10 Vegan Comfort Foods to Eat in Philly Right Now

The Pumpkin Spice Latte Donut from Dottie’s Donuts is one of the best vegan comfort foods out there. Photograph courtesy of Dottie’s Donuts 

As the temperature drops, it’s easy to shy away from quick light bites and focus your attention on the hearty stick-to-your-bones meals. Comfort foods are abundant in Philly (we are home to the cheesesteak, after all), but it isn’t always easy to find creamy, gooey yumminess that’s also vegan.

Because we wholeheartedly believe everyone is entitled to a meal that warms the heart at least once throughout the winter, we compiled a list of some of the best vegan comfort food picks around the city (and beyond). Keep this page bookmarked so you can eat your way through the city’s vegan offerings this winter.

Eggplant Meatballs from Heart Beet Kitchen
29 Haddon Avenue, Westmont

Sometimes meatballs can be a little, well, you know … meaty. Heart Beet Kitchen takes a vegan approach to the Italian comfort food classic with their eggplant-based meatballs accompanied by raw zucchini noodles and fresh marinara sauce. After this meal, we have no doubt you’ll be a part of the clean-plate club, badge and all.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Donut from Dottie’s Donuts
Multiple locations

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than fried dough. If you’re in the mood for a fatty treat, Dottie’s Donuts never disappoints. A particular showstopper is their Pumpkin Spice Latte doughnut. Between the sweet and salty espresso buttercream (made with Elixr coffee) that fills the donut and the pumpkin glaze, it’s kind of hard to crave anything else. Make sure they have one ready for you by checking the deluxe flavors of the day before you go.

Cheese Fries from Blackbird Pizzeria
Multiple Locations

Cheese fries are simply the best. They combine two heavy-hitting comfort foods — cheese and potatoes — in one delicious and indulgent package. Blackbird uses a vegan wiz for these fries, in true Philadelphia form.

Wiz Kid Philly from Wiz Kid
124 South 19th Street, Rittenhouse

So, we’re in Philly, so what comfort food is more appropriate than a good ol’ cheesesteak? Wiz Kid veganizes this Philly staple with seitan, mushrooms, fried onions, and their beloved rutabaga cheese, borrowed from the joint’s older brother, Vedge. And let me tell you, the cheese alone is a fantastic comfort food, but this sandwich as a whole really knocks it out of the park.

Turkish Coffee Tehina Milkshake from Goldie’s
1526 Sansom Street, Center City

Even though it’s cold outside, this milkshake is a million percent worth it. It’s perfectly balanced between sweet and bold (thanks to the coffee, duh) and is topped with THE most delicious house-made halva crumbles, a traditional Middle Eastern confection. And if you’re hesitant about a milkshake made with tehina, don’t be — it’s delicious.

Potato Gnocchi from Charlie was a sinner
131 South 13th Street, Midtown Village

Gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food in pasta form — what’s more soothing than fluffy little potato dough pillows? This version from Charlie Was a Sinner is tossed in a smoked tomato butter (drools) with cipollini onions and English peas. It’s so yummy and so comforting. (Why am I not eating it right now?)

Waffle Club from P.S. & Co.
1706 Locust Street, Rittenhouse

It’s hard to get your hands on a vegan waffle, let alone a vegan waffle sandwich, but P.S. & Co. gives you just that. Stuffed between the waffles is baked tofu, red pepper vegan cheese, sautéed greens, fried onions, and mushrooms. Now that’s a breakfast sandwich we can get down with.

“Chicken” Pho from Thang Long Noodle Restaurant
2534-36 Kensington Avenue, Kensington

During the cold winter days, a hot bowl of soup is all you need to get by. Pho is the perfect mix of a soup with a robust flavor that isn’t going to make you feel stuffed. While many pho places offer the Vietnamese dish with some sort of meat, Thang Long Noodle Restaurant has multiple vegan options. You can chose between tofu, “chicken,” or spicy “meatball” lemongrass options and even top off the order with a vegan spring roll if you’re still feeling hungry. Sign me up!

Shaved Brussel Sprouts from Vedge
1221 Locust Street, Center City

Brussel sprouts are little nuggets of happiness and the ultimate comfort food. Don’t worry, these aren’t like the frozen ones you may have been forced to eat as a child — they’re So. Much. Better. Vedge serves them up shaved (kind of like a salad) topped with smoked mustard and mixed with crispy shiitake mushrooms and toasted pepitas for extra crunch. All in all, there’s no way to be unhappy when eating this dish — and that’s what really matters.

Pumpkin Speculoos Ice Cream from Little Baby’s
Multiple Locations

You’ll down this delicious seasonal flavor in no time, no matter the temperature — it’s that delicious. The concoction features a pumpkin ice cream base with speculoos cookie crumbles and spices folded in. YUM. Because of the ever-changing menu, be sure to call or check the website before heading out into the cold.

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