What is ethnic food? For the context of this guide, let's establish the meaning of ethnic food to be just about any cuisine that isn't local. That is, in this case, American.
Whether it's your beloved heritage or a new culinary exploration, we've put together this list of vegan-friendly international flavors you can find right in Sacramento!
Here’s our guide on the top vegan-friendly ethnic food restaurants in Sacramento, CA!
1. Queen Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine
Serving one of the most popular African eats for over 10 years is Queen Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine. Made from scratch with love, owner Zion Taddese has been serving up authentic flavors of her homeland to the Sacramento community for years. Each recipe comes straight from her family recipe book that's been handed down for generations.
Injera
Enjoy their all-you-can-eat Vegan Lunch Buffet on weekdays from 11:30am to 3pm! #spicy picks like the Awaze Tofu Tibb and Misr Kik Wot allow for spice level adjustments. Why pick though when you can sample all their vegan-friendly options with the Queen Sheba Signature Vegetarian Combo!?
2. Bodhi Bowl
Quang Style Noodle by pjha
Celebrating the splendid flavors of Vietnam, Bodhi Bowl offers a casual dining experience completely #meatfree. Their diverse menu is 100% vegetarian with various #veganoptions available, complete with references known only to the most avid kung fu movie watchers. Their #kidfriendly and #dogfriendly atmosphere makes it perfect for casual dining.
They've got your classic Pho BB as well as other lesser-known Vietnamese #noodle dishes. It's always a light yet flavorful affair with dishes like their lemongrass chicken rice, A.K.A. the Joyful Giving Plate. If you're a gourd fan, their Mindfulness Noodle comes with a wholesome squash broth you won't want to miss!
3. Vegan Deadly Sins
Vegan Chicken Chow Mien
Among the best of vegan-friendly Sacramento restaurants, Vegan Deadly Sins ranks at the top regardless of category! You may have spotted them on our Top Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Sacramento list because they're just that good! There's no cuisine that compares quite like Chinese fare when it comes to #mockmeats, and VDS is no exception!
Their Kung Pao Vegan Chicken is a prime example of this #soymeat wonder. If that's not your preference, how about a taste of their Satay Eggplant & Tofu? For a #glutenfree pick, there's their Singapore Vermicelli and Golden Knots. Their menu is also thoughtfully labeled for peanuts and garlic.
4. The Coconut On T
Green Salad
Winner of the Sacramento News & Review Best Thai (2016), The Coconut On T offers authentic Thai dishes at dollar-value! You can even balance it out and have your pick among their generous range of bottled beers. There's no fuss over what is vegan and what isn't as everything on their menu is clearly labeled for vegan and gluten-free options!
Come on down and try some vegan-friendly fare of Thai classics made #meatless! Sample favorites like Tom Kha or Drunken Noodles! If you're feeling like rice, you can't go wrong with a good ol' Basil Fried Rice.
5. Shoki Ramen House
Yasai Tan Tan Men #veganoption
The talented and passionate Yasushi was set on a path to create authentic Japanese food healthy and friendly to all dietary needs, and so Shoki Ramen House was born. Spending countless hours trying to perfect his signature #ramen, his goal was to create a ramen dish so delectably satisfying to the last drop.
Hard work paid off, and diners can now enjoy vegan and gluten-free options upon request with popular picks like their Vegan Shio Ramen and Kurogoma Tan Tan Men. You can even add on other #veganfriendly toppings like Seasoned Menma (Bamboo shoots) and Organic Oyster Mushroom Fritter!
6. Emma’s Tamales
Mother Earth’s Homemade Products
From their humble origins of crack-and-peel labels printed by a local newspaper, Emma's Tamales has since grown into one of Sacramento's most beloved ethnic gems. From the originator, Mother Earth's vegan-based natural food company, these #plantbased offerings come with grandma's seal of approval!
You can even take home this comforting taste of homemade scratch-made delights! Keeping it close to their heart and origins, try their vegan chorizo which can be adapted into a tasty taco mix! If you ever spot their 100% vegan Mother Earth's products, know that you can pre-order them straight from the source!
7. Dubplate Kitchen & Jamaican Cuisine
Vegan Oxtail
Our next ethnic food pick is Dubplate Kitchen, bringing a flair of Jamaica to the plate. They keep things authentic and accessible here, because everyone deserves a chance to enjoy true flavors. If you're looking for a taste of the Caribbean, this vegan-friendly spot welcomes all! All their quintessential culinary offerings come with a thoughtful vegan variant!
Made daily, enjoy a haven of #meatalternatives clearly labeled and armed with deliciousness! Among their accompaniment of vegan-friendly sides are their all-star lineup of Vegan Oxtail, Chicken, Fish, Ital Stew, and more!
8. Himalaya MoMo
Vegetable Samosa
Bringing the best of two ethnic cuisines in one international vegan-friendly spot is Himalaya MoMo Indian and Nepalese Cuisine. Enjoy a blend of fusion flavors in a cozy ambience made affordable for all. Catering to all palates, they've got every aromatic wonder whether you're a #spicelover or just looking for a rich but milder culinary experience.
Not sure where to start? A Vegan Chef Special Vegetable ought to do the trick! There's also their Vegan MoMo, offering your choice of chilli, kothey, fried, jhol, or steam options, available in medium or spicy for chilli. Other notable favorites include their Vegan Saag Alu and Vegan Baigan Bharta.
9. Village Of OM Plant Kitchen
Elevating international favorites of Japanese and Chinese cuisines combined is Village Of OM, Sacramento's first fully plant-based sushi restaurant. Set in the heart of Sacramento, you can find a faithful family-style Pan-Asian dining experience alongside expertly mixed cocktails. Diners can even book a private event with on their magnificent rooftop terrace.
Whatever the occasion, there's no need to make excuses to sample their drool-worthy Trumpet Iron Skillet Bulgogi or their spicy Mapo Tofu Eggplant. Among their vibrant menu range, find rare #veganegg dishes like their Vegan Egg with Lion's Mane and Rice and JUST Tamago Nigiri made with Just EGG.
10. Namaste Sacramandu
Gobi Manchurian
Journey to the Himalayas through Sacramandu, Sacramento's premier Indo-Nepalese eatery placed through California's plant-forward lens. Chef Yogya's innovative menu marries culinary traditions from Nepal, India, and China with local Sacramento ingredients, creating the most delectable vegan-friendly delights, transporting you to Kathmandu in each bite.
Start your adventure with their perfectly spiced Mix Vegetables Pakora. Plant-based standouts include their hearty Daal Tadka featuring yellow lentils with roasted aromatics, the fragrant Chef's Special Vegetable Biryani, and their signature Sacramandu Nepali Curry.
Have you discovered other vegan gems in Sacramento? What's your favorite ethnic cuisine?
Which city would you like us to cover next? Let us know in the comments!
Love,
The abillion team <3
