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If you’re of the herbivorian inclination like myself, and also particularly food motivated like myself, you probably like to plan out your meatless meals well in advance. If you’re trying to see what your options could look like for the next four years, look no further! This list is the ultimate, indisputable ranking of the top ten vegetarian meals you can find in a Tufts Dining facility.

#10. Quinoa-stuffed Green Peppers

Commonly found at Dewick’s All9Free platform (which houses food free of the top 9 allergens and simultaneously the best food on campus), these peppers are a game changer. Get one or two on the side, or just get a ton of them as your main course. With the tasty quinoa mix, you’re getting tons of vitamins and protein (woohoo!) all wrapped up in a deliciously grilled green pepper.

#9. Spaghetti Squash with Mushroom

This is another All9Free classic and another vegetarian heavy hitter. Is it also probably supposed to be a side dish but I frequently get four scoops as an entire meal? Absolutely. And I’m not sorry, either, because it’s top ten for a reason. It’s hot, it’s savory, and it’s so good! Always a must have from Dewick on the nights they serve it.  

#8. Chickpea Salad on a Bagel from Pax et Lox Glatt Kosher Deli

Pax is definitely well known for their smoked salmon bagel sandwiches, but they’ve got some hidden vegetarian gems, too–the chickpea salad is SUPERB. Add brown mustard and get a dill pickle on the side and you have yourself one of the best lunches on campus. It’s the ultimate pick-me-up between classes or on an afternoon study break.

#7. All9Free’s Build-Your-Own Taco Station

All I can say is, Chipotle will NEVER compete with All 9’s build-your-own taco station. Personally, I start with a base of brown rice, then add black beans with poblano, pico, corn, onions, and a big scoop of guac right on top. *Chef’s kiss.* 

#6. Pasta with Artichoke Sauce

We’ve all been there. An artichoke dish is advertised, you get excited, it comes, and there’s hardly any artichoke. Devastating. Well, let me tell you, this is NOT the case with Dewick’s tomato and artichoke sauce. This stuff is jam packed with artichoke hearts and chunks of tomato. I like to get it on top of whole wheat pasta, but some have also been known to get only the sauce and eat with a spoon. It’s that good.

#5. Ultimate Chocolate Cheesecake

Ok, yes. It’s not a meal. But hear me out, because no list of Tufts’ food would be complete without it. It’s the cheesecake of your dreams, I promise. 

#4. Mediterranean Night at Carmichael

With this one, the name of the game is customization. When Carm has Mediterranean night, you get to construct the most glorious pita you’ve ever seen. My go-to: a pita as a base, then falafel, hummus, cucumber, olives, onion, tomato, and tzatziki sauce. Mediterranean Night has more possible meals than Tufts has majors–and they’re all first-class.

#3. All9Free’s Chickpea of the night

All 9 is nothing if not dependable, and one thing you can almost always count on is some kind of chickpea vegetable concoction to be served up there. Maybe it’ll be chickpeas and spinach, or a chickpea vegetable stew. What I can guarantee is that it’ll be delicious. Get a scoop over brown rice for a classic Tufts Dining vegetarian meal that never misses.

#2. Oatmeal

Did you think I’d get through this whole list and completely skip the most important meal of the day? I’m a vegetarian, not a lunatic. The best part about oatmeal at Tufts is the infinite possibilities. You can get fresh berries and toasted almonds, or banana and nutella, or coconut and cinnamon, or anything else you can get your hands on. I know there are lots of oatmeal haters out there, but they’re just eating it wrong: it’s all about the add-ons.

 

#1. A Greens and Grains bowl from Hodgdon

Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. My number one pick for the best vegetarian meal on campus: a greens and grains bowl. A common theme throughout this list has been customization, and this bowl is no different. You’re in control of every layer: is your grain quinoa or a wild rice blend? Or both? On top of that: kale, spinach, or romaine? Then pick a bunch from a list including chickpeas, carrots, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, pepitas, and mushrooms. Finally, your housemade dressing: Miso Vinaigrette? Green Goddess? The world is truly your oyster. Or maybe, it’s truly your grain bowl.