Los Angeles is no stranger to food trends, but its current obsession with vegan cuisine is different. This is not about a short-lived fad, it’s about reimagining tradition, elevating flavor, and honoring sustainability. From tacos and lattes to indulgent pastries, plant-based creations are dominating menus across the city. Here’s a look at nine standout vegan items that are capturing both tastebuds and hearts in L.A.
Jackfruit Birria Tacos: Tradition Meets Innovation
At El Cocinero in Van Nuys, the iconic birria taco has received a surprising twist. Instead of goat, they use slow-cooked jackfruit seasoned with chiles, creating a texture and flavor that rivals the original. Served with a steaming cup of consomé, this vegan take preserves the beloved ritual of dipping and savoring, complete with lime, onions, and cilantro.
Armenian Lahmajune Tacos & Spiced Lattes
Cultural fusion shines at The Moody Vegan in East Hollywood, where Armenian and Mexican influences meet in lahmajune tacos. These handheld delights combine Middle Eastern spices with fresh herbs and vegetables. The café’s unique drinks, like a cardamom-infused “Little Armenia” latte and a tangy raspberry iced coffee, pay tribute to local heritage while offering a cozy, flavorful escape.
The Vegan Crunchwrap Takes Center Stage
L.A.’s vegan crunchwrap craze has reached new heights. Vegan Hooligans and NextMex popularized it, but Taco Bell’s official vegan version, featuring seasoned plant-based beef, vegan cheeses, and a tostada crunch, has taken the city by storm. With no need for customization, it’s a nostalgic fast-food classic turned 100% cruelty-free.
Nashville Hot Chick’n: The Fiery Favorite
Thanks to food trucks like Lettuce Feast, Nashville hot vegan chick’n sandwiches are a fiery hit. Their hand-breaded chick’n, fried to perfection and dipped in a spicy-sweet glaze, delivers heat and satisfaction. Many say it rivals the real Southern deal, without the guilt or animal products.
Fast-Food Nostalgia, Vegan Style
Monty’s Good Burger and Mr. Charlie’s are redefining fast food. Monty’s dishes out In-N-Out-style burgers and shakes with entirely plant-based ingredients. Meanwhile, Mr. Charlie’s, dubbed the “vegan McDonald’s”—offers Mr. Frowny Meals complete with burgers, nuggets, fries, and soft-serve. The familiar packaging and taste hit the sweet spot between comfort and consciousness.
New York–Style Vegan Pizza Slices
Melrose-based Forever Pie brought New York slices to L.A., minus the dairy. Though it’s now closed, others have picked up the torch. Pura Vita Pizzeria offers vodka sauce grandma slices, while pop-ups like Hot Tongue serve adventurous takes like Buffalo cauliflower pizza. For vegans, greasy, cheesy slices are no longer off-limits.
Vegan Boba Tea: A Creamy Evolution
Boba culture is thriving, and shops like Odd One Out Tea are making it inclusive. Their drinks feature oat and almond milk bases, gelatin-free toppings, and inventive blends like strawberry matcha lattes and oolong tea with salted cream. These colorful creations prove that indulgence and plant-based choices can coexist.
Adaptogenic Drinks and Super Smoothies
In L.A., wellness and luxury intersect through $20 smoothies and mushroom-infused lattes. Ashwagandha, chaga, and CBD now grace drink menus at cafés citywide. These “mood lattes” promise focus, calm, and skin health, reflecting a shift toward functional, alcohol-free beverages embraced by the city’s younger crowd.
Vegan Croissants and Morning Bliss
At Chaumont Vegan in Beverly Hills, buttery croissants have gone plant-based. Their pastry case boasts classics and creative flavors like matcha and rose water. The Vegan Breakfast Croissant, filled with Just Egg, vegan chicken, and cheese—is a decadent, hands-on start to the day.
L.A.’s vegan revolution is rooted in more than taste—it’s about values. Health, sustainability, and culture are all on the plate. These dishes prove that plant-based food doesn’t mean compromise. It means evolution, and in Los Angeles, it tastes like the future.
