DCA is a Leader for Vegetarian, Vegan Travelers

Airport food can be hit or miss: Pre-packaged sandwiches at Starbucks and greasy to-go burgers at various fast food joints aren’t exactly the ideal ways to fuel your body before a flight. But one American airport is proud to offer a variety of healthy food options, particularly for vegetarian and vegan travelers.

Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport is a mecca departure airport or stopover airport for vegetarians and vegans thanks to its plethora of meat-free and animal product-free food choices. Before travelers go through security, they can stop in for a steaming bowl of noodles or deep-fried bean curd and tofu at Matsutake Sushi. Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a D.C. favorite since 1958, and the airport outpost serves nearly everything you would find on the menu at the U Street brick-and-mortar restaurant, from veggie chili and veggie burgers to breakfast staples like hot cakes and eggs.

After going through security, there are still heaps of options to sort through. Although Good Stuff Eatery is famous for its juicy burgers, the Capitol Hill establishment also serves freshly made salads and five different kinds of French fries with an accompanying dipping bar. Travelers can create their own pizzas at &pizza, or opt for Mediterranean favorites like hummus, tzatziki, htipiti and fried Greek potatoes at Kapnos Taverna.