Going to the San Diego Zoo is like going on an exotic adventure to another land. Africa, China, Australia, and even the Arctic! The San Diego Zoo is 100 acres of wonder. In addition to the collection of world famous animals on display, there seems to be music everywhere, along with live shows to entertain. And the food … lots of delicious food. But if you’re vegan you probably know how difficult it can be to find something that fits your lifestyle. We’ve done some exploring on eating vegan at San Diego Zoo. This is what we’ve found so far.
With a plethora of restaurants at the zoo not all have vegan options. Some however have selections you can order without any changes, and some give you the opportunity to switch it up vegan.
Just to the left inside the entrance gate is San Diego Zoo Sandwich Company. The menu includes Hummus and Pita Chips, Spicy Jalapeno Hummus and Pita Chips, Seasonal Fruit Cups and a Vegetarian Signature Sandwich that you’ll need to order without cheese. We spoke with Tim who explained that the Sandwich Company can mix up a salad that would be vegan as well.
So far we found Hua Mei Cafe to be the most vegan friendly. You’ll find the cafe in the midst of the Asian Passage at the head of the Panda Trek.
We dined on delicious Vegetable Chow Mein. Cathi and I shared an order, since we also ordered a few other dishes. But I’m here to tell you … next time we don’t want to share!
Cathi and I also shared the Garden Veggie Burger. The bun that it comes on contains egg, but you’re able to ask for it wrapped in lettuce instead. Add the fresh slice of tomato and it’s perfect!
We also added an order of Hua Mei Fries to our meal. Tossed with Hua Mei Cafe’s unique Asian seasoning, the fries are delicious without any dips. You’ll probably not want to have the Cucumber Wasabi Ranch Dressing that comes with the fries since it contains buttermilk.
Hua Mei Cafe also has Chilled Edamame with a sprinkling of kosher salt. It doesn’t get a whole lot better than that!
Right smack at the entrance to the Outback is Sydney’s Grill. Again, there’s a good selection of food but not much for the vegan. Because the salads are pre-made the make-it -vegan-as-you-go option is limited.
There is however a fabulous fresh Fruit Salad. Just look at it! Is your mouth watering like mine still is?
We’ll add more options as we find them on future visits to San Diego Zoo. Just remember to always ask and make sure selection ingredients haven’t changed. You can always ask to see “The Book.” In it you’ll find the ingredients for each item on the menu. Usually ingredients like egg, milk, soy and nuts are in bold print.
Give the giraffes a big hello for us and …
Enjoy!
~ The Nitty Gritty:
What: Vegan Eating at San Diego Zoo
Where: San Diego Zoo – 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA
Type: Counter service
Park Hours: Summer hours: 9am – 9pm. Restaurant hours vary.
Vibe: Safari Casual
Website: San Diego Zoo
*We’ll continue to update the vegan options at San Diego Zoo and add photos as well.
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Dawn McAlexander says
It’s great that you can still maintain your eating habits while visiting places like the zoo. It is good to see places like this offering alternative meal options.
Cathi Crismon says
It’s still slim pickings but the options are growing Dawn. And we love going to the zoo!
Cathi
Jeanette says
I am not vegan myself, but I know a lot of places are starting to offer more and more of vegan meals! I am glad to see the zoo is also!
Cathi Crismon says
We’re loving the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park vegan options Jeanette!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Those all look really tasty! It can be difficult to find vegan dishes when you’re eating at a place like that that isn’t necessarily a restaurant first. Sounds like they’re really on the ball.
Cathi Crismon says
It truly does make day trips to attractions so much easier Stacie. Still have to ask about the ingredients though. *wink
Tara says
It’s great that there are vegan options available. More and more places are switching up there menu to have more options for vegans.
Cathi says
It’s surprising how many restaurants are offering vegan selections Tara. It’s a good thing for David and me! *wink
Maureen says
Wow that is really neat that they have this option for people who eat Vegan. This is great! Vegan at the zoo looks yummy, I must admit!
Cathi says
It’s pretty dang good Maureen. Even our non-vegan grandkids were happy!
Kathy says
All of that food looks amazing. That’s great that they offer these foods at the zoo. I’ve always wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo!
Cathi says
You’d love the San Diego Zoo Kathy! It’s truly an adventure!!
Cathi
Brent Arceneaux says
All this food is making me hungry again! Looks absolutely delicious!
Cathi says
It was Brent!!
Cathi
Liz Mays says
I’m pretty impressed with how many options there actually. When my daughter was vegan, we had a really tough time!
Cathi says
Selections everywhere are getting better Liz. We only made it to a handful of the restaurants at the zoo this trip. We’ll be updating the post as we go.
Cathi
Ann Bacciaglia says
I have always wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo . I love that they have Vegan options there.
Cathi says
You’d love the San Diego Zoo Ann! It’s truly is an adventure!!
Cathi
Sarah Johnson says
I love how everybody is so accommodating! That’s awesome, and the food looks so yummy!
Cathi says
The restaurants truly are helpful Sarah. They have ‘the book’ that gives all the ingredients for everything they sell. It’s very helpful.
Cathi
Kelly Hutchinson says
Yum! Lots of great vegan food options! I love the zoo! I have always wanted to visit the one in San Diego!
Cathi says
Oh Kelly… the San Diego Zoo is absolutely amazing! You’d love it!
Cathi
janis says
Who knew there was this much good vegan food at the SD Zoo? I’ll have to check it out next time we go over there.
Cathi says
You’d love the vegan options Janis!
Cathi
Amy says
Yummy! I am so hungry now! Everything looks so darn tasty here!
Cathi says
I’m getting hungry again too Amy. time for another trip to the zoo! *wink
Cathi
Tatanisha Worthey says
I love the San Diego Zoo! It’s one of our favorites. It’s great to know they have healthy options for everyone!
Cathi says
It’s a big plus for vegans Tatanisha. We too love the zoo.
Cathi
Christina Aliperti says
It’s great to see so many vegan options. It must be hard to find things to eat while out and about in certain places.
Cathi says
We are loving the vegan options at the zoo Christina. Makes it so much easier for vegans.
Cathi
Karen says
Looks like they expanded their vegan options. Just went to the SD zoo and the Hua Mei cafe had shiracha tofu to die for! Truly yummy and healthy with lots of fresh veggies! I notice that the have orange chicken, so if the hot sauce is too spicy I bet you could sub tofu for the chicken. It’s all made fresh.
Cathi says
Oh my goodness Karen… It’s been several years since we’ve been to the zoo or Safari Park and it’s good to know that options are improving. I need a zoo day!
Christina Schneider says
They definitely do not have the chow mein anymore. We are currently at the zoo and tried to order it. Totally bummed 🙁
Cathi says
Oh no! Bummer… It’s been several years since we’ve been to the zoo or Safari Park and after being closed for a year their menus may have changed. Here’s to hoping they add their vegan options again.
Cathi
Cathi says
Oh my goodness Karen… It’s been several years since we’ve been to the zoo or Safari Park and it’s good to know that options are improving. I need a zoo day!
Cathi