Introduction
Denver International Airport, affectionately known as DIA, is a bustling hub for travelers from around the world. Whether you’re catching a connecting flight or arriving in the Mile High City, navigating an airport can be stressful enough without adding the challenge of finding suitable food options. For vegan travelers, this challenge can be even greater. However, the good news is that finding plant-based meals at Denver Airport is definitely achievable. This guide aims to be your comprehensive resource for discovering delicious and satisfying vegan food at DIA, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.
As veganism continues to gain popularity, more and more establishments are recognizing the need to cater to plant-based diets. While not every restaurant may boast a dedicated vegan menu, it’s often possible to find hidden gems and customizable options. Forget bland airport fare – with a little planning and know-how, you can enjoy a tasty vegan meal before, between, or after your flights. This guide will walk you through general tips for navigating DIA as a vegan, then dive into specific recommendations for each concourse.
General Tips for Vegan Travelers at Denver Airport
Before we explore the specific restaurants and offerings, let’s cover some general tips that will make your vegan journey through Denver Airport a breeze. Preparation is key, and a little forethought can save you time and frustration.
Planning Ahead
One of the best things you can do is research your options before even stepping foot inside the airport. Several helpful resources are available online. Consider utilizing apps like HappyCow, which allows users to search for vegan and vegetarian restaurants in specific locations. Websites and blogs often feature reviews and recommendations from other vegan travelers who have passed through Denver Airport. The DIA website itself is another tool. Utilize the search function to find the various dining options and menus that may be available.
It’s also wise to pack some of your own vegan snacks. While DIA has more vegan options than some other airports, relying solely on what’s available can lead to disappointment. Pack items like granola bars (double-check the ingredients for honey!), nuts, dried fruit, or even a small sandwich. Having your own food on hand ensures you always have something to eat, especially during delays or layovers.
Communication
Don’t be afraid to communicate with restaurant staff. Politely inquire about ingredients and preparation methods. Even if a menu item doesn’t explicitly state that it’s vegan, it might be easily adaptable. Asking questions can help you identify hidden animal products and ensure your meal aligns with your dietary choices.
Here are some helpful phrases you can use: “Does this contain any dairy, eggs, or honey?”, “Is this cooked in butter or oil?”, “Can I substitute the cheese/meat with something else?”, “Do you have any vegan options on your menu?”. Being clear and concise will make it easier for staff to assist you.
Flexibility
Maintaining a flexible mindset is crucial when traveling as a vegan. Menu options can change, ingredients may vary, and availability might be limited to certain times of the day. Be prepared to make modifications or substitutions to existing dishes. You might need to remove cheese, swap sauces, or request a different preparation method.
Understand that not every restaurant will be able to accommodate your requests, but many will be willing to try. Staying positive and adaptable will make the experience much more enjoyable. Remember that sometimes the most delicious vegan meals are born out of unexpected modifications!
Vegan Food Options by Concourse
Now, let’s delve into the specific dining options available at Denver Airport, organized by concourse. Please note that menus and offerings are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with the restaurant directly if you have any concerns.
Concourse A
Root Down: Root Down is a popular Denver restaurant with an airport location that offers several vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Their salads are a good option – ask about vegan dressings and be sure to specify no cheese. They often have a veggie burger on the menu as well, but confirm that it can be prepared vegan, and whether or not the bun is vegan.
Novo Coffee: Novo Coffee provides a selection of caffeinated beverages and often carries plant-based milk alternatives, like soy, almond, and oat milk. This makes it easy to grab a vegan latte or cappuccino to start your day or keep you energized between flights. They also may carry vegan pastries – inquire when you visit.
Vino Volo: This wine bar offers a small selection of food items. It is possible to create a vegan-friendly meal out of some of their small plates if you are willing to make a few modifications. The roasted vegetables or olives are likely vegan. Be sure to clarify with the staff before ordering.
Concourse B
Elway’s: Elway’s is a well-known steakhouse, which might not seem like an obvious choice for vegan food at Denver Airport. However, they usually have some vegetable-based side dishes that can be combined to create a light vegan meal. Items like roasted vegetables, grilled asparagus, or a simple salad (ask for oil and vinegar dressing) could be sufficient. It is unlikely to be a particularly satisfying experience, however.
City Burger: This is a good place to create a vegan option. Order their veggie burger and specify that you don’t want cheese, and confirm whether the bun is vegan. You can get a satisfying vegan meal here if you plan to modify it when you order.
Starbucks: Starbucks offers plant-based milk alternatives (soy, almond, coconut, oat) that make it easy to order a vegan latte or other specialty coffee drink. They also often carry vegan snacks, such as fruit cups and some packaged granola bars. Be sure to check ingredients carefully, as some granola bars contain honey.
Concourse C
Breckenridge Brewery: A local favorite, Breckenridge Brewery has some veggie friendly options. They often have salads and side dishes that can be modified to be vegan. Discuss this with the restaurant when you order.
Dunkin’: Like Starbucks, Dunkin’ offers coffee drinks with plant based milks. Ask about their donuts, but it is unlikely they will have a vegan donut option.
Udi’s Cafe: Udi’s offers some items where the meat and cheese can be removed to make it vegan. Their salads and some of their sandwiches can be veganized this way. Ask about vegan dressings.
Quick Bites and Snacks
When time is of the essence, or you’re simply looking for a light snack, Denver Airport offers several grab-and-go options.
Grab-and-Go Options
Look for pre-packaged salads, fruit cups, and vegetable trays at various convenience stores and newsstands throughout the airport. These are generally a safe bet for a quick and healthy vegan snack. You can also find individual bags of nuts, trail mix (check for chocolate or honey), and vegan chips.
Coffee Shops
In addition to caffeinated beverages, coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts often carry vegan pastries (though selection can be limited), as well as tea and other non-dairy beverages. Check the bakery case for vegan muffins, scones, or cookies. If you don’t see any, don’t hesitate to ask the staff – sometimes they have items that aren’t on display.
Beyond Food: Other Vegan-Friendly Considerations
Traveling as a vegan involves more than just finding food. Here are a few other things to keep in mind at Denver Airport.
Water Bottle Refill Stations
Denver Airport is equipped with numerous water bottle refill stations. Bring your own reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
Shopping
Some stores within the airport may carry vegan toiletries or snacks. Check the labels carefully to ensure products are cruelty-free and free of animal-derived ingredients.
Conclusion
Finding vegan food at Denver Airport doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a bit of planning, communication, and flexibility, you can easily navigate DIA and enjoy delicious plant-based meals on the fly. By exploring the diverse options across different concourses, utilizing helpful online resources, and packing your own snacks, you can ensure a satisfying and stress-free vegan travel experience. Don’t hesitate to inquire about ingredients, request modifications, and stay open to new discoveries. Remember, your dietary choices shouldn’t limit your enjoyment of travel. So, go ahead, explore the vegan possibilities at Denver Airport and savor your journey!
Do you have any other tips or experiences to share about finding vegan food at Denver Airport? Share them in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.
