Verdine is a casual dining vegan restaurant located in the Houston’s Heights neighborhood. They’re most known for their fun 100% plant-based interpretations of classic meals like chicken sandwiches and enchiladas.
| Website: | eatverdine.com |
| Pricing: | $$ – Modestly Priced |
| Cuisine: | Vegan; Casual Dining |
| Good to Know: | Counter-service; menu changes regularly |
| BGMW Faves: | Orange Cauliflower; Lemonade (various flavors) |
You know I love an aesthetically pleasing spot! Verdine has outside patio seating, but the vibes are definitely in the diner. Washed in natural light, shades of blues and various wood finishes, the fresh plants peppered throughout the space bring it all together to make the space pleasantly welcoming.
Drinks
Fresh Lemonade
Verdine’s fresh lemonade flavors rotate regularly, so I didn’t know what to expect. A friend recommended their Lavender Lemonade, but it wasn’t available during my visit. I had the pleasure of getting a delicious pitaya (or dragonfruit) lemonade. It was so pretty and delicious!
Entrees
Orange Cauliflower
Childhood Rocky would never imagine cauliflower would transform into the “It Girl” it is now, but it shines as one of Verdine’s most popular menu items. Tempura battered cauliflower tossed in a sweet orange chili sauce, pickled daikon and scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds – you’re not going to want to share.
Hot Chicken* Sandwich
I’ll admit I’m not well-versed in all the vegan protein options, but I’ve had tempeh enough times to know I enjoy it when it’s prepared well. Verdine’s Hot Chicken Sandwich features local & organic buffalo tempeh ‘chicken’ with housemade ranch, lettuce & pickles on a toasted bun from Houston’s artisanal bread bakery, Slow Dough Bread Co. The fries (side order) we’re good, but I wasn’t a fan of the raisin-sweetened ketchup.
Fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, all the jazz that makes a sandwich good – I really liked Verdine’s vegan take on the Hot Chicken Sandwich. No, it doesn’t taste like chicken, because it’s not chicken. However, it was indeed a delicious sandwich. That’s the point, right?
When I posted a photo of my sandwich on Instagram stories, someone asked what it looks like inside, so here you go!
Final Thoughts
My food philosophy is to eat good food, mindfully. I don’t have any aversions to trying foods that are different than what I’m used to, so delicious plant-based options are always welcomed.
Verdine is serving good food with great service. As a foodie who enjoys having recommendations for all types of cuisines, I am so happy to add Verdine to my list. Now that outside is open, open (at least here in Houston), I have a great option for my vegan friends when we need to catch up.
BGMWeats Rating
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