When you make the choice to go vegan or vegetarian, it can take some searching to find restaurants that offer dishes you can eat.
Veganism is more popular than ever in the U.S. As of January 2022, around 10% of American adults are vegan or vegetarian. Clearly, more diverse dining options are necessary to include everyone at the table.
That's why we created this list of the best restaurants for vegans and vegetarians in Kent County, Delaware. We hope this post helps you find your next favorite spot!
The Top 5 Vegan Restaurants in Delaware
A good restaurant for vegans has options for everyone, and each of these entries fits the bill. Visit one of these awesome vegan restaurants while you're in the Dover area for a unique culinary experience.
1. Flavor of India
Dover's Flavor of India is an exceptional choice for lunch or dinner. You'll find only the finest ingredients at Flavor of India, as the kitchen always makes everything from scratch.
The menu offers a wide variety of clearly marked vegan and vegetarian options, such as vegetable biryani, peshawari pulao and samosa. Every dish is made to order, so you can easily veganize any dish. And if you have any questions about the menu, feel free to ask your server! The staff is friendly and always happy to help.
Flavor of India is located at 348 N Dupont Hwy and is open daily. The lunch buffet is available every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 302-677-0121 to make a reservation.
2. Speedway Cafe
Looking for a casual vegan brunch spot? Stop by Speedway Cafe in Dover! This multi-cuisine cafe recently added a separate vegan menu with breakfast and lunch options.
From vegan omelets to pancakes and Chick'n Parmesan, the new menu has something for everyone. If you're in search of some breakfast, try the pizza omelet or the vegan pancakes with Beyond Sausage. For lunch, we recommend the loaded fries or the Cheese-Steak-Less Hoagie.
Speedway Cafe is located at 737 N Dupont Hwy in Dover and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call the cafe at 302-735-5666 with any questions.
3. Dari Kabab & Gyro
If you're looking for authentic Mediterranean food, Dari Kabab & Gyro is the place to go. This hidden gem sources the freshest ingredients from local farmers markets, so you can count on a high-quality meal. Plus, they offer takeout and delivery for those who prefer to dine in the comfort of their home or hotel.
While most of the menu's meatless offerings are vegetarian, several vegan options are available, such as falafel, house-made hummus and stuffed grape leaves. The Zaalouk, a completely vegan eggplant spread, is another excellent choice. Additionally, since everything is made to order, you can ask for a vegan version of almost any vegetarian dish.
Dari Kabab & Gyro is located at 310 N Main St Suite D in Smyrna and is open Monday through Saturday. Call the restaurant at 302-389-6209 to make a reservation.
4. Bangkok Thai Cuisine
Bangkok Thai Cuisine is an authentic, family owned and operated Thai restaurant with locations in Dover and Lewes. Artfully combining sweet, sweet-and-sour and salty flavors, this menu offers mouthwatering lunch and dinner options you just have to try.
Every dish can be prepared vegetarian by swapping animal proteins for tofu or vegetables, and vegan options are also available. Standout options include the spring rolls, basil stir fry and mango salad.
Saved room for dessert? Order the sticky rice with mango to round out your meal.
Bangkok Thai Cuisine's Dover location is at 266 S Dupont Hwy and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call the restaurant at 302-736-1606 with any questions.
5. Believe It…It's Vegan
Believe It…It's Vegan is a completely vegan restaurant located in the heart of Smyrna's commerce district. Founded in 2022 by chef Jenesis Prioleau, Believe It…It's Vegan defies the stereotype that an animal-free diet is all salads and no fun.
The hot and fluffy It's Vegan pancakes are the perfect way to start your Saturday morning. Grabbing lunch with a friend? You can't go wrong with the fish-less Under Da Sea Tacos or the Beyond Meat-stuffed Avocado Love Boats.
If you're looking for something fun to do, you could also sign up for a culinary class, where you'll learn how to make delicious vegan food from the chef herself. Or you could register for the Elite Diners Club Membership to sample new dishes before they hit the official menu.
Believe It…It's Vegan is located at 1 N Main St in Smyrna. Call the restaurant at 302-508-5047 with any questions.
What's the Difference Between Veganism and Vegetarianism?
While many people use “veganism” and “vegetarianism” interchangeably, they actually refer to two different things. To clear things up, here's a quick breakdown of some of the terms commonly associated with plant-based or alternative diets that you might see restaurants using:
- Vegan: A vegan is someone who excludes all animal products from their diet, including meat, dairy, fish and honey.
- Vegetarian: While some still eat eggs or dairy, all vegetarians avoid eating animal flesh. That includes fish and other seafood.
- Plant-based: Plant-based foods come mostly or completely from plants. Marketers often use this term for vegan options, like meat substitutes and non-dairy milks.
- Pescatarian: Although pescatarians eat seafood, they typically avoid meat from land animals. A pescatarian diet might also include dairy, eggs and other animal-derived foods like honey.
- Flexitarian: Flexitarians follow a vegetarian diet most of the time, only eating meat and fish on occasion. That's why a flexitarian diet is a great starting point for those curious about plant-based lifestyles.
When you're looking for a new place to eat, keep your eye out for any of the above terms in your search. Restaurants tagged with “vegan,” “vegetarian” or “plant-based” are usually going to be your best bet, but you might also find good options under “flexitarian.” Be sure to take a look at the online menu and read customer reviews before you go.
Discover Fun Activities and Events in Kent County, Delaware
Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or just curious about meatless options, Kent County has something to satisfy every palate. So the next time you need dinner ideas or travel inspiration for Delaware's Quaint Villages, we can help point you in the right direction. Click here to download the visitor guide and get planning!