Eggless In Austin

Eggs are the new luxury, with prices soaring to unthinkable heights thanks to a potent confluence of bird flu, import tariffs, and the fearmongering that is never far behind in times of scarcity. Fortunately, vegans have been preparing for this moment our whole plant-based lives. Untouched by the albuminous apocalypse, we have hundreds of egg alternatives for every application. Baking? Cooking? Scrambling? Poaching? Hard boiling? We’ve got that. Soy-free? Bean-free? gluten-free? Sure; we don’t put all our eggs in one basket.

Wakey Wakey, No Eggs and Bakey

If you’re more into the instant gratification of eating an eggy meal than making one, there are loads of options still on the table. Here in Austin, you’re never too far from an eggless feast. Spanning breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, these are the hot spots that can help you satisfy egg cravings, without getting henpecked.

Bouldin Creek Cafe

I find it impossible to visit Bouldin Creek Cafe and order anything other than some permutation of their inimitable Tofu Scramble. As their signature dish, it comes with many different flavors and possible mix-ins, and with an equally wide range of accompanying sides. Heavy on the nooch, it’s a bit old school, but in the best way. Hearty but healthy, wholesome but not austere, it’s a comforting staple that never disappoints.

Unicorniverse

Up north in Round Rock, the Omelets emerging from the kitchen from Unicorniverse are the stuff of legend. Made from JUST Egg, they’re enormous, fluffy, and stuffed to bursting. My personal favorite is the Sicilian Vegetable thanks to the inclusion of umami portobello mushrooms, but I’m happy to switch it up with the Greek and its salty feta finish. Of course, I’d never turn down the Pesto Fromages either, which is a cheese-lover’s dream on a plate.

Rebel Cheese

Available for weekend brunches, 9am – 2pm, the Eggs Benedict from Rebel Cheese is in its own category of egg-cellence. Poached Yo Eggs sit on top of toasted English muffins, bathed in rich bechamel sauce, and have authentically runny yolks in the center. If you’re really lucky, you might catch the special Croque Madame, featuring a sunny-side-up fried Yo Egg on a grilled meatless ham and cheese sandwich. Given that they do specialize in artisan cheese, always go for the cheesier option whenever possible.

Community Vegan

Mark your calendar and don’t be late; this one only pops up at Community Vegan on Sundays, 10am to 2pm. The Chick’n Biscuit Sandwich put the emphasis on crispy, fried oyster mushrooms, and rightly so, but that pillowy JUST Egg patty really brings the whole thing together. The BME simplifies things a bit with BBQ portobello bacon instead, piled on a buttery homemade biscuit that essentially melts in your mouth.

Revolution Vegan Kitchen

You never know exactly what will be on the menu when the weekend brunch service starts cranking at Revolution Vegan Kitchen, but you can rest assured that anything involving their fluffy tofu scramble will hit the spot. Whether featured front and center in a lavish Breakfast Platter or playing a supporting role in the Chorizo Breakfast Taco, this eggy protein can do it all. If you get really lucky, you might even chance upon their Breakfast Crunchwrap, which is even more epic than it sounds.

Vegan Nom

Few foods are as closely linked with the ethos of Austin as the breakfast taco, and The Vegan Nom is doing them right. Scrambled tofu is the foundation that the eggless options are built upon, from the Rockin’ Migas to my favorite, the Neuvo Onda, which swaddles sweet potato hashbrowns and avocado in tender corn or flour tortillas. Affordable basics with just tofu scramble paired with just tempeh bacon or potatoes are a big draw as well, allowing you to indulge in a generously portioned 3-taco meal for around $10.

Double Trouble

Closely mirroring the core offerings at The Vegan Nom, expect similar tofu scramble tacos at Double Trouble, with the added benefit of beer and cocktail pairings, thanks to the full bar. To quell late night munchies or grab a hair of the dog the morning after, it’s an unbeatable combo with something for everyone.

Snooze

Throwing down a Tofu Scramble that could hold its own against the heavy hitters in town, Snooze AM Eatery gives you a choice of three inclusions from a generous list of options. All the usual vegetables make an appearance, in addition to soyrizo, and even avocado at no extra cost. Savory, well-seasoned, hot, and deeply satisfying, you can’t go wrong with this classic dish.

True Food Kitchen

Another limited weekend wonder, the Southwest Tofu Scramble at True Food Kitchen shows up every Saturday and Sunday for your brunching needs. Caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, spinach, and charred scallion salsa join the mix of savory scrambled bean curds. Scoop it all up with soft corn tortillas, and don’t forget the avocado on top.

Kerby Lane

For the classic American diner experience, go all-in for Kerbey Lane Cafe‘s Vegan Breakfast Platter. Alongside your tofu scramble, you’ll find two meatless sausage patties and two pancakes the size of frisbees. Personally, I like to order their omelet options and sub in tofu scramble for the eggs to get a more veggies in my meal. Always ask for vegan queso on top, which comes from our local friends, Credo Foods.

More Egg-straordinary Dishes to Come

Having recently moved in with Barley Bean Cafe, Mission Burger will soon expand their menu to include breakfast and brunch dishes which are sure to include at least a handful of eggless indulgences. Hopefully more mainstream omnivorous restaurants start getting the hint too, because the demand for egg alternatives is not only here to stay, but growing stronger by the day.