Every year, more places are catering to vegans and vegetarians. From veggie burgers becoming ubiquitous at burger joints to people choosing plant-based options to eat healthier and combat climate change, meatless food is gaining a profile. In Salem, Indian and Thai food offer some of the best vegan and vegetarian options, with a few American restaurants offering some excellent options and more traditional flavors.
Salem’s Indian Food
India Palace
377 Court Street NE, Salem
Cuisine India
1220 State Street SE, Salem
Spicee Bite
Food carts at 4106 State Street, Salem and 2943 Silverton Road NE, Salem
Restaurant at 176 Liberty Street, Salem
Popular with most vegans and vegetarians, Indian food is a reliable bet for excellent and flavorful meals. In Salem, there are multiple good options. A downtown staple, India Palace serves a wide variety of classic Indian dishes. Their menu includes a Vegetable Curry section, all of which is either vegan or vegetarian.
Cuisine India is another long-standing Indian restaurant in Salem. For vegans and vegetarians, there is a Vegetarian Entree section, much of which is vegan.
A recent addition to the Indian scene in Salem, Spicee Bite started with food carts and has recently opened its own storefront in downtown Salem. With a somewhat smaller menu than the other two, it’s still a strong contender and definitely worth a look.
Thai Cuisine in Salem
Thai Cuisine of Salem
2916 Commercial Street SE, Salem
Royal Thai Kitchen
1130 Royvonne Avenue SE, Ste. 105, Salem
Tup Tim Thai
3860 Commercial Street SE, Salem
Thai Cuisine of Salem, Royal Thai Kitchen, and Tup Tim Thai are all beloved Salem Thai restaurants with consistently high-quality food. All three offer standards of Thai food that are vegan or vegetarian-friendly. Spring roll appetizers are a great way to begin the meal, and customers can choose between noodle dishes, stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, or Thai curries.
For vegan and vegetarian guests, tofu tends to be the protein in any of these dishes. Full of rich, umami flavors and with heat levels at the level of the customer’s choice, Thai food is an excellent standby for vegans and vegetarians.
American Vegan Food Around Salem
Café Yumm
2755 Commercial Street, Ste 100, Salem
5920 Ulali Drive NE, Keizer
A local chain based in Eugene, Café Yumm is a fabulous option for vegans and vegetarians, as almost all of the food is meat-free, though customers can add chicken if they choose. Known for its umami-rich vegan Yumm sauce, most of the offerings are bowls featuring various rice dishes, beans, and vegetables, with some teriyaki options and quesadillas as well. Find a great balanced meal for non-meat eaters, plus there are also good kid’s options.
Taproot
356 State Street, Salem
If you’re looking for a restaurant that will please vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters, Taproot is a good bet. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there are multiple vegan and vegetarian options at each meal. Jackfruit, vegan sausage, and their housemade veggie patty can be switched in for many meat options, allowing vegans and vegetarians options they often don’t get.
Taproot offers live music most weekends, a karaoke night during the week, and is a restaurant popular from morning until late at night. The restaurant has an extensive drink menu, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, from hot tea to cocktails.
Venti’s Café
325 Court Street NE, Salem
Venti’s Café has been around for almost 30 years and has a loyal following in Salem, thanks to its plant-based menu. On its menu, all of the dishes are prepared vegan as the first option, and customers can choose to add other proteins (including meats).
The restaurant has sandwiches, burgers, multiple macaroni options, and a good salad selection. They have a “beer vault” and an array of beers on tap, offering growler fills and even more beers by the bottle.
Even if you’re not a vegan or vegetarian, these foods can be a great way to eat a lighter or healthier meal, or try something you’ve never had before. Challenge yourself to eat something new, and you might find some new favorite foods that open up new avenues of cooking and eating you didn’t know you were missing. Let’s support some of these fabulous Salem area restaurants offering superior options for vegans and vegetarians in our community.
