Soul Vegetarian is a restaurant chain started by the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem. Practicioners of this faith follow a vegan diet, so all the food at Soul Vegetarian is made from whole grains and free from animal products, processed sugars and processed salt. Regardless of your beliefs, Soul Vegetarian is an excellent place for lunch or weekend brunch.
Service at Soul Vegetarian is more friendly than attentive, so I wouldnīt recommend a visit when youīre in a high maintenance mood. You usually seat yourself at the North Highland location, and a quick glance at the menu shows a broad range of appetizer and sandwich choices.
For starters, I usually indulge in the battered vegetable basket or saleem. A Single Saleem is $5.60, a combination (your choice of three: mushroom, tofu, cauliflower, kalebone) basket costs $6.90. Forget the extra calories and answer the call of fried mushrooms and cauliflower.
For lunch, I almost always choose the Garvey Burger, one of the better vegetarian burgers this side of the South. The patty is made of kalebone, which is Soul Vegetarianīs own super protein roast. If youīre lucky and on the run, you can occasionally pick up one of these gems at local natural food stores in Atlanta. Pop it in a hot oven for a few minutes and you are good to go.
Soul Vegetarian also offers a daily special, which is usually pretty good if youīre in the mood for what they have to offer. Itīs always a decent amount of food, so you may want to skip the appetizer if the special sounds good. I always get the barbecue tofu plate whenever they offer it. Sweet and smoky barbecue tofu keeps company with vegan macaroni and "cheese" and greens for the perfect down home platter. Iīve tried the macaroni and cheese recipe from their cookbook at home, but it never tastes the same so I try not to miss it when itīs offered at the restaurant. The daily special also comes with a salad and cornbread.
No meal at Soul Vegetarian would be complete without a soy milkshake made from one of their signature ice-kreams. For the dairy-free crowd, the milkshakes are a treat not to be missed. Unlike many popular brands of frozen soy desserts, there is no aftertaste; and unlike dairy desserts, no intestinal distress later. Guilt free and good!
Weekend Brunch
The North Highland location serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday, while the original location only serves brunch on Sunday. This is one meal that some vegetarians, and most vegans, rarely get to experience to its fullest. Brunch consists of two fluffy pancakes, scrambled tofu, protein patties and alfalfa sprouts, and it is amazing.
My only complaint about Soul Vegetarian is that I almost always leave there thirsty. The restaurant offers a selection of fresh juices, but I usually only have juice with a meal at breakfast. The water is usually tepid, and refills donīt always come easy, so you may want to hydrate yourself before you visit.
Despite the issue of hydration, Soul Vegetarian is a great standby for comfort food. Thereīs also something to be said for not having to worry about hidden animal products in your meal. Finally, the best part about Soul Vegetarian is that really isnīt anything else like it -- it is truly a unique vegetarian dining experience.
Soul Vegetarian 879-A Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. | Atlanta GA | (404) 752-5194
Soul Vegetarian II 652 North Highland Avenue | Atlanta GA | (404) 875-0145
