Six Flatbush Spots With Great Vegan Eats

Vegan Delights On Washington Avenue. (Photo: Google Maps)

One of the beautiful things about Brooklyn is the variety of amazing people and food in the area. On one block, you might have a pizza shop, Indian restaurant and raw juice bar right next door to each other.

As a vegan, I’ve never had an issue walking around my neighborhood in Flatbush and finding somewhere that’s vegan or at least veg-friendly. Here are a few of my favorite local haunts:

BREAKFAST

Photo: Odochi Ibe

Tugboat Tea Company (Vegan Friendly)

Brooklyn has some of the best bagels, but it’s not always easy to find a shop with tofu cream cheese so imagine my delight when I stumbled across this gem. Their bagels have just the right amount of doughy, chewiness that you need in a good bagel. However, if you’re thinking of getting bagels on the weekend get there by 11 because they’re known to sell out. Be sure to get a cup of coffee with your bagel for the perfect brunch.

Address: 546 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Phone: (929) 234-3210
Favorite Noms: Toasted everything bagel with plain tofu cream cheese topped with tomato and onion.

JUICE BAR

Brooklyn Greenery (Vegan Friendly)

Photo: Odochi Ibe

I’m not sure if Biggie Smalls was into juicing, but he’d have definitely been hypnotized by the “Greener Than Your Average” smoothie Brooklyn Greenery sells. Doling out huge smoothies that have been known to keep me full for hours, this juice bar has everything you need for a healthy meal: fresh juices, acai bowls and even wheatgrass shots for when you want to go the extra mile.

Address: 560 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Phone: (347) 240-0986
Favorite Noms: B.A.M.N. (By Any Means Necessary)

WEST INDIAN FOOD

De Hot Pot (Vegan Friendly)

Photo: Yelp

If you’ve never had a “double” then I’d suggest you quickly make your way over to this establishment and get your whole entire life! Whoever had the bright idea to fry dough and stuff it with chana deserves a Nobel Peace Prize because these are delicious enough to stop a war. When you come to De Hot Pot be prepared to not eat for the rest of the day because they give you huge portions of food, but who’s complaining?

Address: 1127 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Phone: (347) 240-1180
Favorite Noms: Double and potato roti with greens and pumpkin

CHINESE FOOD

Zen Vegetarian House (Vegan)

Photo: Yelp

I order from here way too much, but I’m never disappointed when I do because I always enjoy every bite. This is one of the places I can order with my non-veggie friends without any complaints; they’ve even taken to ordering from here when I’m not around.

Address: 73 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Phone: (718) 282-2255
Favorite Noms: Black pepper seitan and bok choy

DESSERT

Photo: Yelp

Scoops Ice Cream (Vegan)

The name is a bit deceiving since they’re an Ital (Rastafarian) restaurant with a full menu, but I’ve only had the ice cream. Everyone is nice and you’ll probably hear some interesting conversations while scarfing down your Tofutti cookies and cream.

Address: 624 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Phone: (718) 282-5904
Favorite Noms: Chocolate and grapenut

DELI

Wholesome Gourmet (Vegan)

Photo: Google Maps

This is my go-to when I need emergency vegan groceries like Steve’s Ice Cream or Beyond Meat, but they also have a pretty good selection of vegetarian sandwiches that are easily made vegan by taking off the cheese. If you’re in the mood for breakfast you can ask for an order of home fries and toast, which is a huge portion and tasty!

Address: 534 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Phone: (718) 282-0004
Favorite Noms: Hummus Wrap

Our fearless reporter, Odochi Ibe.

What are you favorite places to go for a great vegan meal?