Who needs a fork when you can use bread as your food-to-mouth delivery system? At Abyssinia, spongy injera—the sour fermented Ethiopian flatbread—stands in for silverware. Tear off bits of bread to sop up the colorful kaleidoscope of vegan dishes offered on the Yetsome Beyaynetu platter (aka Vegetarian Combo Platter).

Bala Tounkara’s West African food is a treat for all palates. At Bala’s Bistro, you can eat in or order to go. From the vegan saka saka (braised spinach leaf with onions, cooked in palm oil) to the vegan maafe (creamy peanut butter stew cooked with potato, carrots, and cabbage), Bala’s food will give you the “itis.” Also try a little bit of all the vegan options (too many to list!) at the “point-and-pick” buffet that’s pay by the pound. Pair anything with the delectable plantain fufu.

Brother Juniper’s offers a couple of vegan options that are worth the half-hour-or-so wait for a table. Fahim’s Special is a hearty tofu scramble loaded with roasted red peppers and portabella mushroom slices, seasoned with a tangy balsamic blend, and served with Brother Juniper’s Memphis-famous crispy home friesand house-made artisan bread and jam. Or, if you’re in the mood for something on the fiery side, try the Spicy Tofu,a Southwestern-style scramble.

You'll find great vegan options at the Germantown location as well as a roomier dining area.

The Korean-style ramen bowls at The Crazy Noodle are like dressed-up versions of the packaged ramen of your college days. In the Vegetable Ramen Bowl, curly fried noodles are simmered in a rich veggie broth and flecked with tofu, cabbage, zucchini, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and Korean radish (vegans: order without the egg). Other noodle bowls can be ordered vegan-style as well.

There are three countries represented—Syria, Sudan, and Venezuela—and all offer vegan options. Black bean and pico-stuffed vegan arepas are offered alongside hearty rice and bean platters with fried plantains at the Venezuelan stall. Or try the crisp, cooked-to-order falafel and creamy hummus from Sudan. At the Syrian stall, the generously stuffed dolmas (rice-stuffed grape leaves) make a perfect accompaniment to an order of tabbouleh and baba ganoush with pita.

Order whatever you want from the menu at Imagine Vegan Cafe! Every dish is prepared without meat, eggs, dairy, or animal by-products. This family-run restaurant proudly specializes in vegan junk food, making it the ideal spot to treat yourself to vegan fried chicken drumsticks; meat-free, “Big Mac”-style burgers (with double patties and special sauce); deep-fried, dairy-free mozzarella sticks; or sweet and savory vegan chicken and waffles generously topped with vegan butter and maple syrup.

You'll find great vegan options at the East Memphis location along with a full coffee bar.

This all-vegan bakery co-op specializes in sourdough and sources as many ingredients as possible from local farmers. Their beloved sourdough starter is used to create fluffy sandwich buns, hearty country loaves, chewy bagels, and more. The Brekky Sandwich with tofu egg, creamy cashew cheese, and smoky beet-carrot bacon (made with locally sourced root veggies) served in the aforementioned buns or on a bagel is a special treat.

Stop in for a vegan feast consisting of Agave Gold “Vings,” a Cheeseburger & Fries, Fried Buffalo Cauliflower, and Mexican Street Corn. Owner Ralph Johnson (better known as RJ Groove) says, “I think opening a restaurant is a great way to introduce healthier food options that taste familiar to our community.”

RP Tracks claims their BBQ Tofu Nachos are world-famous, and, while that cannot be verified, we’re certain they’re Memphis-famous. Crispy, saucy tofu chunks, black beans, tomatoes, lettuce, and salsa top seasoned cantina-style tortilla chips in a massive dish large enough to feed two adults.

While Latin American food is not famous for its vegan options, the Rumba Room has found a way to bring the flavor without the dairy or meat. Their flight of vegan tacos has three totally unique options, including savory sautéed carrots, perfectly roasted garbanzos, and a fajita-like mushroom veggie mix. The sauces, salsas, and seasonings are so delicious, even a serious carnivore wouldn’t miss the meat.

As the name would suggest, Slider Inn specializes in tiny sandwiches, several of which are vegan (or easily ordered vegan). The Vegan Triple B is Slider’s take on the classic veggie burger with a patty made from black beans, beets, and brown rice (topped with avocado and sprouts). There’s also a falafel burger with house-made chickpea patties and black bean hummus (ask them to leave off the yogurt sauce).

You'll find great vegan options at the Midtown location as well. And yes, Jameson Slushies are vegan!

There's a selection of kabobs and Ethiopian favorites in one place. The Tofu Skewers are made with generous chunks of chewy fried tofu that may just be the best tofu in town. Stick ’Em no longer serves the spongy injera bread that’s ubiquitous with Ethiopian fare, but the Tofu Tibs (a vegan spin on Ethiopian beef tibs) is on the menu, as is the Veggie Platter with red lentil stew, collards, and cabbage (served with rice in place of injera).

One word: lasagna. If you follow Sun of a Vegan on Instagram, you’ll see owner and chef Ayesha Collier’s tagline: “Home of the Best Vegan Lasagna and Comfort Foods.” She has both the customer demand and spices to back up her claim. Her creamy signature dish is layered with her own homemade vegan ricotta and other vegan cheeses that will leave you satiated and coming back for more.

City Silo's newest location has all of your favorites, plus new menu items, more seating, and a full bar. We can't get enough of the Buffalo Tempeh and Sesame Cauliflower bowl.