Going Vegan in Houston: Where to Get Your Grub

Surely you can't leave out Quan Yin!http://quanyinvegetarian.com/

Dan

What a great article! This was SO helpful. Thanks!

Jonathan

Loving Hut = Cult. Watching that looping video of the "Supreme Master" is one obvious indication. As other commenters have said, there's more proof behind the organization that's behind it. But who cares! The food is good for being shipped from Taiwan and their fizzy drinks are excellent, though pricey. At Field of Green's, their BBQ sandwich is awesome. Their fries need some work though. Got nasty sick from eating at Radical Eats so I won't be going back there ever again. Jodycakes is unbelievable. I've only had a birthday cake from her but if that's any indication of her other items, I'm sold! She made me an ultra-chocolate bday cake and it was amazing, cholocatey, not over-sweet, great flavor and texture, and just all around good. Though it was pricey (aren't all vegan products more costly than the hardcore processed stuff?), it was worth it. Highly recommend her!! One commenter said to eat Middle Eastern food as they have lots of vegan dishes. I highly agree. I love Indian food especially and folks need to try Udipi off of Hwy 6 in Sugarland. Also Cuisine of India in Clear Lake (mmm, vindaloo!).

jodycakes

Thanks so much for the kind words Jonathan!!! Hope we can do biz again in future!!!! Totally AGREE regarding Udipi - eat there once a week at Hillcroft location!!!!! Yummy!!!

veggiecook

Agree with pretty much everything you said...try Field of Green's tofu fries, their normal fries aren't good but the tofu fries are a hidden gem on the menu (as long as they remember to season them right)...

Antony

Does anyone know if Pine Forest is owned by the same people who had Tien Ren on Westheimer. The buffet seems awfully similar. Great food either way just wondering.

tim

Loving hut is a cult, its pretty weird. Not hating, just saying.

veggiecook

Don't forget, if you want to go more upscale there are great vegan options as well...

A few examples include: T'afiaBackstreet CafeHugo'sHaven (not quite as many options, but willing to work with you)

That said, many of the vegan restaurants leave a lot to be desired in Houston. Not much innovation that I can't make myself for cheaper at home. There are options, yes, but the quality and innovation of the food isn't nearly as good as in other cities of comparable size.

Best option for new vegans is to learn how to cook and know where the good innovative and accommodating places are for special occasions. Not to say I don't sometimes patronize the above locations, I certainly do, but I normally leave underwhelmed...

Bruce R

Why can't vegan restaurants have meat-based items for those of us that are opposed to not eating meat?

Nicholas L. Hall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

Enjoy.

Eco earth warrior

Disappointed that Ms. Schillcut repeatedly describes Loving Hut as "cult-owned" - by doing that she has predisposed readers to a negative opinion. At least Ms. Schillcut mentioned actual vegan restaurants and food trucks, though a bit confusing to tie in the non vegetarian ones in the same article - especially describing those serving fish as primarily vegan. Fish aren't vegetables, Ms. Schillcut. : ) Just curious, is there a vegan food critic at Houston Press? It would be wonderful to see columns from actual vegan critics instead of carnivores looking for things to dislike about the healthiest, most environmentally responsible cuisine on the planet.

Bruce R

"Just curious, is there a vegan food critic at Houston Press?"

Of course there is. The Houston Press employs food critics of many bents, including vegan, lactose intolerant, lacto-ovo, and even omnivore. One critic eats nothing but grapefruits.

Katharine Shilcutt

I'm sorry, but that last line made me laugh till I nearly peed.

Christina Uticone

Resident Scurvy Prevention Expert.

Christina Uticone

You seem like tons of fun.

To clarify: Katharine is expressing her honest, earnest exploration of vegan foods and instead of helpfully clarifying a few points and making suggestions, you criticize her as a "carnivore looking for things to dislike"...when that clearly is not the case.

I'm more turned on to exploring vegetarianism and veganism by Katharine's excited curiosity than by your superiority snark "eco warrior" attitude. I think that militant attitude and tone give your cause a bad name.

Nicholas L. Hall

We should sick Bloodhound Kyle on EEW. I'd be totally unsurprised to find some ulterior motives at work, as the overall bent of the comment is just odd, and not really reflective of the tone or intent of the article.

Jasonofthesea

Was really looking forward to Field of Green's when I went veggie - pretty disappointed to say the least. Staff bitching about lack of guests, etc. I hate that

KING

Is Pat Greer's Vegan Kitchen still around? I used to live a few blocks away. It's right off Taft in between Allen Parkway and Gray. Forgot the street name.

pat

we are still around!!!

giant hugspat

VegCelebrity

By the way, there is a Houston-based vegan society event all week called "Texas Go Vegan Week". Online at www.vegansocietyofpeace.org/te.... Surprising that the author didn't mention it. They have a coupon good at about 6 participating vegan restaurants (some of whom the author reviewed). Participating business are 100% vegan - no worries of cross-contamination or mystery ingredients there. Anyway, worth checking out.

Vegcelebrity

Wow, what's up with the "cult" labeling of Loving Hut? Seems like the author of this post has something against Loving Hut (the largest vegan food chain in the world) and let it get mean rather than professional. And Pine Forest is not 100% vegan, as they use whey. Moreover, Field of Greens is NOT at all primarily vegan. They still serve products with dairy, whey and of course flesh on the menu. Let's use language like "veg-friendly" to be more appropriate.

Megan

Maybe "cybersect" would be a better way to describe the organization behind this chain. In addition, the corporate parent behind Loving Hut supports a religious organization. Some of the Loving Hut restaurants sell Supreme Leader Ching Hai's merchandise.

Doc Ricky

Hmm, missing some good vegan options in Indian restaurants (avoiding the dishes that use yogurt or cheese), and in Lebanese cooking.

Doc Ricky

No mention of stalwart Pine Forest? Predates Pepper Tree, I believe, and very vegan conscious proprietors.

Katharine Shilcutt

It's on page two, with even more listings. :)

joel_luks

Try reading the second page. There is more, and PF is included.

joel_luks

Say WHHHAAAT. Vegan donuts. Do me.Thanks for the tip on zpizza. Had NO idea. Snaps for writing this. THANK YOU!Pine Forest Garden, eh. Not a huge fan.

jodycakes

Just let me know if you need any!!!

joel_luks

I am glad you said "need." As far as I am concerned, vegan donuts are not a "want." They are a medical necessity. I'll be calling soon :) Love you TONS!!