Don’t you hate looking through menus online and not finding any options for you? Whether you have food intolerance, allergies, or preferences, it is always nice to find places that accommodate you.
After many years of trial and error, I’ve found that a vegan diet is what works best for me, unfortunately, I’ve also found that finding good food in my price range is a challenge.
Vegan food has become more popular in the last few years which makes finding options to eat out easier. Even then, the choices tend to be overpriced and disappointing. Having a budget for food is essential as a university student. So, if you’re interested in finding good affordable vegan meals in Kamloops, continue reading.
There are certain elements I was looking for to find the best places in Kamloops. Price, amount of food based on the price and taste. The places chosen were Eat Clean Express and Meal Prep, Klasske’s Bistro and Freshii.
Klasske’s Bistro
2 stars out of 5
Located at 301 Victoria St. Klasske’s Bistro is known for its donairs. While most of their menu is not suitable for someone vegan, they do make an excellent falafel donair. The regular doinars come up to $9.95 without tip and the large is $12.45. You can add a variety of veggies, but in this case, the only sauce that could be considered vegan is their hummus. Overall Klasske’s is a good option for a fast and filling lunch and the price is very reasonable for the amount of food you are getting. They also have the option of changing the donair for a salad bowl or a rice bowl. This place is not recommended for people with allergies because of cross-contamination as they cook their falafel and every other meat in the same place. They also lose points for only having one veggie/vegan option. Their website, https://www.klasskesbistro.ca/ contains other information about the restaurant and the menu.
Klasske’s Menu taken from Klasske’s website
Freshii
3 stars out of 5
Freshii, a chain known for its healthy meals is located at 1210 Summit Dr and has the most options out of all. Most of their menu is either vegetarian or vegan with a few exceptions. They have the option to substitute foods that include dairy or meat for vegan options. The prices range from $5 to $20 without making the meal a combo and not including tips. Because this place has so many options, I chose three items. Freshii has different categories, those being warm bowls, pockets, soups, salads, burritos, wraps, bowls and smoothies. The Buddha’s Satay Bowl is the only vegan warm option they have, and it comes to $10.49. Taste-wise, the bowl is okay, the sauce is too watery and the rice noodles could be cooked better. They also have a Teriyaki Burrito for $9.49 or a Bamboo Burrito for $10.49 both vegan. The teriyaki is better in taste, but the bamboo burrito has a coconut base cream that gives it an amazing taste. For those with a sweet tooth, Freshii has a chia pudding snack for $5.59 made with coconut milk and an array of smoothies that can be made with plant-based milk if asked. Overall Freshii is a good place for people who want fresh and healthy food on the go. The entire menu is on their website. https://orders.freshii.com/en
Teriyaki Burrito taken from Freshii’s websi
Eat Clean Express and Meal Prep
4 stars out of 5
Eat Clean Express and Meal prep, found just in front of Thompson Rivers University has the most variety of vegan food at an affordable price. Their menu consists of smoothies, breakfast, pizzas, bowls and wraps, paninis, salads and snacks which are all keto. By far, this place has the most variety of foods and the taste is just a little bit better than Freshii. Their vegetarian menu that includes dairy can be turned vegan by asking them to remove those ingredients or substitute them, and they won’t charge you for it. The pizzas are one of their more popular items, they have four which are completely vegan. Their 12” Vegan BBQ Pizza for $17.59 is filling and will last for more than one meal. The taste is incredible, and the tofu is marinated in a sauce before being cooked with the pizza. For a nice dessert, the keto Peanut Butter Brownie for only $5.25 is a perfect treat. The prices are more on the expensive side, but the quantity is good, their only negative is that they are only open from 10 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. https://www.eatcleanexpress.com/menu/ The link provides all the information and the complete menu.
Waffles from Meal Prep, taken from their Facebook account
Going to restaurants while being Vegan has gotten better, but if you still have a hard time finding what’s right for you, cooking from home can always be fun. This recipe for a vegan chocolate cake is quick, and easy and will taste amazing while you find that perfect restaurant.
