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Vegan Versions of Your Favorite Childhood Meals: L.A. Edition

These mind-blowingly delicious meals will leave you saying, “I can’t believe it’s vegan!” Whether you’re transitioning to a more plant-based diet or have been vegan for years, you’re bound to experience a craving or two for a meal that’s not traditionally vegan. You’re not alone! We’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. From Panda Express Orange Chicken and In-N-Out Burgers to Taco Bell Crunchwraps and Little Caesars Crazy Bread, here’s a list of vegan substitutes that taste just like those meals you used to enjoy pre-vegan.

Food & Drink

These mind-blowingly delicious meals will leave you saying, “I can’t believe it’s vegan!” Whether you’re transitioning to a more plant-based diet or have been vegan for years, you’re bound to experience a craving or two for a meal that’s not traditionally vegan. You’re not alone! We’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. From Panda Express Orange Chicken and In-N-Out Burgers to Taco Bell Crunchwraps and Little Caesars Crazy Bread, here’s a list of vegan substitutes that taste just like those meals you used to enjoy pre-vegan.

 

RELATED: Here's Where to Find Vegan Flan in Los Angeles


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McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets

Beleaf Burgers

Chino Hills

Although it may not be your proudest moment, it’s okay to admit that you used to eat chicken nuggets from McDonald’s. If you’re ever in the mood for these savory dippable bites, take a trip to Beleaf Burgers! The chicken nuggets from this all-vegan spot are made without any scary ingredients––just pure, plant-based goodness! Dunk ‘em in one of their many drool-worthy vegan sauces like Buffalo, Tangy BBQ, or Honey Mustard.

Beleaf Burgers

Taco Bell Crunchwrap

Word of Mouth

Food Truck

Remember those days when the Crunchwrap Supreme from Taco Bell was your go-to grub? Word of Mouth’s Munchwrap is even better––and all-vegan, of course! This heavenly handheld contains layers of refried beans, potatoes, house-made nacho cheese, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, ranch, and a crunchy tostada all wrapped up in a flour tortilla! And it can be made gluten-free upon request.

Word of Mouth

In-N-Out Burger

Monty’s Good Burger

Koreatown, Echo Park, and Riverside

In-N-Out is one of the most iconic fast-food spots in California. Sadly, they don’t have a burger for us vegans––well, unless you like buns with lettuce. No thanks. Where should you go instead? Monty’s Good Burger! This wickedly popular plant-based destination has been described as a vegan In-N-Out many times. But the menu items from Monty’s are even tastier and more innovative! Their “have it your way” motto lets you customize any dish to meet your liking. Load up your burger with as many vegan patties, cheese, veggies, tater tots, fries, and sauce as your heart desires!

Monty's Good Burger

Panda Express Orange Chicken

Pots N Woks

Whittier

Your days of scarfing down copious amounts of orange chicken from Panda Express may be long gone, but if you ever find yourself craving those sweet and savory morsels, make Pots N Woks your next stop! This vegan-friendly Chinese restaurant serves quite the variety of plant-based noms that are WAY better than Panda Express. Their Vegan Orange Chicken Combo with Chow Mein hits the spot every. dang. time. You can also find Vegan Broccoli Beef, Walnut Shrimp, Egg Rolls, Cream Cheese Wontons, and more on their separate vegan menu. Who’s hungry now?

Pots N Woks

Kraft Mac and Cheese

Jackfruit Cafe

West LA

Vegan mac ‘n’ cheese is one of our many guilty pleasures. Whether you used to obsess over the Kraft, Velveeta, or Kid Cuisine cheesy noodles as a young tot, vegan mac ‘n’ cheese is a billion times tastier and healthier, yet just as nostalgic. There are so many places to order this drool-worthy dish in Los Angeles but today we’re craving the Mac and Cheese Bowl from Jackfruit Cafe! Dive your fork into a creamy, cashew-based mac that’s topped with avocado slices and grilled plantains. And by ordering from Jackfruit Cafe, you’ll be supporting an all-vegan Black-owned restaurant. It’s a win-win!

Jackfruit Cafe

Little Caesars Crazy Bread

Cruzer Vegan Pizza

Los Feliz

In this day and age, it’s fairly easy to make or find vegan pizza, but what about cheesy breadsticks? Whatever your favorite mainstream pizza spot offered (i.e. Little Caesars Crazy Bread, Domino’s Stuffed Cheesy Bread, or Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks), these Cheese Breadsticks from Cruzer Vegan Pizza are sure to fill that void. These soft sticks of carby goodness are packed with Daiya cheese, rolled in garlic and olive oil, and served with a side of marinara sauce. Sign us up!

Cruzer Vegan Pizza

McDonald’s Breakfast Sandwich

Munchies Diner

Santa Ana

If your stomach is calling for a vegan breakfast sandwich, Munchies Diner is the perfect response! Their VcGriddle comes with your choice of bacon or sausage, a fried egg, a slice of American cheese, and a beautiful golden hash brown. Oh, and did we mention it’s served with maple syrup and sandwiched between GLUTEN-FREE PANCAKE BUNS? Shook! If you’re unable to swing by during their breakfast hours, their VcMuffin is served all day! It’s a similar dish, just sandwiched between an English muffin and served with ketchup.

Munchies Diner

Chili’s Baby Back Ribs

Compton Vegan

West LA

Did anyone else just sing the Chili’s jingle in your head? Whether you’re just a big fan of The Office or actually used to eat those ribs, there’s a vegan version for that! Yep, in the vegan world, anything is possible and one of the best spots in LA for vegan ribs is hands down Compton Vegan. This Black-owned spot has mastered a flavor and texture that’s reminiscent of ribs using jackfruit. And if you order the BBQ Jackfruit Ribz Plate, you’ll also get collard greens, mac ‘n’ cheese, baked beans, and cornbread on the side. Chili’s who?

Compton Vegan

Photo credit: @alliexdanielle on Instagram

Sonic Jalapeño Poppers

Doomie’s Home Cookin’

Hollywood

They’re cheesy, spicy, and fried to perfection! If you haven’t guessed it already, we’re talking about the Jalapeño Bites from Doomie’s. These bite-sized breaded beauties are made from scratch with loads of vegan cheese and a side of ranch––what more could we ask for? Oh yes! Fried Oreos for dessert!

Doomie's Home Cookin'

Photo credit: @bus_troubler on Instagram

Wingstop Wings

The VTree

Hollywood

Hungry for wings? These Vegan Drumsticks from this Hollywood hotspot are so dang good, you’ll be wishing you went vegan ages ago! Choose between the original or spicy variation and get a side of Buffalo or Sweet Heat Sauce. These wings are seasoned with Chef Velvet’s 32 spices, so things are definitely not lacking in the flavor department!

The VTree

KFC Popcorn Chicken

Vinh Loi Tofu

Reseda & Cerritos

This vegan popcorn chicken from Vinh Loi Tofu will give you flashbacks of pulling up to KFC or Sonic back in the day. These mouthwatering morsels are crispy, savory, and best of all, 100% vegan! When you place your order, we’d recommend adding on a few of their S’mores Cookies for dessert!

Vinh Loi Tofu

Grilled cheese from literally anywhere (preferably made at home by your childhood babysitter)

SunCafe

Studio City

This next dish is made up of two of our favorite things––carbs and vegan cheese! Grilled cheese sandwiches are so comforting and classic! SunCafe’s All Grown Up Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a fancy, more delectable version of the nostalgic dish. It’s composed of Dave’s Killer Bread, Follow Your Heart Provolone cheese, onions, mushrooms, pico de gallo, and tempeh bacon. Mmm!

SunCafe

Bagel Bites

Rachel’s Cosmic Cuisine

Sold at select stores in Southern California & online via GTFO It’s Vegan

Speaking of childhood favorites, you’ve got to try these vegan pizza bagels from Rachel’s Cosmic Cuisine. They come in two varieties, Two Cheese and Pepperoni, and pair wonderfully with vegan ranch! These circular snacks are free from dairy, nuts, palm oil, and GMOs. Preheat the oven and get ready for deliciousness!

Rachel's Cosmic Cuisine

Allie Mitchell

Allie Mitchell

she/her

When Allie responded to an Instagram post on @vegoutlosangeles a few years ago, she had no idea she’d join the coolest vegan team on the planet. An Austin native, actress, yogi, and part-time sword fighter (don’t ask!), Allie is on a mission to live her best life and inspire others to do the same. She graduated from Hussian College In Studio with a B.F.A. in Contemporary Musical Theatre + Film and currently acts, writes, and eats her way through Los Angeles.

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