{"id":215985,"date":"2026-04-02T12:45:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T12:45:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/215985\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T12:45:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T12:45:28","slug":"my-favorite-vegetarian-and-vegan-food-at-universal-orlando","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/215985\/","title":{"rendered":"My Favorite Vegetarian and Vegan Food at Universal Orlando"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Vegetarian and vegan dining options are in no short supply at Universal Orlando Resort and its three theme parks \u2014 Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe. Since becoming a vegetarian three years ago, my relationship with theme park food has changed drastically. While cheeseburgers and chicken tenders were once my go-to entrees, I\u2019ve had to diversify my palette and venture into new culinary territory (at parks where that\u2019s possible \u2014 otherwise, I\u2019m chowing down on a slice of cheese pizza).<\/p>\n<p>Disclaimer: I am not vegan, so my vegan friends may find options at Universal Orlando parks to be more limited.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, Universal Orlando Resort\u2019s theme parks offer plenty of meatless and plant-based options. On a recent trip to Orlando, I visited all three Universal parks over three days and tried an assortment of vegetarian and vegan options. These were my favorites:<\/p>\n<p>Valka\u2019s Vegan Burger at Mead Hall \u2014 Epic Universe<\/p>\n<p>I was a self-proclaimed burger snob in my carnivorous days. If it were on the menu, I would have ordered it. As a vegetarian, I don\u2019t eat burgers nearly as often. I don\u2019t care for the Impossible and Beyond burgers of the world, so I rarely have a black bean or other veggie-based burger. But the wait was over when I saw \u201cValka\u2019s Vegan Burger\u201d on the menu at Mead Hall inside the Isle of Berk portal at Epic Universe.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coaster101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/vegan-burger-epic-universe-1-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightbox-image-0\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"\" title=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-80012\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vegan-burger-epic-universe-1-1-1000x1000.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"740\"  \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The outside of the patty \u2014 made with \u201cancient grains,\u201d mushrooms and leeks \u2014 was crispy and crunchy, almost like a fried chicken sandwich. Diced mushrooms elevated the earthy, savory flavor of the patty. I was curious (and a little hesitant) about the smoked berry aioli and what it would taste like, but its subtle sweetness and tanginess complemented the burger scrumptiously. Additionally, the pickled cucumbers added a snappy mouthfeel to each bite. Last but not least, the pumpernickel Kaiser bun was sturdy yet soft \u2014 just the right density and size to hold the burger and toppings together.<\/p>\n<p>Note: the burger also came with a pile of arugula, which tastes like dirt to me (sorry, arugula fans!). So I removed it from the burger upon receiving it. If you\u2019re a fan of arugula, I\u2019m sure it would enhance the burger\u2019s flavor profile.<\/p>\n<p>The fries on the side were fine. Nothing extraordinary.<\/p>\n<p>Weeks later, I\u2019m still thinking about this burger. It was a game-changer for me and has redefined what I consider to be a stellar plant-based burger.<\/p>\n<p>Vegan Dog at Comet Dogs \u2014 Epic Universe<\/p>\n<p>I scarfed down this vegan hog dog at the Comet Dogs stand so fast that I forgot to take a photo.<\/p>\n<p>The hot dog is a <a href=\"https:\/\/fieldroast.com\/product\/signature-stadium-dog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Field Roast-brand plant-based stadium dog<\/a>. The \u201cdog\u201d has a smoky profile and a snap similar to a real hot dog. But the fun doesn\u2019t stop there. Its robust flavor profile is elevated by the tangy Korean slaw as well as the spicy combo of the salsa verde and kimchi \u201cvegenaise.\u201d It\u2019s finished off by an unmistakable cilantro finish. All of that is nestled inside an ube bun. It is messy, so be sure to grab extra napkins. But the mess is so worth it.<\/p>\n<p>Oeuf en Cocotte at Caf\u00e9 L\u2019air De La Sir\u00e8ne \u2014 Epic Universe<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coaster101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/oeuf-en-cocotte-epic-universe-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightbox-image-1\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"\" title=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-80009 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/oeuf-en-cocotte-epic-universe-1-1000x1000.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"740\"  data- style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 740px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 740\/740;\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>A perfectly poached egg on top of a bowl of warm mashed potatoes was the pairing I didn\u2019t know I needed. The Oeuf en Cocotte dish at Caf\u00e9 L\u2019air De La Sir\u00e8ne inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter \u2014 Ministry of Magic portal (what a mouthful!) makes for a wonderful, hearty breakfast to fuel the rest of your day.<\/p>\n<p>The poached egg and potato duo is topped with Monay sauce \u2014 a decadent ooey-gooey French cheese sauce. The mashed potatoes are infused with gruy\u00e8re cheese, making a dish so rich in flavor that it almost seems unthinkable.<\/p>\n<p>Pro tip: the perfectly toasted, crunchy baguette on the side absolutely calls for a dunk in the egg and mashed potatoes. You\u2019ll thank me later.<\/p>\n<p>The small bowl of raspberries with a hint of lavender honey made for a delectable sweet finish and paired well with the savory main dish.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, it was one of the best theme park breakfasts I\u2019ve had in recent memory. One note: at least during our visit, we had to wait quite a while for our food. That\u2019s something to keep in mind, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coaster101.com\/2025\/11\/13\/every-ride-at-universal-epic-universe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">especially if you want to ride everything in one day<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>, toasted baguette and seasonal berries with lavender honey<\/p>\n<p>Pizza Lunare (meatless) at Pizza Moon \u2014 Epic Universe<\/p>\n<p>Oh my pie. The meatless version of the Pizza Lunare at Pizza Moon in Epic Universe. I am struggling to find the words to describe this work of art.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coaster101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/lunare-pizza-moon-epic-universe-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightbox-image-2\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"\" title=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-80008 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/lunare-pizza-moon-epic-universe-1-1000x1000.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"740\"  data- style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 740px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 740\/740;\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>First, this pizza is big. Definitely big enough to be split between two or three adults. But if I were to finish an entire pizza all by myself, it would probably be this one \u2014 and it was! Hey, walking all day builds up an appetite.<\/p>\n<p>The sturdy yet chewy purple celestial ube crust is blanketed in a thick layer of roasted garlic b\u00e9chamel, fromage de lune, ricotta and garlic confit. The savory blend of those cheeses with the roasted garlic and garlic confit? Pure culinary ecstasy. I\u2019ve truly never had a pizza like it, and it will be a non-negotiable meal next time I\u2019m at Epic Universe. Pizza Lunare is a must-try, and I\u2019m sure the pancetta on the standard version makes it a great meat pizza if that\u2019s what you\u2019re in search of.<\/p>\n<p>Bieraubeurre Crepe at Le Gobelet Noir \u2014 Epic Universe<\/p>\n<p>Did I have a dessert crepe for dinner? You bet it did! Do I have any regrets? Absolutely not. The Bieraubeurre (Butterbeer) Crepe at Le Gobelet Noir in Wizarding World at Epic Universe is a whirlwind of sweet flavors and a must if you have a perpetual sweet tooth, as I do.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/butterbeer-crepe.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightbox-image-3\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"\" title=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-80006 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/butterbeer-crepe.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"844\" height=\"635\"  data- style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 844px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 844\/635;\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The sweet, appropriately thin crepe is slathered with a decadent shortbread cookie butter Bavarian cream, butterscotch-forward cream and drizzle, strawberries and a shortbread cookie garnish. Because why not?<\/p>\n<p>Some may find this dish to be too sweet, but \u201ctwo sweet\u201d is not in my vernacular, so I wholeheartedly recommend it to all my sweet-toothed comrades in the world. You won\u2019t regret it. But it may be a better snack option as it isn\u2019t the most filling item on the menu.<\/p>\n<p>Shepherd\u2019s Pasty Pie at Leaky Cauldron \u2013 Universal Studios Florida<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve never had an authentic meat(less) pie, but if the Shepherd\u2019s Pasty Pie is anything like what you would find in the UK, I have a lot to look forward to whenever I visit.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coaster101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/shepherds-pasty-pie-usf-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightbox-image-4\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"\" title=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-80010 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/shepherds-pasty-pie-usf-1-1000x1000.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"740\"  data- style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 740px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 740\/740;\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The mixture of meatless beef crumbles and vegetable stew (with lots of peas and carrots) was stuffed into a perfectly crispy, flaky pie. And the side of creamy stone-ground mustard added a spicy kick and was perfect for dunking. I\u2019m not a huge fan of hot peas and carrots, but they worked in this instance. It may not have been my favorite, but I\u2019d certainly order it again next time I visit the Leaky Cauldron.<\/p>\n<p>The steak fries were good and crispy but nothing extraordinary.<\/p>\n<p>Souvlaki Couscous Bowl at Mythos Restaurant \u2014 Islands of Adventure<\/p>\n<p>The Souvlaki Couscous Bowl at Mythos Restaurant (an Islands of Adventure must-do regardless of your dietary restrictions) was probably the \u201chealthiest\u201d thing I ate on my trip, and wow oh wow was it good.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coaster101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/couscous-bowl-islands-adventure-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"lightbox-image-5\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"\" title=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-80007 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/couscous-bowl-islands-adventure-1-1000x1000.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"740\" height=\"740\"  data- style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 740px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 740\/740;\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The hefty bowl is bursting with a myriad of flavors: rich, za\u2019atar-spiced couscous, fresh cucumbers, marinated artichoke, Kalamata olives, spiced chickpeas, feta cheese, tzatziki and tahini dressing. That\u2019s a lot of ingredients, which at first glance may seem overwhelming, but they all play together well in near-perfect harmony. It was creamy, savory and the change of pace I needed after several fried entrees. It\u2019s a must for Greek and Mediterranean food fanatics.<\/p>\n<p>Mythos Honorable Mention: Spanakopita Dip<\/p>\n<p>I nommed on the Spanakopita Dip appetizer while waiting for my bowl, and it will be a must next time I visit. The perfectly blended mixture of spinach, feta cheese, lemon and fresh herbs sent my taste buds for a wild, delicious ride. It didn\u2019t stop there \u2014 the hot dip was paired with warm pita chips (seasoned with a robust za\u2019atar spice). The pita chips were crispy and sturdy enough to withstand the thick and hearty dip.<\/p>\n<p>Be careful, as this dip is addictive enough to fill you up before your entree arrives. Pace yourself.<\/p>\n<p>Universal Orlando Resort\u2019s vegetarian and vegan options really took me by surprise. All three theme parks had a surprising number of plant-based options, so I did not go hungry. I can\u2019t wait to go back and explore more of the meatless entrees, snacks and sweets, as I know I didn\u2019t try them all.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s your favorite vegetarian or vegan food at Universal Orlando Resort? Let us know in the comments section below!<\/p>\n<p class=\"post-tags\">Tags: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coaster101.com\/tag\/epic-universe\/\" rel=\"tag nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">epic universe<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coaster101.com\/tag\/islands-of-adventure\/\" rel=\"tag nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">islands of adventure<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coaster101.com\/tag\/universal-orlando-resort\/\" rel=\"tag nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">universal orlando resort<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coaster101.com\/tag\/universal-studios-florida\/\" rel=\"tag nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">universal studios florida<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Vegetarian and vegan dining options are in no short supply at Universal Orlando Resort and its three theme&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":215986,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[139,141,140],"class_list":["post-215985","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-orlando","tag-orlando","tag-orlando-headlines","tag-orlando-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215985","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=215985"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/215985\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/215986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=215985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=215985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=215985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}