Stuck at Denver International Airport with a rumbling tummy? If you’re living the vegan lifestyle, the prospect of finding suitable food options can be daunting. Airports, notorious for their limited healthy choices, often seem like a minefield of processed snacks and meat-heavy meals. However, fear not, fellow vegan traveler! Denver Airport, affectionately known as DIA, might surprise you. This guide is designed to navigate you through the maze of concourses and terminals, pinpointing delicious and satisfying plant-based meals, snacks, and drinks to make your layover a breeze.
Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving millions of passengers annually. Navigating it can be overwhelming, especially when hungry. This article serves as your ultimate vegan guide to DIA, saving you precious time and frustration by highlighting the best spots for plant-based sustenance. Forget settling for a measly bag of chips – prepare to discover a range of surprisingly tasty and nourishing vegan options!
Pre-Flight Vegan Food Planning is Key
While the adventurous spirit of discovering hidden gems is appealing, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and satisfying vegan dining experience at Denver Airport. Before you even pack your bags, consider these pre-flight strategies:
The Denver Airport Website
DIA’s official website is a decent starting point. The restaurant directory lists all the eateries in each concourse. However, tread carefully! The information about vegan options is often vague or non-existent. A restaurant might be listed as having “vegetarian options,” but deciphering if those can be easily adapted to be vegan requires further investigation. Use the website as a basic overview, but don’t rely solely on it for vegan-specific information.
Harness the Power of Vegan Apps and Websites
Luckily, the vegan community is resourceful! Apps like HappyCow are invaluable for finding vegan and vegetarian restaurants worldwide. Many users contribute reviews and updates, so you might find recent feedback about specific vegan items at DIA restaurants. Vegan travel blogs and forums are also excellent sources of information. Search for “vegan Denver airport” and see what fellow travelers have discovered. Be sure to check dates on the reviews as restaurants can change quickly.
Pack Your Own Vegan Snacks (Just in Case!)
Even with meticulous planning, unforeseen delays and unexpected circumstances can arise. Therefore, packing a few emergency vegan snacks is always a wise move. Think along the lines of nuts, seeds, energy bars, dried fruit, or a homemade sandwich. These portable goodies can tide you over if your flight is delayed, or if you find yourself in a terminal with limited vegan choices. Plus, packing your own snacks can save you money!
Navigating DIA: Your Vegan Restaurant Guide
Now, let’s get to the meat (or rather, the plant-based protein) of the matter: where to find the best vegan food at Denver Airport. This guide is organized by concourse to help you quickly locate the most promising options.
Concourse A: A Surprisingly Diverse Selection
Concourse A is known for its variety, and surprisingly, it offers several options for vegan travelers. Let’s dive in:
Restaurant A: Root Down DIA
Location: A Gates
Root Down DIA is an airport outpost of the popular Denver restaurant known for its innovative and globally-inspired cuisine. While not entirely vegan, they are very accommodating to vegan requests.
Vegan Options: The menu often features a veggie burger that can be made vegan by swapping out the bun and omitting any cheese or dairy-based sauces. Inquire about the daily specials, as they sometimes have vegan-friendly soups or salads.
Customization Options: Don’t hesitate to ask your server about modifying dishes to suit your vegan needs. They are usually happy to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Price Range: $$
Brief Description: A sit-down restaurant with a lively atmosphere and delicious food.
Restaurant B: Modern Market Eatery
Location: A Gates
Modern Market Eatery prides itself on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their build-your-own salad and bowl options are easily customizable to be vegan.
Vegan Options: Create your own salad or bowl with a base of greens, grains, or roasted vegetables. Choose from a variety of plant-based toppings like chickpeas, black beans, avocado, roasted corn, and a selection of vegan dressings. They also often have a vegan soup of the day.
Customization Options: The key here is customization! Be sure to specify that you want a vegan dressing and that you do not want any cheese or other dairy products.
Price Range: $
Brief Description: A casual eatery with a focus on healthy and customizable options.
Concourse B: Home to More Vegan Treasures
Concourse B is often a bustling hub, but don’t let the crowds deter you from seeking out the vegan delights it has to offer.
Restaurant C: City Street Saravanaa Bhavan
Location: B Gates
City Street Saravanaa Bhavan is a popular South Indian restaurant chain, and their Denver Airport location offers a wide array of vegetarian dishes, many of which are naturally vegan or can be easily veganized.
Vegan Options: Look for dishes like dosa (thin crepes made from rice and lentil batter), idli (steamed rice cakes), sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew), and uttapam (thick pancakes). Be sure to confirm that the dosa and uttapam are cooked without ghee (clarified butter), which is a common ingredient. Opt for vegetable-based curries and avoid those with paneer (Indian cheese).
Customization Options: When ordering, clearly state that you are vegan and need the food prepared without any dairy products.
Price Range: $
Brief Description: An authentic South Indian restaurant with plenty of flavorful and affordable vegan options.
Restaurant D: Que Bueno! Mexican Grille
Location: B Gates
Que Bueno! Mexican Grille offers a customizable burrito and bowl experience, making it relatively easy to create a satisfying vegan meal.
Vegan Options: Build your own burrito or bowl with a base of rice, beans (black or pinto), and your choice of salsas. Add fajita vegetables, lettuce, tomato, and guacamole. Be sure to skip the cheese, sour cream, and any meat options.
Customization Options: Ask about the ingredients in the rice and beans to ensure they are cooked without any animal products. Guacamole is usually a safe bet for vegans.
Price Range: $
Brief Description: A quick and convenient Mexican grill with customizable options.
Concourse C: Finding Vegan Gems
Concourse C, while perhaps not as abundant in vegan options as A and B, still holds a few surprises for the discerning vegan traveler.
Restaurant E: Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs
Location: C Gates
While primarily known for its hot dogs, Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs sometimes offers a veggie dog that can be made vegan depending on the bun. Check with the vendor before buying.
Vegan Options: Ask if they offer a veggie dog and what ingredients make up the bun and toppings. This is a ‘check before you eat’ option.
Customization Options: Omit cheese, mayo, or other non-vegan toppings.
Price Range: $
Brief Description: A hot dog stand with possible vegan options.
Restaurant F: Starbucks
Location: Multiple locations in Concourse C
Starbucks is a ubiquitous presence in airports, and thankfully, they offer several vegan-friendly beverage options.
Vegan Options: Order your favorite coffee or tea beverage with plant-based milk (soy, almond, coconut, or oat). Many of their syrups are also vegan. Skip the whipped cream and drizzle. Look for pre-packaged snacks like fruit cups or trail mix.
Customization Options: Experiment with different milk alternatives and syrup combinations to create your perfect vegan coffee drink.
Price Range: $
Brief Description: A reliable source of coffee, tea, and light snacks.
Tips for Ordering Vegan at Denver Airport
To ensure a smooth and successful vegan dining experience at DIA, keep these tips in mind:
Communicate Clearly and Politely: When ordering, clearly state that you are vegan and explain what that means. Being polite and patient will go a long way in getting your order right.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask About Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to inquire about the ingredients used in the dishes. Ask if the soup is made with vegetable broth, if the beans are cooked with lard, or if the pizza crust contains dairy.
Confirm the Cooking Oil: If you are ordering fried items like French fries or onion rings, ask what kind of oil is used for frying. Some restaurants may use animal fats or butter for frying, so it’s important to double-check.
Double-Check Your Order Before Eating: Before you take a bite, carefully inspect your order to make sure it’s correct and free of any non-vegan ingredients. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Embrace Customization: Don’t be afraid to ask for modifications to existing dishes. Most restaurants are willing to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as omitting cheese, substituting plant-based milk, or adding extra vegetables.
More Than Just Food: Other Vegan-Friendly Aspects
Beyond finding vegan food, consider other aspects of your travel experience that align with your values:
Vegan-Friendly Shops: Look for stores that sell vegan snacks, personal care items, or other products. Some airport shops carry a selection of organic and natural products, which may include vegan options.
Water Bottle Refill Stations: Staying hydrated is crucial during travel. Take advantage of the water bottle refill stations located throughout the airport to avoid purchasing bottled water. This is a more sustainable and eco-friendly option.
Final Thoughts on Vegan Food at Denver Airport
Finding delicious and satisfying vegan food at Denver Airport is entirely possible with a little planning and research. While it may require a bit more effort than simply grabbing the first thing you see, the rewards are well worth it. By utilizing the resources mentioned in this guide, asking questions, and embracing customization, you can enjoy a stress-free and delicious vegan dining experience during your travels.
So, next time you find yourself with a layover at DIA, don’t despair! Embrace the challenge, explore the options, and discover the hidden vegan gems that await you. Happy travels and happy eating!
Do you have any other vegan food recommendations at Denver Airport? Share your finds and tips in the comments below!
