Being Vegan in Newmarket
Being vegan in York Region is no easy feat, especially for those social butterflies that love getting together with friends and families over a yummy meal. You know those Friday evenings and someone in the office yells out “Who wants to grab wings?” and you’re tummy groans in hunger and discomfort? You want something, anything, but NOT WINGS! And if you’re anything like myself, you find being the only vegan in the group very difficult. This is because I’m constantly trying to NOT be that high-maintenance, pretentious, vegan friend who only goes for 24$ raw tacos. I want to do casual dinners, last minute lunch dates, and drinking nights at local pub grub. This wasn't always possible in the past; because I found myself anxiously googling menus or ordering another godforsaken veggie burger. However, I’m super happy to say that it is becoming easier and easier to eat vegan, because Newmarket is finally becoming a vegan-friendly city and it’s making my tummy happy!
Here’s a list of some of my favs;
The Cedar Grill
Taking a look at this little Lebanese restaurant in the busy Younge-Mulock plaza, you would probably drive right by it without consideration. It’s tiny and usually only known through recommendations and the ‘regulars’. Well.. Take this as your recommendation. Not only is this place super vegan-friendly, but the staff are wonderful, the prices are reasonable, and the portions are HUGE. Self-disclosure: I am a little bean-eating-vegan-machine, and this place lives up to my bean standards. Not only are there many bean and chickpea dishes, there are also lots of falafel options with a variety of grilled vegetables, potatoes, hummus, tahini, and rice. My recommendation is to go in for the lunch special in the afternoon and grab a big plate of rice, falafel, salad, and potatoes for only 9.00$!! This place is also meat-friendly too, so bring in your carnivore friend and they will also be a happy-camper. Last tip: if you’re going with a veg-group, order the Veg Mezza Sampler, you will not be let down. (See pic below!)
State and Main Kitchen & Bar
Ok.. ok.. ok.. ok, this is not Newmarket, but the 10 minute drive over to Aurora will definitely be worth it, I promise. When you first take a look at this menu, you will probably think I am crazy for recommending vegans here, however this place is accommodating with a capital A. When I first tried State and Main in the summertime, I went with my carnivore boyfriend who ate a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. I was so not feeling the pasta option, and was pleasantly surprised when I read at the bottom of the menu that any meat or fish meal could be swapped out with a veg-soy-protein option. Smile! This means vegans can enjoy salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, tacos and stir-fry’s (sometimes just gotta ask to hold the cheese or mayo!) Don’t ya love when ‘Chicken’ Dragon Boat Lettuce Wraps are back on the table?
Rawlicious
I was definitely not the only giddy vegan who squealed when this precious little restaurant opened its franchise in Newmarket a few years ago. This is the only place in Newmarket that is primarily vegan and prepares in a fully vegan kitchen. Only vegans will understand the true excitement one feels when they open a menu to see they can truly eat EVERYTHING. But, my most favorite thing about Rawlicious is how the menu and specials are constantly changing with the seasonal bests. My favorite being the cashew cheese pizza and organic corn chowder… yum in my tum!
Burger Bar
If you've been a vegan for a decade or a day, you already know that veggie-burgers will always be the go-to-dish during summer BBQS or parties alike. However, it’s not always that easiest thing to find a great vegan burger, especially when you have so much to choose from. I can promise you that heading over to Burger Bar will be worth eating another damn veggie burger for. This cool and hip burger place not only offers great craft beers, but also the blessed ‘Field of Greens’ Burger, which is filled with vegetables and chickpeas. Just a tip, let your waiter know you’re a vegan so they can hold the mayo and cheese on the yummy sweet potato fries. Also, if you’re in for a wonderful dessert, take a bite of some scrumptious deep-fried Oreos minus the ice-cream.
Cultures
If you’re a true Newmarket-er, you have spend many a days wandering Upper Canada Mall like nobody’s business, and always ending up grabbing a quick bite in the food court. Well, for us vegans that just got easier. ‘Cultures’ is a great healthy option for vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike. They offer salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and assorted bowls. My favorite being the Miami Bowl filled with; sweet potatoes, grilled zucchini, grilled eggplant, and chickpeas! And if you’re feeling a little heartier, don't’ be afraid to ask for the Grilled Veggie Gourmet Sandwich without the cheese, they won’t mind at all!
by Erin Williams
- A social worker and women's rights advocate who loves everything about veganism, strong coffee, and circus school! (with a side job as a acrobatic clown) and I have been vegetarian for nearly 10 years, and vegan a little more recently. I am both a health and ethical vegan, with a passion for the environment.
