stroll after exploring the local boutiques or catching a live show at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Though there may not be many fully vegan spots, several restaurants offer dishes that will satisfy any craving.
The Salad Station
Mandarin Chinese & Sushi
The Salad Station
A quick, nutritious option for lunch, The Salad Station lets you build your perfect bowl. Start with a base of leafy greens, then layer on edamame, chickpeas, black beans or green peas for a protein punch. Finish it off with a colorful array of toppings like diced beets, seasonal berries, sunflower seeds and dried cranberries.
Menu | 3220 Jackson St., Alexandria
Mandarin Chinese & Sushi
For a cozy meal with clean, bright flavors, Mandarin Chinese & Sushi has you covered. Start with crunchy spring rolls filled with carrots and rice noodles. Move on to vegetable sushi rolls packed with avocado and cucumber. Or enjoy the savory kung bo tofu with sweet peppers and stir-fried veggies. The comfortable booths and warm lighting provide the perfect setting for a laid-back dining experience.
3150 N. MacArthur Dr. Suite E, Alexandria
Wildwood Pizza
At Wildwood Pizza, you can create a gluten-free, dairy-free masterpiece. Choose from a variety of toppings — like artichoke hearts, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes — sprinkled with lots of vegan cheese. Pair it with a bubbly fountain soda or sip on a glass of wine.
Menu | 1260 Texas Ave., Alexandria
Monroe & Ruston
Nestled along the Ouachita River, Monroe is a cultural hub. It’s lined with art galleries and performance venues like the Masur Museum of Art and the Monroe Symphony Orchestra. Ruston, just a short drive away, has a college-town vibe thanks to Louisiana Tech University’s bustling campus. After a day spent roaming the area's arts scene, you’ll have worked up an appetite. Luckily, Monroe and Ruston deliver when it comes to plant-based eats.
Gibson's Fresh Grocer
Athena Greek and Lebanese Restaurant
Taste of India
If you’re craving Indian cuisine, Taste of India won’t disappoint. A whole page of their menu is dedicated to vegetarian dishes, most of which can easily be made vegan. The dal tadka, a yellow lentil stew, bursts with earthy, spicy warmth. Pair it with warm roti and aromatic basmati rice. After your meal, explore their small grocery store filled with tasty South Asian snacks.
Menu | 1809 Roselawn Ave., Monroe
Gibson's Fresh Grocer
For a grab-and-go option in Ruston, Gibson's Fresh Grocer is the perfect pit stop. Stock up on vegan frozen pizzas, sandwiches and healthy snacks for your next outing. Whether you’re planning a picnic or need quick fuel for your adventures, this local grocer has a variety of vegan options to suit your needs.
201 N. Service Road E., Ruston
Athena
At Athena, the menu celebrates Greek and Mediterranean flavors with vibrant, plant-based dishes. Start with veggie grape leaves, then move on to the star of the show: the falafel, fried to a perfect crisp and served with creamy tahini sauce. Or go for the grilled veggie kabobs that combine zucchini, onions and bell peppers charred just right.
