Eating Plant Based at the Mall of America
The Mall of America has much to offer when it comes to plant-based eating. While I could offer up a really long list, I'm going to stick to my favorites, including some honorable mentions. Please note that businesses sometimes come and go quickly at MOA, and ingredients can change so be sure to double check things for yourself. I will do my best to keep this post current. Happy eating!
Cantina Laredo
Ask for the vegan menu and select from enchiladas, nachos, quesadillas, fajitas, and more. The guacamole is on the chunkier side, just the way I like it. Many dishes feature Impossible meat.
Mogouyan
Mogouyan is in the spot where Masu used to be, so it’s a small full-service restaurant. The staff was knowledgeable about vegan options, and there are many! I enjoyed the Crispy Tofu, Bean Jelly with House Special Sauce, Shredded Kelp Salad, Celery and Tofu Skin Salad, and Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce.
Sweet Paris
This cute fast casual crêperie offers one savory and one sweet crepe. The Vegan includes portobello mushrooms, black bean purée, corn salsa, and chipotle sauce. It’s full of flavor, and I’ve enjoyed it a couple times. I also like the Berry Agave dessert crepe which includes apples, strawberries, and blackberries. And you can get coffee drinks made with almond, oat, or soy milk.
CRAVE American Kitchen and Sushi Bar
All Minnesota CRAVE locations have a veg section in their menu (skip to the back of the menu or you may need to ask for a separate menu, depending on location), and many dishes include The Herbivorous Butcher's meats and cheeses. Choose from sushi, appetizers, salads, entrees and more. I have dreams about the truffle parmesan fries. They change up the entrees periodically so check in with them now and again.
Crave and Burger Burger both use the Impossible Burger on their menus.
Bussin Birria Tacos
Culinary on North
This is a newer wing on the third floor that boasts an "elevated dining experience," though it includes eateries like Burger King and Panda Express. Piada Italian Street Food was recommended to me by other vegans, though I haven't eaten there myself.
Bussin Birria Tacos
You can order the Vegan Spicy Chorizo Streets Tacos but be careful - they mean spicy. If needed, cool things off with their yummy churros.
Naf Naf Grill
With many marked vegan and gluten-free options, Naf Naf offers Middle Eastern cuisine and is quite popular among vegans. They have multiple Twin Cities locations and can be found in other states. Try a rice or hummus bowl with falafel, and choose from tahini, s'khug (green hot sauce), harissa, and amba (pickled mango sauce) plus veggies and pita.
Wafels and Dinges
I haven’t tried it, but they have a vegan wafel option and you can add fruit and/or nuts. Note that slight cross-contamination may occur.
Kura Sushi
This revolving sushi bar marks allergens for wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, shellfish, and sesame — you may have to wade through it a bit to find what works for you. They offer hand rolls made with seaweed or soy paper, cucumber rolls (Kappa Maki), edamame, and miso soup. Their sesame balls may be vegan as well. Make sure to double check when ordering.
Desserts
If you have a sweet tooth, Cold Stone Creamery has Silk Almondmilk chocolate ice cream as well as fruit sorbets with various mix-ins. Häagen-Dazs® typically has one dairy-free offering.
Honorable Mention
These spots either aren't really my favorite but are known for having vegan options, or they're more mainstream and not as unique as what's mentioned above.
Doc Popcorn vegan flavors: simple, kettle corn, salt 'n pepper, sinfully cinnamon, and apple crisp (thanks, Garrick!)
Please feel free to share your favorite Mall of America plant-based eats in the comments, and save the image below for quick reference.