P.F. Chang’s: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

P.F. Chang’s marks vegetarian dishes with a leaf icon right on the menu, which makes it one of the easier Asian-style chains to navigate without meat. The catch is that vegetarian doesn’t mean vegan here, since a few sauces hide fish or oyster ingredients.

What to order at P.F. Chang’s

Start with the Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps, which swap the chicken in the original for diced tofu, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. Buddha’s Feast and Ma Po Tofu both build a full plate around tofu and vegetables, and Steamed Edamame is a safe, confirmed vegan starter. Round the table out with Chili-Garlic Green Beans, Garlic Spinach, Coconut Curry Vegetables, and a bowl of white or brown rice. All are marked vegetarian on the menu, and most convert to vegan with the sauce on the side. Since the kitchen works from shareable plates, ordering two or three of these dishes builds a full meal.

What to watch out for

The leaf icon means a dish is vegetarian, not vegan, so check before assuming. Pad Thai carries egg and possibly fish sauce, and the Signature Lo Mein and Garlic Noodles use egg noodles with oyster sauce. Vegetable Spring Rolls and Mongolian Tofu both contain egg or dairy in the wrapper or sauce, so neither is vegan despite being meatless. Ask your server about the sauce on Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts and Sichuan-Style Asparagus, since both need a check.