Vegan Cuisine for All? Yep, in Delco!

Delco boasts a cornucopia of cuisine, and it is the go-to county for everything from cheesesteaks to ethnic delicacies and beyond. But did you know that Delco is also a hot spot for … wait for it … vegan cuisine? Yes, those who prefer a plant-based lifestyle will find much to celebrate in Delaware County.

We’re singing the praises of six vegan finds, plus three interesting joints with vegetarian and/or vegan options (including faux ice cream!). To our meat-loving friends we say: Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! The range of flavors, textures and “food doppelgangers” will leave you wanting more.

SZNL Cafe

Looking for healthy fast/casual? Pop in here and see what’s fresh, based on locally sourced seasonal (get it? SZNL?!) ingredients. The menu includes plenty of the usual — salads, bowls, smoothies and soups — but then really shines with sandwiches, toasts and desserts. Really hungry? Try the meatball sub with black bean meatballs, tomato sauce, tomatoes, onions, vegan Parmesan and crushed red pepper. Open seven days from noon to 8 p.m. Ask about local delivery!

14 W. State St., Media, (610) 744-2559.

B Foreal

The name tells the tale: It’s about being real with what goes in our bodies — no compromises. Every juice is cold-pressed in amazing combinations, so there’s something healthy and irresistible for all. Sip on the Optimist made from spinach, cucumber, apple, lemon and ginger. Bonus: All plant-based options are gluten-free and non-GMO. Open Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday.

2300 W. 4th St., Chester, (484) 615-2240.

Boardwalk Vegan

You don’t have to go “downashore” to get America’s boardwalk favorites; they’re right here in Delco, PA. Created by Randy and Krissie Sumey who embraced a vegan lifestyle after they became “sick of being overweight” and opened this gem after the 2020 pandemic shutdowns hit their events business. Now, they dream up fries, pizza, burgers, wings, ice cream — you name it! — all 100-percent plant-based. Sample the Twister with house-made “wiz,” seasoned sauteed seitan steak meat, mushroom and onion blend, and American cheez on a South Philly Carangi Bakery long roll. Ask about gluten-free options — especially the desserts!

28 N. Manoa Rd., Havertown, (484)-453-8798.

Cheezy Vegan

Need comfort food? Did you know you can get vegan comfort food? This is a must-try! Chef Reeky prides himself on using natural ingredients and local products to create plant-based dishes that vegans and non-vegans will love. Need proof? Dig into Cheezy Like Sunday Morning and get your chick’n and waffles on: Cap’n Crunch coated chick’n on a homemade Belgian waffle served with spicy maple. Bonus: Gluten-free options are available upon request and noted on the menu. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Monday.

604 Fairview Rd., Woodlyn, (610) 543-2300.

HipCityVeg

Stop here when you’re in the mood for a two-fisted “chicken” sammie that you can feel good about. Our pick is the Crispy HipCity Ranch, battered chick’n, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and peppercorn ranch on a big ol’ bun. Pro tip: Buffalo it! Everything here is not only vegan and “in a form that people already love,” but the soy ingredients also are non-GMO, and there are gluten-free choices. Note the compostable materials, another way these hip restauranteurs are saving the planet. Open seven days from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

232 N. Radnor Chester Rd., Radnor, (610) 601-8484.

Raw Can Roll Cafe

If you’re looking for next-level vegan — or are curious — jump into a raw dish at this cafe. The goal? “We want our guests to feel, look and become better and healthier,” say the Raw Can Roll crew. Nutritious and delicious sums up this this menu! Our go-to is the burrito bowl packed with brown rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, tofu, sauteed onions, jicama, corn and chipotle cream. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Monday.

767 W. Lancaster Ave, Wayne, (484) 580-8454.

Worth a Mention for Some Delish Vegetarian and/or Vegan Options

Kings and Queens Liberian Cuisine

The motto here is “Life is too short for average food.” Created by native Liberian, Sammed Okyne, this spot offers not-the-usual African-inspired dishes. Open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m.; closed Mondays. 

107 Fairfield Ave., Upper Darby, (484) 466-3359.

From the Roots Natural Smoothie Bar

This healthy and fresh alternative to fast food launched during the 2020 pandemic — and still promises to get you back to work in a jiffy! Ask about delivery, too. Open Sunday and Monday from 12:30 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

1854 Delmar Dr., Folcroft, (267) 418-6643.

The Franklin Sugar Shack

Because … vegan ice cream! Do we actually need to say more? This semi-permanent pop-up is at Bonne’s Wonder Gardens, and it has been a hit since its launch in July 2021. Hours change seasonally, so call for the latest.

223 Scottdale Rd., Lansdowne; call the Franklin Ice Cream Bar for info at (215) 967-1184 for info.

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email, or online.

— Nina Malone

Featured photo courtesy of Boardwalk Vegan