Vegan's Guide to Acadiana

By Kimba Azore, The Northside Vegan

Veganism can be defined, colloquially, as abstaining from any type of animal product for consumption. Some vegans also avoid animal commodities in things such as clothing items to the soaps and lotion. This type of vegan typically holds an ethical stance for the lives of animals and the environment. On the other side of veganism, there is a group who entirely consumes a plant-based diet to control or prevent health conditions. Initially, they are not concerned about the ethical stance of veganism, but typically encompass these ideas due to their constant exposure to the causes of ethical vegans.

While speaking with a lot of vegans in Acadiana, I’ve realized that there is not one group that all vegans in this Acadiana subscribe to. In my research, I learned that people become vegan for diverse reasons and we cannot make assumptions about vegans when we first encounter them. As an owner of a vegan pop-up restaurant, I have to make sure that I accommodate all vegans in Acadiana, from whole food plant-based vegans to ethical vegans; from curious vegans, to vegan-curious non-vegans. Opening myself to all of these people have rounded my thoughts into what it is to be a vegan, especially in Acadiana.

I’m sharing this with you, because if you are considering this lifestyle, I want you to be ready for how your life will change forever. You will see things differently and one change to your diet will open doors, (physically, mentally and socially) that you never knew exist- ed. I can personally confirm this claim, because veganism brought me here to you.

There are many locals and local groups who contribute to the Acadiana vegan scene that can help you with your transition. Ob- serving how vegans in Acadiana conduct their lifestyles in success of this change is your number one resource. If you have social media and just all around internet access, I will make suggestions for you that will help you tremendously in your journey--for whatever reason you decide to convert to veganism.

ACADIANA AREA VEGANS

was my first resource for finding vegan options, recipes, and like conversation in Acadiana. The Facebook group was created in 2015 and has a following of 815 members. It features recipes from members in the group, ideas for vegan meals that you can make at home, how locals veganize meals at local restaurants; and conversations that encompass all forms of veganism. This is a great resource if you would like to engage in comradery among local vegans and those who are vegan curious. You can join the group or review the posts on Facebook by searching Acadiana Area Vegans.

CAJUN VEGAN EATS

(www.cajunveganeats.com) If you are looking for some awesome vegan recipes with local flavor, you can follow Emily of Cajun Vegan Eats. She features gems such as Vegan Southern Banana Pudding and Mac N Cheese. This is an awesome resource if you are looking for recipes that resemble dishes that you typically love to eat. You can also follow Emily on Instagram as @cajun.vegan.

THE MJS

@iharthemjs This beautiful couple (who incidentally have the same initials) united to give us vegan love eye candy. They create awesome Meatless Monday videos that are great resources for healthy vegan recipes. They also provide us with inspiration through prayer and positive thoughts on their social media live videos. Lastly, they sell sea moss gel locally and are a fun couple all around to follow for vegan inspiration. You can follow them on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram by searching for @ihartthemjs.

ZAHZAH’S CREATIONS

Chastity is an awesome vegan cook and she shares her recipes on her YouTube channel. You can also catch her around Acadiana, selling her handmade items. Her YouTube channel consists of her homemade recipes such as “Easy Jackfruit ‘pot roast’” and “Vegan Rice Dressing”. You can subscribe to Chasity’s channel on YouTube by searching for ZahZah’s Creations.

LOCAL VEGAN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS/POPUPS/FOOD TRUCKS

TAYLOR MADE EATS

You may know Taylor from her legendary Kale Chips that can be found all over, from places like Whole Foods to Drug Emporium, but did you know that Taylor Made Eats hosts a Saturday Plate Lunch? If you would like to try Taylor’s 100% vegan meals or healthy snacks, you can follow her on Instagram and Facebook @TaylorMadeEats.

PRYIA’S INDIAN FOODS

Priya successfully converted a lot of our vegetarian and non veg Indian favorites to delicious vegan dishes. You can catch Priya on Wednesdays for her tasty Wednesday Vegan Lunch, or you can catch her on Saturday mornings at the Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market for her delicious samosas and Indian Tacos. You can follow Priya and her menu on Instagram @priyasindianfood or on Facebook @ Priya’s J&J Indian Foods.

KARMA COLLECTIVE

Karma Collective is considered one of the originals in the Vegan game in Acadiana. The collective is encompassed in a beautiful storefront that features local artisans, musicians and creators all over acadiana. The shop includes items from local businesses such as Magnolia Moon Collective, Emerge Juice, R2 Positive Culture, Culture Guru, and 5th Dimension Herbs along with Karma’s nourishing bowls and sandwiches, homemade baked sweets, and breads. You can learn more about Karma Collective on Instagram and Facebook by following them at @karmacollectivelaf.

SCRATCH KITCHEN

Although Scratch Kitchen is not a vegan restaurant, they offer beautiful farm to table vegan options everyday. From their huge and tasty burritos to their signature “Pretty Plate”, Scratch Kitchen is a favorite of vegans all over Lafayette. Everything is made from “scratch” and each bite can attest to this. You can follow Scratch Kitchen on Instagram @scratch_this or on Facebook @Scratch Farm Kitchen.

THE NORTHSIDE VEGAN

The Northside Vegan started as a neighborhood pop-up dedicated to providing diverse food options to Lafayette North. Each dish that has a recurring appearance on the menu is named after a neighborhood on the Northside. The pop-up prides itself in recreating Vegan “Fast Food” but also offers soul food and local dishes. The food is 100% vegan and is gaining popularity around Lafayette. You can follow The Northside Vegan on Instagram and Facebook @thenorthsidevegan.

Kimba Azore, MILS is a children’s librarian and 8th grade English Language Arts teacher. She owns local vegan Pop-up, The Northside Vegan. She is a vocal advocate for rebuilding Lafayette North through programs focused on nutrition and food equality.