by Cara McClain

I have been a vegetarian for around a year and a half now, and before that, I hardly ever ate meat. If you’re thinking about making the transition to a meatless diet, don’t worry about never being able to eat out again. Here’s my list of a few vegetarian restaurants to try in Kansas City (in no particular order):

1. Eden Alley

Located in the basement of Unity Temple on the Plaza, Eden Alley serves up delicious vegetarian and vegan meals. They give you this great whole grain bread and agave butter, which is one of the main reasons I continue to eat there. One of my favorite meals I ordered there was the spinach and mushroom loaf. It looks and sounds unappealing, but on a cool fall day, it’d be wonderful. Don’t make the mistake I did earlier this week and try to go there on a Monday or Tuesday because it’s only open for lunch those days.

2. Korma Sutra

Aside from the quality Indian cuisine, the best aspect about eating at Korma Sutra is the staff. Every time I go the same couple of people are working, and they are always polite and efficient. A friend of mine told me she always feels like she’ll be taken care of when she’s at Korma Sutra. My favorite dish under the vegetarian portion of the menu is the Saag Paneer and a cup of their Chai tea. I crave it all the time. Be careful of the level of spiciness of what you order at Korma Sutra if you’re not into that because choosing “medium” can actually get you a much spicier meal than you might realize.

3. Waldo Pizza

Word on the street is the beloved Waldo Pizza now has an entirely vegan pizza. I have not tried it yet, but I’m a sucker for Waldo Pizza. It’s on my to-do list, and I plan on checking it off soon.

4. Mud Pie

Formerly Java Nut, Mud Pie is a coffee shop/ vegan bakery on 39th Street. Unlike some other vegan pastries and treats and things that taste quite cardboard-like, Mud Pie’s hardly have that typical flavorless vegan taste at all. The first time I had their blueberry lemon muffin I didn’t even realize it was vegan. They also offer vegan alternatives instead of milk for their coffee drinks, which sometimes gets me into trouble since I’m allergic to soy milk. But Mud Pie has me covered with other options. Try it out, and you may find that their vegan options leave you feeling lighter, better and more satisfied.

5. Aladdin’s Cafe

Just down the street from from Mud Pie, Aladdin’s Cafe operates out of a small, kind of run down looking building. I love any and all lentil soups, but Aladdin’s Cafe definitely serves my favorite. With a menu of Mediterranean food, almost everything sounds wonderful. Try Jasmine’s Vegetarian Combo for a sampling of several meatless options.