Where to Find the Best Vegan Street Food in Chicago

When you think of Chicago’s food culture, one dish likely comes to mind first: the hot dog. Alongside deep-dish pizza, the Chicago-style dog—a beef sausage tucked into a poppy seed bun and loaded with toppings like pickle relish, chopped onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, a dill pickle spear, and yellow mustard—is one of the city’s most iconic eats.

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And it’s been that way for quite some time. Hot dog carts first began appearing in Chicago in the late 19th century, often operated by German immigrants who brought their beloved frankfurters with them across the Atlantic. The hot dog quickly became a local favorite: it was tasty, affordable, and easy to eat on the go. And thus, a street food legend was born.

Chicago’s street food scene

Today, hot dog carts still dot the streets of Chicago, but the Windy City’s street food scene has evolved far beyond sausages in a bun. “All of Chicago’s neighborhoods and immigrant groups have contributed in their own way to a rich food culture in the metropolitan area,” the Encyclopedia of Chicago reads. From Greek gyros to Italian beef sandwiches, Mexican tacos to Indian dosas, and even Chicago-style tavern pizza and classic burgers, the variety is unmatched.

Even better? These flavorful favorites aren’t always made with meat. Chicago now boasts a thriving plant-based street food scene, offering delicious vegan versions of beloved classics. Whether you’re craving a meatless taco, a dairy-free slice, or a fully vegan hot dog, you’ll find something that hits the spot.

Where to find vegan street food in Chicago

But where to go first? We’ve got you. Check out some of our top picks for vegan street food in Chicago below.

Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat

1 Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat

Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat has three locations across Chicago: Hyde Park, River North, and Orland Park. Each one serves up a crave-worthy lineup of fast-food and street food classics, all completely meat-free (as the name suggests). The menu features indulgent favorites like Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, steak fries, Italian “Not” Beef, and po’ boy shrimp sandwiches.
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Vegan Now 2 Go

2 Vegan Now 2 Go

Whether you’re craving the Greek street food classic gyros, a loaded taco, or a juicy hoagie sandwich, Vegan Now 2 Go has you covered. Every dish is made fresh using wholesome ingredients like oyster mushrooms, seitan, hearts of palm, and soy cheese.
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Churro Parlor

3 Churro Parlor

Street food can be sweet, too. Head to Churro Parlor for a crispy, delicious churro. Vegan options include the Jane, coated in the classic cinnamon-sugar mix, and the Joan Holloway, topped with guava compote and granola.
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Plant Based City

4 Plant Based City

This vegan food truck serves up some of the best plant-based comfort food in Chicago. The menu is packed with hearty, flavor-packed options like crispy fried vegan chicken, cheesesteak-loaded fries, birria tacos with savory dipping broth, and hibachi egg rolls bursting with flavor. And that’s just the beginning.
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5 Ba Le Banh’wich

Bánh mì is one of the most beloved street foods in Vietnam. At Ba Le Banh’Wich in Chicago, you can feast on flavorful vegan versions of the classic sandwich. Fillings include options like savory char siu, lemongrass mushrooms, tofu and eggplant with mango sauce, and a plant-based take on beef, all tucked into a crisp, airy baguette.
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BenjYehuda

6 BenjYehuda

BenjYehuda has four locations across Chicago (Lasalle, Wacker, Wells, and Ogilvie Station), each serving up flavorful falafel and shawarma. This popular Middle Eastern chain offers plenty of vegan-friendly options, making it a go-to for plant-based street food lovers. You’ll find crispy falafel, hand-stretched pita, creamy hummus, tahini, and smoky baba ganoush, all made fresh and packed with flavor.
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Bombay Eats

7 Bombay Eats

For delicious Indian-style street food, visit one of Bombay Eats’ locations across Chicago. Whether you’re in Lakeview, Streeterville, or the Loop, you can enjoy flavorful wraps made with whole wheat roti or flaky paratha and filled with tasty options like crispy samosa, spiced chickpea chana, and hearty potato and cauliflower.
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Bonci

8 Bonci

Bonci is a unique pizza spot in Chicago that skips the classic deep dish in favor of Roman-style al taglio pizza. Similar to focaccia, this traditional Italian street food features a thick, airy crust and is usually rectangular in shape. Bonci offers three vegan flavors: arrabbiata, spicy eggplant, and mushroom rosa.
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Loving Heart

9 Loving Heart

You can always count on Loving Heart to deliver delicious, nourishing plant-based options that are perfect for eating on the go. Choose from a variety of bowls, wraps, and burgers. Standout choices include the Korean bibim salad, the hearty bean wrap with gochujang brown rice, and the Corazón Quesadilla with vegan chicken.
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Art of Dosa

10Art of Dosa

A classic Indian-style street food, crispy and crunchy dosas are typically filled with simple, plant-based ingredients. At Art of Dosa, you’ll find plenty of mouthwatering options, including the Buffalo Dosa with soy protein, the Ramen Dosa topped with vegan Sriracha, and the Chole Dosa filled with flavorful curried chickpeas.
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