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Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge

Every August, the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge invites restaurants across the metro to create bold new plant-based dishes for diners to try, rate, and share. 2025 was the biggest yet, with more than 1,600 votes cast across 27 restaurants and rave reviews from participants. The winners were:

  • 🥇 Namaste Cafe – Masala Fire Tacos
  • 🥈 Reverie Cafe + Bar – Chili Crisp Burnt End Tacos with Smoked Corn Ribs
  • 🥉 Food on the Fly – Crispy Chicken Rice Bowl

Many dishes were so popular they’re staying on menus long-term, expanding plant-based options in our community. For more detail refer to our blog about the challenge results. Organized by Compassionate Action for Animals, the challenge shows the growing demand for compassionate dining and helps take animals off the table — one delicious meal at a time.

The Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge happens annually each August. Local restaurants showcase innovative and delicious vegan dishes for diners to sample and rate. Diners rate their meals and post about them on social media to enter gift card drawings.

Dishes Available in August 2025
Map of Participating Restaurants

Have questions? Contact us at vcc@exploreveg.org.

Chili Momo, from Himalayan Restaurant

Among the finest dishes I’ve ever eaten!

– Diner, 2025 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge

About the Challenge

Each year, chefs and restaurants come together to create an extraordinary experience for all food enthusiasts. Throughout August, they craft 100% plant-based dishes for you to savor, purchase, post about, and rate online.

Visit Participating Restaurants

Each year you are able to embark on a culinary adventure by visiting the diverse range of participating restaurants. Throughout August, indulge in their specially crafted plant-based dishes. Explore new flavors and support local establishments.

Vote, Post, and Win Prizes

Your opinion matters! Each year, after relishing the challenge dishes, you are able to share your experience by voting and posting. When you vote, or tag us in your posts, you enter to win exciting prizes! To enter prize drawings, be sure to make a post (not just a 24-hr story).

Chili Crisp Burnt End Tacos w/Smoked Corn Ribs, from Reverie

One of the best Italian meals I’ve had since I was in Italy.

– Diner, 2025 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge

Various Ways You Can Win

Each year, you have multiple opportunities to win prizes like gift cards and restaurant merch. To stay updated on the latest news, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. 

Vote & Win

Rate restaurants to boost your chances. Weekly winner selected at the end of every week during August. Voting closes at the end of the day on Aug 31.

Post on Social Media

Tag @tcveganchefchallenge on Instagram, and @exploreveg on Facebook. Weekly winners selected from tagged posts! Make sure your post is public, too.

Cast the Most Votes

The person who rates the highest number of restaurants will receive a gift certificate as a special reward for their dedication.

Win a Social Media Challenge

Be the first account to publicly tag us on Facebook (@exploreveg) or Instagram (@tcveganchefchallenge) for five unique meals: you’ll win a restaurant gift card!

I’d get it again, but then I couldn’t try the rest of the menu!

– Diner, 2025 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge

Hard Time Cafe: Vegan Red Pork Tacos
Lutunji’s Palate: A Pot of Love
The Block – Rogers: Vegan Lumpia

Probably the best dish I’ve had in the state.

– Diner, 2025 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge

Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge in the News

Contact vcc@exploreveg.org with inquiries.

Absolutely incredible. I haven’t stopped thinking about it!!

– Diner, 2025 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge

Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge on Social Media

Make your own post about your dish and tag us for a chance to win in weekly drawings during August! On Instagram, tag the account @tcveganchefchallenge. On Facebook, tag @exploreveg.