For anyone who is vegetarian, vegan or looking to include more plant-based foods in their diet, navigating campus dining can be intimidating. I know from experience that trying to put together a nutritious meal from veg options can prove to be a daunting task. But have no fear — whether you are already veg, or just curious about making the transition, here are some tips and tricks for eating on campus!
Dining Halls
All the dishes at the dining halls are labeled, with “VN” for vegan and “V” for vegetarian. To be sure that there are options during any specific meal period, download the “NCSU On Campus” app — you can check what all the dining halls and restaurants are serving that day and plan your meals! Some common dishes that are my favorite include the vegan jambalaya and the black bean tacos. If there is not any hot food that sounds particularly appealing to you, there is always a salad bar with hummus, veggie burgers and cereal — Cinnamon Toast Crunch is vegan, and soy milk is offered at all the dining halls.
Talley Student Union
All the restaurants have at least one vegan option and multiple vegetarian ones, and you can modify to your liking at Jason’s Deli. The Talley Market has lots of items as well; aside from all the snacks there are labeled pre-packaged meals made daily. They have a veggie/hummus platter, basil pasta and various Greek dishes and wraps. Talley Market also has a good selection of protein bars for quick energy boosts! Finally, for dessert check out Yates Mill Bakery — they always have at least one vegan cupcake flavor! Pro tip: the Oreo cupcake is the best.
The Atrium
The Atrium is a great stop for veggie food, especially in between classes. Zen Blossom has veggies and tofu, and both their fried rice and steamed rice are vegan. The vegetable roll is delicious and premade for when you’re on the go. Delirious Wraps & Salads is great because you can build your own meal, and the wrap station now offers a specialty hummus along with the regular every day. The Tomato Florentine soup is vegan as well, and fits under a meal swipe with your wrap. For quick snacks, there is a Hummus Veggie Snack Pack, along with various fruit cups and chips.
PCJ/Hill of Beans/Starbucks
All the coffee shops on campus have almond and soy milk for your coffee, and PCJ’s smoothies are all vegan. Be careful with the bagels; Starbucks’ everything bagel has cheese on it, but PCJ’s does not. If you haven’t already, try Starbucks’ new Iced Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato for a sweet energy boost.
The Greater Raleigh Area
Off campus hosts some amazing veg options as well. Cup-A-Joe and Global Village coffee right on Hillsborough Street both offer vegan muffins and pastries. For restaurants, Irregardless Café has a whole host of vegan and vegetarian options, as well as vegan desserts (the vegan carrot cake is warm and gooey, described by a non-vegan as “tasting like Christmas,” so I would recommend checking it out). The Remedy Diner also has a veg-friendly menu, with one of their sandwiches, The Tempeh Tantrum, being awarded one of PETA’s Top 5 Vegan Sandwiches! The Remedy Diner also has an all-vegan dessert menu — I recommend the Sopapilla Cheesecake for cinnamon decadence that melts in your mouth.
For more information, recommendations and veg friends to eat with, join NCSU’s Student Voices for Animals club on the Get Involved page!
