Pei Wei: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Pei Wei is in good shape for vegetarians, with a dedicated tofu section covering six entrees, plus edamame, vegetable spring rolls, and a bowl builder that works well for plant-based eaters. The wrinkle is that two of those tofu dishes aren’t actually vegetarian, despite the shared tofu base.

What to order at Pei Wei

Firecracker Crispy Tofu is the boldest pick, built on a spicy chili sauce with no animal products. The Vegetarian Resource Group confirmed it as vegan after contacting Pei Wei directly. Honey-Seared Crispy Tofu is also vegan, despite the name, since the sauce doesn’t actually contain honey. Edamame and Vegetable Spring Rolls round out a solid starter order, and white rice, brown rice, and cauliflower rice all work as a vegan base. Mixed Greens and Lettuce Cups are both vegan too, so a bowl-builder order can go fully plant-based without much effort.

What to watch out for at Pei Wei

Spicy General Tso’s Crispy Tofu lists shellfish, and Thai Coconut Crispy Tofu lists fish, so skip both no matter how plant-based the tofu itself sounds. Vegetable Spring Rolls are vegetarian but not vegan, since the wrapper contains egg. Teriyaki Crispy Tofu is vegetarian only, thanks to honey in the sauce. Check the allergen chart on the Sesame Crispy Tofu before ordering it too, since Pei Wei doesn’t spell out its vegan status as clearly as the other tofu dishes.