August 1, 2025
Every August, the Twin Cities transform into a hotspot for plant-based culinary innovation with the annual Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge. This month-long celebration showcases restaurants across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond, that craft unique vegan dishes designed to wow veg-curious and seasoned herbivores alike.
With dozens of participating restaurants, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. To help you make the most of the challenge, we’ve put together four themed touring route suggestions: one for walkers, one for bikers, and two for drivers. Whether you’re exploring your neighborhood or taking a day to travel across the metro, these routes help you taste your way through some of the most creative vegan offerings in the region.
Plan to go with a group of friends or family and share the challenge dishes on the route so you can try them all! You can also plan to have some dishes packed for take-out after sampling them – many will make great left-overs in following days!
Do one route or do them all! Last year one family visited all the competitors! Are you up for trying to match them? Check out your options below and see the full competitor list with locations and details on their dishes.
If you do one or more of these routes – document your trip with photos and reactions and send it to info@exploreveg.com and you may be featured in a blog yourself one day! Better yet, post it to your social media channels and tag us @exploreveg and @tcveganchefchallenge to let us know! And you could even win a prize (see below for details).
1. Walking Route: Minneapolis Core Cluster
Perfect for locals or visitors who want to explore the city by foot.
This walking route winds through some of the most iconic neighborhoods in South and Central Minneapolis. With about 4.3 miles of sidewalk exploration, it’s ideal for a weekend afternoon of grazing and discovery. Along the way, you’ll experience cozy cafes, bold international flavors, and a diverse tapestry of Twin Cities culture.
Begin your tour at Hard Times Cafe, a worker-owned cooperative that’s been a staple of Minneapolis’ West Bank scene for decades. Known for hearty portions, radical roots, and a grungy, welcoming vibe, it’s a perfect way to fuel up before hitting the road. Their challenge dish is Vegan Red “Pork” Tacos.
Next, make your way to Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine, one of the few fully plant-based Ethiopian spots in the country. With injera and rich, spiced lentil stews on offer, you’ll get a taste of East African warmth and hospitality. Their challenge dish is Chili Fries with their award-winning Ethiopian-spiced chili and non-dairy cheese and sour cream.
From there, head east and north toward Uptown to find Namaste Cafe, a charming yellow house-turned-restaurant that brings South Asian flavor and flair to the challenge. Their colorful patio is the perfect place to rest your feet while sipping on a vegan mango lassi. Their challenge dish is Masala Fire Tacos with masala spiced tofu and more.
Finally, walk just a few more blocks west to Barbette, an upscale French bistro that balances elegance with sustainability. Their vegan specials often include creative takes on European classics with a Midwestern twist. Their challenge dish is Green Lentil Terrine.
This route totals roughly 4.3 miles (about 1 hour and 36 minutes of walking) and it’s a great way to stretch your legs while enjoying some of the city’s most vibrant culinary neighborhoods.
Route Summary:
- Hard Times Cafe
- Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine
- Namaste Cafe
- Barbette
Estimated walking distance: ~4.3 miles Estimated time: 1 hour 36 minutes (excluding meal breaks)
2. Biking Route: Midtown Greenway Loop
For those who prefer pedals to pavement, this bike-friendly route keeps you active while hitting key Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge locations.
Start in Downtown East at Umbra Minneapolis, a stylish spot inside the Canopy by Hilton that serves modern vegan creations including their Challenge dish, Garlic Scape Cavatelli. Cruise west toward Sawatdee Thai – Minneapolis, where Thai staples are veganized without compromising flavor, including their challenge dish: Stir Fry Cabbage with Tofu.
From there, bike down to Lutunji’s Palate, a social enterprise and Black woman-owned bakery that serves up soulful vegan eats such as their challenge dish: A Pot of Love pot roast, and heartwarming hospitality. Then head south to The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar, known for their spacious patio and creative plant-based specials such as their challenge dish, Vegan Beef Wellington.
Continue along the Midtown Greenway to Food on the Fly, a hidden gem with bold flavors like their challenge dish the Crispy Chicken Rice Bowl and quick service. After a short ride west, stop at Pat’s Tap, a hip gastropub offering a surprising and satisfying vegan selection including their challenge dish, Vegan Flatbread. End your loop at former Challenge winner Book Club near the Chain of Lakes, where you can wind down with a well-crafted vegan dish in a cozy setting. Their challenge dish this year is a Falafel Burger.
Route Summary:
- Umbra Minneapolis
- Sawatdee Thai – Minneapolis
- Lutunji’s Palate
- The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar
- Food on the Fly
- Pat’s Tap
- Book Club
Estimated biking distance: ~9 miles
3. Driving Route: Twin Cities Explorer
Ideal for exploring some of the farther-out participating restaurants.
Begin your trip at The Block Food + Drink – Rogers, where you’ll find indulgent vegan comfort food in a casual setting like their Challenge dish Vegan Lumpia. Head southeast to Sawatdee – Maple Grove, part of the beloved local chain serving reliably tasty Thai cuisine with vegan options clearly marked. Their Challenge dish is Stir Fry Cabbage with Tofu.
From there, cruise to The Block Food & Drink – St. Louis Park, a sister location offering its own spin on vegan-friendly bites including this year’s Challenge dish: Vegan Pesto Rosso. Then drive over to WELLS Roadside in St. Louis Park for innovative comfort food with a down-to-earth feel. Their Challenge dish is Vegan Philly Cheesesteak.
Continue on to Duke’S on 7 in Hopkins, a laid-back spot with rotating vegan chef specials, including their Challenge dish: Vegan Spaghetti & Meatballs. Next, make the drive south to The Chart House in Lakeville, where the lakeside view is as inviting as the plant-based options. Their Challenge dish is a Caribbean Vegan Bowl.
Route Summary:
- The Block Food + Drink – Rogers
- Sawatdee Maple Grove
- The Block Food & Drink – St. Louis Park
- Duke’S on 7
- The Chart House
- WELLS Roadside
Estimated driving time: 2.5 to 3 hours total (not including meal stops)
4. Alternative Driving Route: Twin Cities East-to-West Flavor Trail
Great for folks looking to explore a wide arc of the metro area, from Saint Paul staples to western suburbs.
Start your tour in Saint Paul at Tori Ramen (former Challenge winner!), known for delicious flavors and cozy vibes. Their all-vegan ramen specials during the challenge shouldn’t be missed and this year’s Challenge dish is Hobak Buchim — a zucchini pancake with baby Korean pumpkin. From there, head north to Sawatdee Saint Paul, another longtime favorite delivering vegan-friendly Thai cuisine with authentic flair and serving their Challenge dish, Stir Fry Cabbage with Tofu.
Next, drive west to Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room, located in Minneapolis’s NE Arts District, a perfect mid-route stop with satisfying vegan pub food. This year’s Challenge dish is Chimi Chickpea Cauli-Power. Continue southwest to Duke’S on 7 in Hopkins, where comfort food gets a vegan upgrade in a relaxed environment, including their Challenge dish: Vegan Spaghetti & Meatballs..
From there, head to The Block Food & Drink – St. Louis Park, a cozy neighborhood spot serving hearty vegan eats including this year’s Challenge dish: Vegan Pesto Rosso.
Route Summary:
- Tori Ramen (St. Paul)
- Sawatdee Saint Paul
- Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room
- Duke’S on 7
- The Block Food & Drink – St. Louis Park
Estimated driving time: ~2.5 hours total (not including meal stops)
Wrap-Up: Eat With Compassion, Explore With Joy
Whether you’re a Minneapolis local, a St. Paul foodie, or a Twin Cities tourist, these routes offer something for everyone. The Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge isn’t just about great food — it’s about building community, encouraging sustainability, and showing how delicious compassionate living can be. Grab a map, gather your friends, and start eating your way through our best Challenge yet!
In addition to the restaurants featured in the suggested routes, don’t forget to check out these other participating gems too:
- Crasqui Restaurant (a new entry this year!), with their Challenge dish: Bollitos Pelones Veggie Style
- Himalayan Restaurant (last year’s Challenge winner!), with their Challenge Dish: Chili Momo
- Reverie Cafe + Bar (former Challenge winner!) with their Challenge dish: Chili Crisp Burnt End Tacos w/Smoked Corn Ribs
- Starling (a new entry this year!) with their Challenge dish: Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
- Stonegarden (a new entry this year!) with their Challenge dish: Summer Sun
- Tiny Diner with their Challenge dish: Coconut Curry Tofu Wraps
- Gigi’s Cafe with their Challenge dish: Vegan Tacos
You can even check out our map of participating restaurants and create your own route, hitting up all your favorite stops!
Rate Challenge Dishes for a Chance to Win!
After tasting, be sure to rate your favorite dishes online by August 31 — you can also share your experience by tagging @tcveganchefchallenge on Instagram or @exploreveg on Facebook. Every week, voters and social media posters have chances to win prizes like gift cards and restaurant merch, and the person who rates the most dishes will earn a special reward. Don’t miss this fun way to support vegan chefs, discover new flavors, and win great prizes!
Full List of Participating Restaurants
Happy munching!
And don’t forget to join us on September 21 at Twin Cities Veg Fest where the winner of the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge will be announced in a special ceremony!
