The Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge happens annually each August. The 2024 challenge is now done and the winners were announced at an Awards Ceremony at the Twin Cities Veg Fest!
The 2024 Winners
After a month of fierce competition and incredible plant-based cuisine, here are the official results of the 2024 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge:
The Grand Prize winner, The Himalayan Restaurant, blew everyone away with their Vegan Jackfruit Tikka Masala.
Lulu EthioVegan took Second Place with their rich and flavorful Dinich Wot.
H.E.A.L. Mpls secured Third Place for their vibrant Kingdom Gyro Plate.
For a complete run-down of all the winners check out our blog on the event.
Challenge Dishes Retained on Many Menus
In more exciting news, many of these restaurants have embraced the popularity of their dishes from the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge by choosing to keep them on their menus. These beloved plant-based creations proved so popular during the challenge that they’ve now become permanent menu items:
The Himalayan Restaurant is retaining the Jackfruit Tikka Masala. The Howe Daily Kitchen continues to serve the Vegan Salmon Bowl. Pub 819 is keeping Vegan Islands. Pat’s Tap retains their Fried Rice. Reverie Cafe + Bar keeps the Hot Chicken Sammie on their menu. Namaste Cafe is maintaining the Crispy Cauli Wings. Lulu EthioVegan continues to feature Dinich Wot. VITALIST by Sarah H is retaining the Raw Pad Thai.
These dishes demonstrate the rising demand for plant-based dining and the exceptional creativity of local chefs. Don’t miss the chance to try these popular and permanent offerings!
What is the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge?
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 [email protected].
As soon as I took my first bite, I wanted to order a second round.
– Diner, 2024 Vegan Chef Challenge
About the Challenge
Each year, chefs and restaurants come together to create an extraordinary experience for all food enthusiasts. Throughout August, they craft 100% plant-based dishes for you to savor, purchase, post about, and rate online.
Visit Participating Restaurants
Each year you are able to 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! Each year, after relishing the challenge dishes, you are able to 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
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
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 [email protected] 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.