Plant Based Dining That's Good for the Soul

Support these African American-owned businesses that offer vegan-friendly places to commune, break bread and celebrate the city's cultural heritage.

Lemel Durrah, the force behind Compton Vegan, spun his local food delivery phenomenon into food truck gold with hard work and a knack for creating delicious, nutritious comfort food. More recently, Durrah took over a catering kitchen on El Segundo Blvd. to serve up lunch combos and dinner plates stuffed with mac-n-cheese, wingz and more for delivery or pickup. Follow along on Instagram for more information

While it's not entirely vegan, Earle’s on Crenshaw (3864 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles 90008) is an iconic family-owned business that has offered an extensive vegan menu for years, with chili dogs, burgers, smothered fries and desserts guaranteed to make the mouth water.

Opened by Lemeir Mitchell in June 2020, Happy Ice makes classic Philly water ice, a frozen dessert that makes everyone happy - nut-free, dairy-free, vegan, kosher and full of flavor. Mix and match up to three flavors, or pick a combo like the Time Machine: Cherry Bomb, Mango Madness, Pineapple Potion. Check out their Melrose location, or look for the rainbow-covered truck at gatherings across the city by following @happyice on IG.

Since launching Hugh's Hot Bowls in May 2020, rapper-chef Hugh Augustine has been profiled in the Los Angeles Times, Bon Appetit and more. The fourth-generation Leimert Park native serves up 100% plant-based comfort food for just $10 per Soul Bowl (red beans & rice, greens, yams, mac & cheese, cornbread muffin). Follow @hughshotbowls on Instagram for Augustine's upcoming pop-ups.

Certified raw vegan/living foods chef Ian Martin first studied the art of vegan cheese-making at Juliano’s Raw and Matthew Kenney’s MAKE, then launched his line of creamy probiotic tree nut cheeses and schmears. Misha's Kind Foods is now beloved at farmers’ markets across the city, along with numerous locations of Ralph's and Wal-Mart. Misha's non-dairy cheese spreads come in many delicious flavors and are available at retail stores like Besties Vegan Paradise, MillCross Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Larchmont Village Wine and more. Misha's has a kosher certification, as well.

Rahel (1047 S. Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles 90019) serves up flavorful Ethiopian food - all-vegan all the time - right in the heart of LA’s Little Ethiopia district. Get your lentils and greens on with any one of several combo platters, meant for sharing; or experience an authentic Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony in the hut. Gluten-free injera is available, too!

Originally started as a catering business with a mission to provide “access to good quality, healthy food,” Stuff I Eat (114 N Market St, Inglewood 90301) is now a staple of Inglewood, known for its generous brunch platters, organic and gluten-free lunches, and fantastic desserts by the effervescent Chef Babette.

The brown bags of delectable soft-baked cookies distributed across the country are actually made at Uncle Eddie’s Vegan Cookies, a family-owned and operated bakery in Glendale. Brothers Jeffrey and Robbie Jacobs are often seen repping the business at events like Eat Drink Vegan. Find Uncle Eddie's at Whole Foods, Ralphs, Erewhon, Gelsons, Mother's Market and local shops.