Provo, Utah is a lovely, clean little mountain town. Brigham Young University dominates the lively downtown, so there’s an emphasis on wholesome living. On our recent family visit we found the people friendly and polite, the hiking good, and plenty to eat. Here are a few highlights for vegans.
Bombay House
I was surprised to find some of the best Indian food ever in Provo, and an extremely vegan-friendly menu. All the vegan items are clearly marked with a V. This place is jumping, even on weeknights, so be prepared to wait a few minutes for a table.
We especially liked the vegetable coconut kurma, which is mixed vegetables cooked with onions, tomatoes, cashew nuts, golden raisins, coconut milk, and spices. The bhindi mappas, an okra dish, was also delicious. Even the naan is vegan! Our favorite Bombay House naan was the Peshawari, stuffed with coconut, raisins and cashews. Leftovers made an excellent breakfast. If you like sweet drinks, the lurid green house-made lime soda is good.
Guru’s Cafe
Guru’s is all bright colors, huge Gandhi photo, and lots of healthy and offbeat menu items. It’s popular with university students and people of all ages. Vegans have a half dozen or so choices. The Veggie Curry Bowl is the best choice, with zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, green beans, snow peas, edamame, bean sprouts, cashews, and tofu in a spicy coconut curry sauce over rice. Sweet potatoes fries are also a menu highlight.
Sub Zero Ice Cream
Brigham Young University dominates Provo. The city is full of Mormons. This is probably why everything is so clean and the people are polite. Also why it’s much, much easier to find an ice cream parlor than a coffee shop or bar. Vegans can embrace this ice cream bounty at Sub Zero. I’d never heard of this chain before, but I was quickly lured in by its fascinating concept: Use liquid nitrogen to create individual ice creams on the spot. Which means your flavor choices are practically unlimited. Vegans can choose from a rice or almond milk base. Add some agave, flavoring syrups of your choice, and add-ins. For example, mint flavoring with dark chocolate shavings or maple flavoring plus pecans. The wizard pours your chosen ingredients in a silver bowl, then adds a big blast of liquid nitrogen, clouds of cold fog billowing out like a witch’s cauldron. If there’s a line, be prepared to wait a while, but it’s fun to watch and tastes pretty good.
