Portland is so good at vegan food that there’s even a wide variety of dessert spots dedicated solely to plant-based cuisine. Here are the best of them — recommended by vegan food enthusiast Sara Bahmanyar:
Locations: 3713 NW 23rd Ave., 3551 SE Division Ave., 3713 N. Mississippi Ave.
Hours: Noon to 10 p.m., daily. *On Sundays, the Division Street location closes at 9 p.m.
The local vegan ice cream chain has even won over its share of non-vegan fans (including me). Try seasonal favorites like mango. Or check out the range of flavors including rose water, peanut butter brittle, and pistachio. My personal favorite is their strawberry.
Other dietary notes: The entire store is gluten-free.
Location: 2012 SE 11th Ave.
Hours: Sunday - Wednesday, 3 - 9 p.m.; Thursday, 3 - 10 p.m.; Friday - Saturday, 3 - 10 p.m.
Ice Queen serves what they call “thick flurries” (think a McFlurry but vegan) and paletas (Mexican ice pops, also vegan). There’s a rotating list of paleta flavors, including oat milk horchata and roasted pineapple.
Bonus: You can find the Ice Queen paletas at some local stores too.
Other dietary notes: The base for the ice treats is nut- and coconut-free, though it’s not a nut-free store.
Location: 1612 NE Killingsworth St.
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Bahmanyar’s pick here is the maritozzi — made with brioche dough, filled with a ganache, and topped with flavored cream. “ They are very decadent and very good, and will sell out sometimes,” says Bahmanyar. “I'm always sad when I miss them. “
Other favorites include tarts with seasonal fruit and a rotating selection of focaccia sandwiches.
Pop-up patisserie.
Regular Location: The King Farmers Market 1st and 3rd Sunday
This pop-up makes canelés and macarons, which are both French pastries that are nearly impossible to bake well at home — and rarely available for vegan diners.
Bonus: You can also find the macarons at Memento Mori Cafe. And Chef Nikki Arcé works as the pastry chef at Obon Shokudo.
