Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in New Jersey

by Serena Norr

Being a vegan or vegetarian can sometimes be challenging when seeking a place to eat that specifically caters to this lifestyle. However, in New Jersey this is not the case. Vegans and vegetarians have numerous dining options to choose from across the state, including upscale and casual America fare, Chinese, Mexican and Indian food.
Kaya's Kitchen

Opened in 2005, Kaya's Kitchen specializes in vegan cuisine that utilizes various preparation methods and spices from around the world to create numerous faux-meat dishes. The restaurant is open for brunch and dinner whose selections feature organic and eco-friendly food items to create their salads, sandwiches, wraps, appetizers, side dishes and small plates meals. There are also dishes on the menu called Kaya's House staples, which feature burritos, veggie loaf (alternative to meat loaf), gluten steak, pasta and much more. Guests can also enjoy a vegan dessert where there is no dairy, eggs or butter and numerous freshly squeezed juices and teas to accompany a meal. Kaya's Kitchen 817 Belmar Plaza Belmar, NJ 07719-2752 (732) 280-1141 www.kayaskitchennj.com

Living on the Veg

Specializing in vegan and vegetarian food, Living on the Veg is a sit-down and take-out eatery located in the beach town of Beach Haven Terrace, New Jersey. The menu features an all-vegetarian deli with tofu, soy products, and pastas as well as veggie and soy burgers, sandwiches, wraps and fresh smoothies. Some unique items on the menu include: the roasted veggie sandwich, a tempeh bacon avocado melt, and the smoked tofu. Living on the Veg also has organic fresh squeezed juices, coffee and tea available as beverage options. Living on the Veg 4 W Maryland Ave Beach Haven Terrace, NJ 08008 (609) 492-4066
Chand Palace

An elegant establishment, Chand Palace specializes in vegetarian and vegan food from Southern India. Diners sample selections at Chand Palace from the buffet. Some items on the a la carte menu include: soups, rice and noodles, cold and hot appetizers such as vegetable cutlet, vegetable samoas, and Dahi Aloo Puri (vegetables with yogurt sauce) as well as entrees of Vegetable Korma (vegetables in sauce), Methi Mattar Palak (spinach and peas), and Shyam Savera (Indian cheese balls with spinach). There are also numerous side dishes such as lentils and rice, mixed vegetables, onion and chili and various types of Indian whole-wheat bread to sample. Guests can also sample various desserts such as Kulfi (homemade Indian ice cream) and Gulab Jamun (pastry with light syrup). Chand Palace 257 Littleton Rd Parsippany, NJ (973) 334-5444 www.chandpalace.com