Before starting my first year at Queen’s University, my family and friends often asked me how I was going to eat vegan on my meal plan. I assured them that I’d figure it out.
It’s true, I did — but what would have made my life a lot easier is if someone had given me a comprehensive list of the best vegan food offered on the meal plan.
So, for all of the vegan and vegetarian frosh, or anyone interested in vegan options on campus (I’m looking at you, Queen’s Vegans and Vegetarians club), this is for you.
1. The Lazy Scholar
Located in the basement of Victoria Hall, The Lazy Scholar is your go-to for late night eats or meals on the go.
My first choice for a meal at Lazy is the pasta bar. They serve a hearty portion of pasta with your choice of veggies and sauce, which is then heated fresh in its own pan. They even came out with their own designated vegan sauce full of vegetables and beans. If that isn’t your thing, the regular tomato sauce is vegan too.
Oh, and don’t forget Lazy’s notorious curly fries — they also happen to be vegan.
2. Location 21
Queen’s’ newest addition to its dining options is Location 21, conveniently located on the main floor of David C. Smith House (not to be confused with this Smith).
If you’re in need of some veggies, first make a stop at the salad bar. For no extra cost, you can add things like chickpeas, kidney beans, and sunflower seeds. With the salad chalking up to about six dollars, you still have leftover money to grab a pack of peanuts or a piece of fruit on your way out.
Another great vegan option at Location 21 is the sandwich bar. The hummus usually isn’t on display, but they always had it when I asked. Fill up your sandwich with roasted veggies and hummus and ask them to heat it up for you. The ACE Bakery bread they make your sandwich on will not disappoint.
Finally, Location 21 almost always has a vegan soup, which they make in-house. And if you like Lazy’s curly fries, you’ll love Location 21’s waffle fries.
3. Pita Pit
Pita Pit was definitely my go-to when I was in the ARC, but there’s also one in Mackintosh-Corry Hall if you’re there. Simply ask for a hummus, babaganoush or falafel pita and fill it with unlimited veggies and sauce. Vegan sauces include balsamic vinagrette, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, mustard, special sauce, and teriyaki sauce. I found the official allergen information here.
#SpoonTip: You can also ask for your pita “fork-style,” or in other words, as a salad.
4. Tim Hortons
You can find Tim Horton’s in a few places on campus: the ARC, the JDUC, and the Biosciences Complex. The issue with Tim’s as a vegan is that it’s very difficult to spend a meal equivalency of $8.75 on only vegan options without wasting a bunch of food.
However, when I did eat at Tim Horton’s, there were a few satisfactory options. First, we have the bagel family. All of the bagels except for maple french toast and the ones that have cheese in their names are vegan. You can top these bagels with peanut butter, jam, or both.
For a savoury option, the choices include a garden veggie sandwich (minus the cheese, ask for mustard if you like it), the hearty vegetable soup, or hash browns.
#SpoonTip: Don’t go to the JDUC Tim’s for lunch, as they only serve breakfast items.
5. Booster Juice
Located in the ARC, Booster Juice can provide you with a vegan option that doesn’t need to be modified and can be easily consumed as its own meal. I’m talking about the Sonic Soy.
Besides BJ’s best vegan smoothie, you can sub soy milk for frozen yogurt in any drink. I recommend ordering the Funky Monkey but with more chocolate soy milk instead of frozen yogurt. They might even know what you mean if you order a “non-dairy funky monkey,” but respectfully clarify, just in case.
#SpoonTip: Make it a meal by getting one of their “boosters,” such as the vegan protein booster, and buy a piece of fruit on the side.
6. The Canadian Grilling Company
My absolute favourite place for a great meal is at CGC in Mackintosh-Corry Hall. You’ll have to use a few flex dollars (or just cash) on top of your meal equivalency, but it’s worth it.
Since the buns aren’t vegan, I always order a vegan burger on a salad. The regular fries and sweet potato fries are also legit.
#SpoonTip: Chef Michael Smith, the owner of CGC, has a recipe for his vegan burgers so you can make them at home.
7. Teriyaki Experience
Teriyaki Experience, located in the ARC, is your place for a quick and healthy meal.
I order mixed brown and white rice, extra veggies, and tofu cooked in water. After it’s ready, I add my own sauce. You’ll still have a few dollars left – enough to get a bottled drink.
8. Khao
Khao was just opened in the JDUC in 2015. For vegan options, the restaurant has thai basil noodles with tofu, or rice and veggies from the Chinese buffet.
The Cafeterias
Last but not least, we have the three cafeterias on Queen’s campus. All of the cafeterias have their regular vegan options, but they also have cereal, non-dairy milk, toast, peanut butter, and jam at all meals.
9. Leonard Dining Hall
Not only does Lenny have its own vegan station, but it also has a sandwich bar with hummus, a salad bar with tofu, french fries (all the time), and sautéed veggies ready to eat. Often, the other stations also have something vegan that you can take and add to your meal. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff to leave something out or add something to your meal.
#SpoonTip: The vegan ice cream may not be on display, but it is there, and they have a variety of flavours. Just ask someone working there.
10. Ban Righ Dining Hall
At Ban Righ, my favourite thing to order is the stir-fry. Load up on rice, veggies, and sauce, which are all conveniently labelled for your dietary needs. I also hear that you can ask them to cook your meal in a pan that hasn’t been used for cooking meat.
If you don’t feel like waiting in line for stir-fry, there’s always a vegetarian/vegan station that serves tasty things like rice, curry, and veggie patties. There’s also a salad bar and sandwich bar.
11. Jean Royce Dining Hall
Located on West Campus, this dining hall has a sandwich bar (including a panini press), a salad bar, and a general food station that usually has a vegan option. Of course, there’s always cereal, non-dairy milk, and bread if you don’t like any of the options.
Though most of the time you won’t need to ask for anything special, if you do, just keep this in mind: when it comes to modifying your food to make it vegan, it’s always best to be kind and patient with the person serving you. Most of the time, they’ll be nice back and hook you up with something good.
All in all, veganizing your meal plan is not hard to do on Queen’s campus — and now that I’ve done the investigating for you, it’ll be even easier. Stay nourished, my friends.