Vegans and omnivores alike, rejoice! Two new additions to the Triangle dining scene are doing vegan versions of beloved cuisines with flair that foodies of any diet will appreciate.
Earth to Us of Durham does comfort food with a Latin bent, and Vegan Community Kitchen of Apex takes on Turkish cuisine. Both family-owned enterprises are taking root in the Triangle vegan scene, but anyone who loves a delicious meal will feel at home- this omnivore included.
Earth to Us
You’ll find Earth to Us tucked just outside of Northgate Mall in Durham. The space is cheerfully decorated with a bicycle installation, framed photos of the food, and chalkboard drawings.
Firstly, all of the appetizers are tempting, but I think you can’t go wrong with the cauliflower wings. With a satisfyingly crunchy fried exterior, the spicy bang bang sauce and drizzle of ranch fulfill every wing craving. The loaded nachos, topped with a mound of guacamole, are infinitely Instagrammable and delicious.
Next, I went for the generously-sauced soy barbecue chicken, served with pigeon pea rice and slaw. The well-spiced barbecue sauce complimented the soy chicken’s convincing texture. Plus, I have a weakness for arroz con gandules, and this was a great version of that Puerto Rican treat.
Finally, I had to try Earth to Us’s take on the Impossible Burger, the bona fide fad by Impossible Foods. I can add my voice to those lauding the patty’s realistic texture. I love me a good burger, and this is as close to a red-blooded texture and taste as I’ve ever had in an imitation. The Earth to Us version comes piled high with fresh lettuce and tomato, spicy sauce, and cooked onions.
Although the Earth to Us menu has more favorite American comfort foods, the arepas are also yummy. Accompanied by a creamy garlic sauce and daiya cheese (a substitute made from cassava and arrowroot), this arepa addict gives them a big thumbs-up.
Vegan Community Kitchen
Just a few minute’s drive past downtown Apex, the mother-daughter team at Vegan Community Kitchen serve vegan Turkish cuisine.
Right at the door, you’re greeted with an enticing case of brightly-colored fresh salads and grains. Make sure to return to this case after you walk past down the counter to order, because tasty options abound.
I sprung for the red lentil balls and tabbouleh. Peppered with fresh parsley, the tabbouleh was one of the best I’ve had- uber-flavorful. It was my first time with red lentil balls, but based on the Vegan Community Kitchen version, I’d order them again anywhere.
Next, I hit up the Iskender kebab platter. Seitan, a wheat substitute, stood in for traditional meat. The seitan, cooked to a beefy consistency, was a great base, but took a backseat to the yogurt and fresh tomato sauces. Served on pita triangles with herbs tossed on top, this is a more-than-worthy meatless alternative for those of us with a doner kebab habit.
Finally, the falafel combo cemented Vegan Community Kitchen as a foodie destination for me. Light, flavorful falafel, classic hummus, and traditional stuffed grape leaves served with fresh veggies? Yes, please. This is a Mediterranean classic done right.
The welcoming atmospheres and diverse menus of Earth to Us and Vegan Community Kitchen make them exciting additions to the vegan scene, and the Triangle food world at large. Forks and knives at the ready, everyone.
