At first glance, Le Nouveau Maquis doesn’t look like a place you’d recommend to a vegan friend. The menu leans into hearty stews, slow-cooked meats, and deeply seasoned rice dishes that reflect traditional West African cooking. It’s the kind of food that’s bold, filling, and unapologetically rich.
But once you slow down and really read the menu, you notice something important: flexibility. Not everything is built around meat, and some dishes can stand on their own without it. That small detail makes a difference for anyone trying to eat plant-based without sacrificing flavor.
The Beans Stew Is the Safest and Most Satisfying Vegan Order
If you want to avoid guessing, the Beans Stew is the clear choice. It’s marked vegan on the menu, which takes away the usual stress of wondering what’s hidden in the sauce. The dish pairs slow-simmered beans with sweet plantains, creating a balance that feels comforting rather than complicated.
At $25, it’s not a side dish pretending to be a meal. It’s filling. The beans carry warmth and spice, while the plantains add a soft sweetness that rounds everything out.
A Few Classic Dishes Can Work — If You Ask Questions
Beyond the Beans Stew, there are other possibilities. Waakye Ayimolou, a rice and black-eyed bean dish, may work if you skip the boiled egg and confirm how the stew base is prepared. Soups like Efo Riro or Potato Leaf are often vegetable-forward, but they sometimes include fish or meat for depth. It’s worth asking.
Even Jollof rice can be enjoyed without meat toppings in many cases. The key is simple: talk to the staff. Menus evolve, recipes shift, and a quick question can save you from disappointment.
Le Nouveau Maquis may not advertise itself as vegan-friendly, but with a little attention, it offers more plant-based potential than you might expect.
FAQs
1. Are there any exclusively labelled vegan dishes at Le Nouveau Maquis?
Yes, the Beans Stew is explicitly marked vegan on the menu.
2. Can other dishes also be made vegan?
Some rice and vegetable dishes can be done with small adjustments, but always make sure to confirm ingredients with the staff.
3. Is this restaurant fully vegan?
No. It specialises in traditional West African cuisine, though it does offer at least one confirmed vegan option and a few adaptable dishes.
