As a general rule, mall food courts aren't the best places for vegans. The roundabout of edibles is usually a gauntlet of smiling employees doling out jerk chicken and sloppy joe -- a no man's land for the meatless. Without proper preparation and snack packing, a lengthy trip to the mall can be a ravenous affair.
But a recent jaunt to Dadeland Mall left me pleasantly surprised. The food court offers several options that are seriously appealing -- not your standard fast-food salads, but healthful vegetarian and vegan alternatives to all the meaty fare. Check them out after the jump.
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The primary attraction for those opting out of meat is the Daily Bread, an outpost of the popular Mediterranean market in Coconut Grove. The spot serves an impressive array of colorful salads, falafel, and hummus. A heaping plate of three salad choices plus pita bread costs less than $8.
I was impressed by the fava bean salad, grilled eggplant salad, and tangy, flavorful hummus. Rarely have I enjoyed such a fresh, delicious vegan meal amid a lineup of chain outposts.
The Daily Bread isn't the only option here for herbivores. There's Café Esperanto, where you can make your own salad or wrap. It features a full lineup of fresh vegetables and tofu, plus dressings such as balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Smoothies too.
There's also Subway, whose veggie sandwich ordered sans cheese and mayo is vegan, and Johnny Rockets, which offers a vegan burger.
Four places to choose from is a veritable cornucopia for vegans. So next time you're planning an all-day shopping spree, Dadeland Mall might be your best bet for avoiding hunger pangs.
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