The Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge happens annually each August.
Each August, local restaurants showcase innovative and delicious vegan dishes for diners to sample and rate. Diners rate their meals and post about them on social media to enter gift card drawings.
Have questions? Contact us at vcc@exploreveg.org.
As soon as I took my first bite, I wanted to order a second round.
– Diner, 2024 Vegan Chef Challenge
About the Challenge
Chefs and restaurants have come together to create an extraordinary experience for all food enthusiasts. Throughout August, they will craft 100% plant-based dishes for you to savor, purchase, post about, and rate online.
Visit Participating Restaurants
Embark on a culinary adventure by visiting the diverse range of participating restaurants. Throughout August, indulge in their specially crafted plant-based dishes. Explore new flavors and support local establishments.
Vote, Post, and Win Prizes
Your opinion matters! After relishing the challenge dishes, share your experience by voting and posting. When you vote, or tag us in your posts, you enter to win exciting prizes!
Mind blowing. If all vegan food was like this, everyone would be vegan.
– Diner, 2024 Vegan Chef Challenge
Various Ways You Can Win
You have multiple opportunities to win prizes like gift cards and restaurant merch. To stay updated on the latest news, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Restaurant winners will be awarded at Twin Cities Veg Fest on September 22 (3:30pm in the big tent).
Vote & Win
Rate restaurants to boost your chances. Weekly winner selected at the end of every week during August. Voting closes at the end of the day on Aug 31.
Tag @tcveganchefchallenge on Instagram, and @exploreveg on Facebook. Weekly winners selected from tagged posts! Make sure your post is public, too.
Cast the Most Votes
The person who rates the highest number of restaurants will receive a gift certificate as a special reward for their dedication.
Be the first account to tag us on Facebook (@exploreveg) or Instagram (@tcveganchefchallenge) for five unique meals: you’ll win a restaurant gift card. The top poster in August gets rewarded too!
Delicious! I tried it, even though I’m not vegan!
– Diner, 2024 Vegan Chef Challenge
Roasted Garlic & Squash Linguini
One of the best dishes I’ve ever had in Minneapolis. I’m at a loss for words.
– Diner, 2024 Vegan Chef Challenge
September 22nd: Awards Ceremony at Twin Cities Veg Fest
Join us in the big tent as we reveal the culinary champions of the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge. Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 3:30pm!
I’m so glad I found this restaurant from the challenge. It’s definitely a new favorite!
– Diner, 2024 Vegan Chef Challenge
Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge in the News
Contact vcc@exploreveg.org with inquiries.
- New places, changes, food news and the Vegan Chef Challenge 2024 — Southside Pride, September 2024
- Segment on FOX 9: Good Day — FOX 9, August 2024
- The Vegan Chef Challenge is back — Eater Twin Cities, August 2024
- Two Mill District Restaurants are Competing in the Month-long August Twin Cities Vegan Challenge — Mill City Times, August 2024
- More upcoming food-related events for your calendar — Star Tribune, August 2024
- Unionizations, new restaurants, and consumer activism — Southside Pride, August 2024
- Segment on FOX 9: Good Day — FOX 9, August 2023
- Five local food (and drink) events for your calendar — Star Tribune, August 2023
- Segment on FOX 9: Good Day — FOX 9, August 2022
- New vegan options show growing interests at restaurants — MPR News, September 2020
- Try a plant-based menu with the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge – KARE 11, August 2020
- Restaurants get creative in Twin Cities Vegan Challenge — Pioneer Press, August 2020
Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge on Popular Social Media
- Carnage The Executioner at Herbie Butcher’s Fried Chicken — Instagram Post, August 2024
- Bite-Sized Beet’s 2024 Challenge — Instagram Post, August 2024
- 7 Dishes in One Day: Dining Duster’s 2024 Challenge — Blog Post, August 2024
- _tangledupinfood at Namaste Cafe — Instagram Post, August 2024
- Mar_Buckley at Stanley’s NE Bar Room — Instagram Post, August 2024
- KristaEatsMN at Umbra Minneapolis — Instagram Post, August 2024
Make your own post about your dish and tag us for a chance to win in weekly drawings during August! On Instagram, tag the account @tcveganchefchallenge. On Facebook, tag @exploreveg.