Donate$

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.

2026 is set to be the biggest year yet, with around twenty-eight restaurants across the metro participating!

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 in August 2026
Rate Your Dishes!

Have questions? Contact the planning committee at vcc@exploreveg.org.

Kung Pao Cola Tofu, from new 2026 competitor Golden Chow Mein in Saint Paul

This is the best food I’ve had all summer!!

– Diner, 2026 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).

Wild Harvest Tacos, on offer from Gatherings Cafe in Minneapolis during August 2026

Incredibly flavorful and creative, one of the best [….] my non-Vegan family LOVED it as well.

– Diner, 2026 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 @exploreveg on Instagram or Facebook, and make sure your post is public. Weekly winners selected randomly from tagged posts! Make sure your post is public, too.

Cast the Most Votes

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

Be the first to cast 5 votes

Be the first person to purchase, eat, and rate five different dishes on the voting form!

Perfectly prepared, very delicious.

– Diner, 2026 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge

Heal Mpls – Sushi Baae Bowl
Stanley’s NE – Crispy Cauliflower Chimichurri Tacos
Reverie Cafe + Bar – Parsnip Confit

Great flavors and delicious food!!

– Diner, 2026 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 or Facebook, tag our account @exploreveg.