PF Chang’s Vegetarian Options

PF Chang’s is a popular Asian Fusion chain with a fast-casual vibe and a menu that’s packed with bold flavors.

In general, Asian restaurants tend to be a great choice for multivore groups—vegetarian options are often built right into the menu, not just added as an afterthought.

Thanks to the traditional use of vegetables, tofu, and legumes in many Asian cuisines, it’s usually easy to find a few satisfying, meat-free dishes without making special requests or piecing together a meal from sides.

That said, PF Chang’s has its own unique spin—and it’s worth looking at the menu a little more closely. The good news? Vegetarian dishes are clearly marked with a small leaf symbol, which definitely makes navigating the menu easier.

Kicking things off with a few shared appetizers is always a good idea—and PF Chang’s has several that are vegetarian-friendly right off the bat. Just keep in mind that some options are lighter than others, so you might want to mix and match if you’re looking for something more filling.

• Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps – These are marked on the menu as vegetarian, but there’s no protein in them. They’re tasty and fresh, but I’d treat them more like a starter than a standalone dish. If you want something more satisfying, pair them with edamame or another protein-rich choice.
• Edamame – A classic for a reason. Simply steamed and salted, edamame brings a boost of plant-based protein that balances out some of the heavier, fried options.
• Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts – If you like heat, these are a must. Crispy, caramelized, and tossed in a spicy sauce—this one’s a flavor-packed option that might just steal the show.
• Crispy Green Beans – Tempura-battered and served with a spicy dipping sauce. It’s not exactly light, but it’s definitely delicious if you’re in the mood for something crunchy.
• Shishito Peppers or Chili-Garlic Green Beans – Both of these bring the heat and give you a solid veggie-forward start to your meal. They’re great for sharing—or hoarding for yourself, no judgment.
• Vegetable Spring Rolls – Crispy on the outside, filled with veggies, and served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.

Dietitian’s Tip:

When eating out as a vegetarian, protein can easily become an afterthought—especially if you’re relying on appetizers or sides.

Look for dishes with tofu or edamame to help round out your meal.

If none are available, consider pairing lighter veggie-forward options together to create a more balanced plate.

This section is all about smaller portions of meat served over rice. Unfortunately, there aren’t any vegetarian bowl options currently listed on the menu.

You could potentially ask if one can be made with tofu or extra veggies, but as presented, none of the bowls are veg*n-friendly.

• Asian Caesar Salad and Mandarin Crunch Salad – These might be customizable if you ask for no meat or request tofu instead. But the dressings aren’t clearly listed, and there’s a high chance they contain fish-based ingredients like anchovy paste or fish sauce.
• Egg Drop Soup – While it doesn’t explicitly list meat, it’s not marked as vegetarian either. It’s very likely made with chicken broth, so I’d recommend double-checking with your server before ordering.
• Thai Peanut Salad and House Salad – These are meat-free by default, which is great, but we’re still left guessing about the dressing ingredients.

In short: salads and soups here could work, but they aren’t the most straightforward options. If you’re aiming to keep things fully vegetarian, you’ll need to ask a few questions to be sure.

Here’s where PF Chang’s really shines regarding vegetarian options. These entrées are filling, flavorful, and clearly marked with a vegetarian symbol—so you can feel a little more confident about what’s in your dish.

• Buddha’s Feast – A medley of five-spice tofu, green beans, mushrooms, broccoli, cabbage, and carrots. It’s not spicy, which makes it a great choice for those who prefer a milder meal.
• Mongolian Tofu – This one’s got a sweet glaze with garlic and green onions. It’s a little richer and is a nice option if you’re craving something savory-sweet.
• Ma Po Tofu – Silken tofu, crisped and served with broccoli in a spicy red sauce. Bold and flavorful but definitely on the spicier end.

These entrées are all clearly marked vegetarian, which reinforces the idea that if something isn’t labeled that way (like soups or dressings), it may not be meat-free.

There’s something so satisfying about a big plate of noodles or a comforting rice dish. PF Chang’s has a few vegetarian-friendly picks here—just be mindful of ingredients like egg if you’re avoiding animal products altogether.

• Vegetable Fried Rice – Comes with egg by default, so it’s not vegan unless you ask to leave it out. Be sure to specify the vegetarian version, as this dish is also available with meat.
• Signature Lo Mein (Vegetarian Option Available) – Made with hearty noodles, mushrooms, and mixed veggies. Request the vegetarian option to skip the meat.
• Pad Thai – Rice noodles with tofu, egg, green onions, bean sprouts, peanuts, and cilantro. This one comes vegetarian by default, though it’s not labeled vegan due to the egg.

If you’re looking to round out your meal or share with the table, these sides are full of flavor and easy to mix and match.

• Chili Garlic Green Beans – These are tossed in a bold chili sauce with a nice kick.
• Korean-Style Cauliflower – Lightly battered and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce with ginger and garlic. Flavorful and fun.
• Cold Cucumber Salad – A cool, refreshing contrast to the spicier items. It’s made with soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds.

And if you’re wondering what I’d pick?
Honestly, I’m team Great Wall of Chocolate. It’s rich, ridiculous, and meant to be shared (but no judgment if you don’t).

There’s a lot to like about PF Chang’s if you’re vegetarian, but there are still a few things to keep in mind before you order.

Sauces can be tricky.
Many Asian-style sauces traditionally include fish or oyster sauce. Thankfully, PF Chang’s makes mushroom-based substitutions in the dishes labeled with their vegetarian symbol.

That said, it’s still worth double-checking with your server if you’re concerned—especially if you’re vegan or have dietary restrictions beyond avoiding meat.

Customizations may be possible… even if they’re not listed.
You might be able to swap tofu into a salad or ask for a dish without egg or dairy, but the menu isn’t super transparent about modifications. If you’re unsure, ask! PF Chang’s staff is usually open to helping you find something that fits your needs.

Cross-contamination is worth asking about.
PF Chang’s does not guarantee separate cooking equipment or fryers for vegetarian items. So if shared surfaces or oil are deal-breakers for you, definitely bring that up with your server before ordering.

Gluten-free? There’s a dedicated menu.
They’ve done a great job creating a gluten-free menu for folks with celiac disease or sensitivities. Just keep in mind that vegetarian options might still be a bit limited on that list, but it’s a solid starting point.

PF Chang’s isn’t perfect, but for a chain restaurant, they’ve clearly put in some effort to accommodate vegetarians—and it shows.

If you’re planning a multivore meal out, this one makes the shortlist. Just scan for that little leaf, don’t be afraid to ask a few questions, and you’re set for a satisfying meal.

Still deciding where to eat? I’ve also put together a quick guide to vegetarian picks at Red Lobster and other restaurants as well!