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Delicious, nutritious, soulful, and community-building—these words capture the essence of the Black-owned vegan restaurants in Harlem, New York, rising to prominence.
Establishments like Uptown Veg Vegan Food & Juice Bar are at the forefront of this movement, exploring Afro-veganism in diverse forms. From soul food classics to Ethiopian platters and vibrant Caribbean cuisine, more eateries in East Harlem are redefining what it means to eat vegan.
Making Plant-Based Food Affordable and Delicious for All
Affordability plays a crucial role in the community, often pushing people toward cheaper, less healthy options. This is a problem that many predominantly Black neighborhoods in America face. East Harlem residents, for example, have lived in a food desert for decades.
According to a study conducted by the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center in 2022, East Harlem has a supermarket-to-bodega ratio of 1 to 17, highlighting the limited access to fresh and affordable ingredients.
Moreover, 22.4% of East Harlem residents experience food insecurity, compared to 15.4% across New York City. These challenges can make it particularly difficult for those pursuing a vegan lifestyle.
Frustrated by his neighborhood’s lack of vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices, Davie Simmons founded Uptown Veg in 1994. His daughter, Jasmine Myrick, who co-owns the restaurant, explains, “Veganism in the Black community is sometimes perceived as bland tasting yet expensive food.”
Uptown Veg offers an extensive selection of fresh, natural juices and shakes alongside a gluten-free and vegan cuisine menu. Besides hot dishes, the menu features pastries and raw food options, all made with organic fruits and vegetables.
“We make sure our food is not only delicious but also affordable, ” states Myrick. Her mission is to make vegan fare accessible to attract vegans and non-vegans alike.
After nearly three decades of success with two vegan restaurants in Harlem, Uptown Veg expanded to Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.
The Rise of Afro-Veganism and Diet Decolonization
The dedication to providing innovative and delicious vegan options has positioned vegan restaurants in Harlem as vital hubs for a thriving culinary movement. This movement is part of a broader trend where Afro-veganism is gaining prominence.
Contrary to what some may assume, Black veganism is not a novel or foreign concept. An increasing number of Afro-vegans are challenging traditional dietary norms by shifting away from meat-based meals in favor of tasty, familiar, and nostalgic plant-based alternatives.
The roots of Afro-veganism trace back to various regions across the African continent. From the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia to the diverse food cultures of Botswana, South Africa, and Senegal, plant-based eating has long been a part of African heritage.
This historical context helps us understand the significance of contemporary Afro-veganism, which seeks to honor and revive these age-old practices while adapting them to modern tastes.
Decolonizing your diet is an integral part of this movement. The shift reflects a broader trend where individuals prioritize their health while maintaining a connection to their cultural heritage.
Vegan Restaurants in Harlem with a Caribbean Flare
Veganism is also making waves across the Caribbean, where traditional diets are incorporating more plant-based options. Jamaican cuisine, known for its bold flavors, is seeing a rise in dishes like jerk tofu and callaloo stews, which offer a vegan twist on classic favorites.
In recent years, Golden Krust, the legacy Jamaican beef patties chain partnered with Beyond Meat to offer a spicy plant-based option. You can also order patties filled with spinach or a vegetable medley.
In Guyana, the influence of West African, South Indian, and indigenous culinary practices has led to various plant-based dishes, from savory lentil curries to hearty vegetable roti. True to their Guyanese roots, Simmons and Myrick ensure those cultural flavors take center stage in their recipes.
Puerto Ricans, too, are joining the vegan movement, drawn by a growing awareness of health benefits and environmental sustainability.
As traditional Puerto Rican cuisine often features rich, meaty ingredients, many are now exploring plant-based versions of their favorite dishes, such as vegan mofongo and alcapurrias.
RELATED: Classic Treats Meet the Vegan Dessert Scene at Roots Vegan Bakery
5 Vegan Restaurants in Harlem You Must Try
- Black Rican Vegan Pop-Up: If you’re into Puerto Rican flavors with a vegan twist, you’ve got to check out Black Rican Vegan Pop-Up. They’re serving up some seriously delicious plant-based versions of classic Afro-Latin dishes, and it’s a real treat!
- Slutty Vegan Harlem: Craving something indulgent? Slutty Vegan has you covered with their insanely good vegan burgers and fries. It’s fun, bold, and worth the hype.
- Tsion Cafe: For a cozy spot with amazing Ethiopian and Mediterranean-inspired vegan dishes, Tsion Cafe is a must-visit. The food is fresh and aromatic, and the vibe is super welcoming.
- Uptown Veg Vegan Food & Juice Bar: Uptown Veg is perfect if you’re looking for hearty vegan comfort food. They take traditional Caribbean favorites and give them a satisfying plant-based makeover.
- Vegan Hood: If you’re into southern-style comfort food but want it vegan, Vegan Hood is the place. They turn classic soul food into plant-based goodness that’s both comforting and brimming with flavor.
Operating a vegan restaurant in a sea of meat-filled options isn’t easy. Myrick urges aspiring business owners to live authentically and believe in their products; to make a lasting impact in the community.
“Opening a vegan restaurant 25 years ago stirred both curiosity and apprehension,” affirms Myrick. “But those early connections laid the foundation for a community of loyal customers who are still with us today.”
Support Black-owned vegan restaurants in Harlem and make Uptown Veg Food & Juice Bar your first stop on your tour. To learn more about their menu, visit their Instagram page linked above or their website.
