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Top Spots For Vegetarian Chili In Philadelphia

Sometimes you become a vegetarian because you need a break from animal protein, or perhaps it is just your preferred way to eat. Either way, if you want to fill up with something that will satiate you, chili is a popular dish in the colder weather months. Vegetarian chili is made the same way, but without the meat as a protein; sometimes tofu is added or just extra beans. But the key to any good chili is the peppers and the heat. Here are the top five places to get vegetarian chili in the Philadelphia area.

Marathon
121 S 16th St
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 569-3278
www.eatmarathon.com

Marathon is a favorite eatery among vegans and vegetarians. This is locally owned and operated and only serves high quality fresh, food. They utilize as much local produce and products as possible. Their type of fare is primarily "American classics." The vegetarian chili is described as hearty veggie chili that isn't too spicy, and there are plenty of other delights to accompany it, if you are extra hungry. Customers rave about the pasta and veggie burgers. Marathon also whips up breakfast foods and other grab-and-go type of items.

Magic Carpet Foods
36th St. & Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19104
(215)334-0948
www.magiccarpetfoods.com

Magic Carpet Foods makes vegetarian dishes seem magical. They have been in Philly since 1984 and have been serving from two different food carts over in University City. There are numerous choices here, besides vegetarian chili. Favorites are the lasagna, falafel and tofu meatballs. Magic Carpet makes up dishes from all over the world; it's a culinary trek with visits through the Mediterranean, the Middle East and even down in the bayou.

Zahav
237 St. James Place
Base of Society Hill Towers
Philadelphia, PA. 19106
(215) 625-8800
www.zahavrestaurant.com

Zahav in Society Hill is a popular restaurant that provides true authentic Israeli cuisine, and they also have a large vegetarian menu. The chili here is spicy. Zahav has one of the largest Israeli wine lists in the city and is often recognized as one of the most authentic restaurants in the city. It is the place to get some vegetarian delights when looking to try something new or different. Some food bloggers and food critics have also stated that this is one of the best meals they ever had.

Related: Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Philadelphia

LeBus Bakery
135 S 18th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 569-8299
www.lebusbakery.com

LeBus regularly runs a special with their vegetarian chili and one of their famous breads for lunch for under $5. The chili is full of hearty veggies, whole carrots and plenty of beans to fill you up. Customers are delighted at the deal for a 16 oz. chili, which they find both filling and satisfying. They also serve a bowl of chili with sandwiches, so if you prefer to get a grilled cheese, you can enjoy that as well.

Eat-A-Pita
128 S 12th St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 925-7482
www.eatapitaphilly.com

Made in Philly, Eat-A-Pita has been serving up deliciousness since 2012. Besides pitas, they primarily serve sandwich type food, paninis, salads and a very unique veggie chili. Their chili is made with quinoa (which is nutrient dense), and the flavorful meal is so hearty you won't miss or notice the lack of meat. It is one of the more unique takes on chili in the city. Eat a Pita takes pride in their healthy food. You can make your own pita also to go with your chili; for both vegetarians and carnivores, there are plenty of choices. They are open from 11-8 daily (and for an extra hour Mon.-Thurs.).

Related: Top Eggplant Dishes In Philadelphia

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.

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