For those who abide by an animal-free diet, dining out can sometimes prove difficult. Luckily, we scoured the region to uncover 6 Local Vegan Dishes that are equal parts delicious as they are inventive. Take the day off from cooking and dig into these plant-based plates.   

1. Vegan Donuts—house-made with constantly-rotating flavors that run the gamut from carrot-walnut spice and blueberry almond to maple, almond poppy seed, and chocolate—at Totem Coffee Co., 312 Main Street, Suite 104, Placerville, 530-903-3280, totemcoffeeroasters.com

2. Onion Rava Masala Dosa—a crispy “dosa” (pancake) made from semolina and wheat, caramelized red onions, cumin seeds and cashew nuts stuffed with a potato filling—at Mylapore Indian Cuisine, 1760 Prairie City Road, Suite 160, Folsom, 916-985-3500, mylapore.us

3. Fried Sweet Potato—deep-friend sweet potato in coconut batter, served with sweet and sour sauce—at Thai Paradise, 2770 East Bidwell Street, Suite P-11, Folsom, 916-986-7589, thaiparadisefolsom.com

4. “Orange” Chicken—lightly breaded and crispy “mock” chicken with onions and bell peppers tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce with steamed rice—at Pho Vegan Asian Cuisine, 6661 Stanford Ranch Road, Suite E, Rocklin, 916-259-1588

5. Veggie Curry Quinoa—winter squash, sweet potatoes, green bell peppers, golden raisins and toasted cashews in a mild yellow coconut curry—at Joe Caribé, 13470 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-823-5333, joe-caribe.com

6. Spicy Vegan Grilled Cheese—locally made sourdough bread with cashew cheese, avocado and sautéed greens; served with a side green salad—at The Argoanut Farm to Fork Café, 331 State Highway 49, Coloma, 530-626-7345, argonautcafe.com