Embarking on a new journey can be exciting and challenging, and our recent trip to Charleston was no different. As newcomers to a plant-based diet, my family and I found ourselves navigating the culinary landscape of this historic city with mixed results.
The Challenge of Finding Quality Vegan Food
Charleston, renowned for its rich history and vibrant food scene, presented us with an unexpected hurdle. Despite many vegan restaurants boasting stellar reviews, our experiences were mixed. We quickly learned the importance of scrutinizing menus, particularly looking out for preparation methods to avoid an over-reliance on fried options. This careful approach can help you in your quest for healthier, more diverse meals while in Charleston.
The Omnivore’s Dilemma
The biggest revelation came from my daughter, an omnivore, who was unimpressed, to say the least. She was so disillusioned by her meals that it sparked a realization: had my introduction to vegan cuisine been similar, I might have never embraced a plant-based diet. This highlights a crucial aspect of dietary transition: the first impression matters.
A Silver Lining in Traditional Cuisine
Interestingly, our most enjoyable meals came from traditional restaurants that offered vegan or vegetarian options. By simply omitting dairy from vegetarian options or vegan options in traditional restaurants, we found these dishes to be far more palatable than their purely vegan restaurant counterparts. It seems that sometimes, the best plant-based meals aren’t found in exclusively vegan restaurants.
Our Top Recommendation
For those visiting Charleston, I highly recommend trying Ru Ru’s Tacos & Tequila in downtown. Their vegan tacos were a standout, providing a delightful blend of flavors that cater to all palates. Our daughter even enjoyed her steak bowl and the margaritas were top-notch!
Self-Catering: A Reliable Alternative
Another useful tip for plant-based travelers is to consider staying in accommodations with a well-equipped kitchen, like an AirBnB. Charleston has several Whole Foods Grocery Stores, offering a wide range of vegan ingredients. Cooking your meals can be a satisfying and delicious way to maintain your dietary preferences on the road. We also brought some vegan homemade snacks with us from home to fill in!
The Plant-Based Journey Continues
We’re just three weeks into our plant-based journey, and despite some hiccups, we remain undeterred. In fact, I’ve found that my own cooking often surpasses restaurant offerings, a sentiment that holds true from my meat-eating days as well.
A Call to Share and Connect
I’d love to hear from fellow plant-based travelers or locals. If you have any favorite recipes, restaurant recommendations, or tips, please share them! Let’s help each other make this journey as flavorful and enjoyable as possible.
-S&E
Embarking on a plant-based journey, especially while traveling, can have its challenges, but with some exploration and adaptability, it’s possible to find delicious options that cater to all tastes. Charleston, with its blend of traditional and innovative culinary offerings, provides an interesting backdrop for this adventure.
