Our Story
How Soul Veg City Became a South Side Staple for Real Plant-Based Soul Food.
About Us
Soul Veg City, which for years was known as Original Soul Vegetarian, has been a major destination on Chicago's South Side for 42 years. We first opened under the name Soul Vegetarian in 1981, as part of the vision of Prince Asiel Ben Israel to bring a healthier diet and lifestyle to the world. From the beginning, we served heart healthy plant-based foods at a time when there was little awareness of the connection between food and disease.
The Center of the Chatham Neighborhood
In 1981, a new concept in dining opened on Chicago's South Side. Soul Vegetarian introduced thousands of people to vegan plant-based foods, years before anyone knew what those words meant. Over the years, Soul Veg, as it was affectionately called, became a popular local hangout as well as a destination for people from across the city and around the world.
