We recently visited the IKEA in Elizabeth, NJ to pick up a new desk lamp among other things. I suppose we could have just gone to Target for a new lamp, but we were interested in trying the newest addition to IKEA restaurant menu: the vegan meatballs!
For $4.49, you get 10 veggie meatballs with sweet potato sauce and veggies. The balls are made of chickpeas, green peas, carrots, corn, kale, and red bell peppers. In addition to being vegan, they’re gluten-free and soy-free. I’ve never had IKEA’s Swedish meatballs before as I have always avoided beef since I was a kid. I have no idea what the regular meatballs are like, but they seem to be quite popular. IKEA will also start serving chicken meatballs sometime soon.
The vegan meatballs were basically garden veggie burger patties shaped like balls. Good texture and veggie flavors. I enjoyed the veggie meatballs quite a bit! I like the idea of the sweet potato sauce, but in reality, it wasn’t all that exciting. I might be able to recreate these veggie meatballs at home, although it might be a little bit of a hassle. It’s worth a try though!
John and I have a really bad habit of getting too much food at IKEA again and again. John always wants to get a side of fries, and he’ll always suggest cake because it goes with coffee. I’m never able to say no to cake, so we always get a slice to share. Then I’ll grab a side salad to try and be healthy, which results in John getting a side salad too… same story every time!
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brugesvegan
atWe’ve always eschewed going to the Ikea restaurant (way too busy!) but it’s definitely a good thing they now have a vegan option!
wazwu
atIt’s always really busy at the restaurant, but if you get there early, it’s a nice brunch or early lunch. :)
Delicious Peace of Mind
atWow, you have IKEA with vegan meatballs and we don’t even have IKEA here! :) About the food quantity you ate… well, if you walked a lot trying to find the ‘perfect’ piece, then you earned it! :)
wazwu
atReally? I’m surprised there isn’t one over there. Looks like they still have some expansion to do. ;)
Yah, we do a lot of walking at Ikea. At least the eating is well deserved. :P
Delicious Peace of Mind
atThere’s been a talk for Ikea coming here for years now. Don’t know what’s up with that. Hopefully vegan meatballs will come with new store, too :)
wazwu
atHopefully both Ikea and its vegan meatballs make their way over to you soon! :D
Mitzie Mee
atI can’t go to Ikea without getting a little something(s) in their cafeteria. it’s like rewarding yourself for the hectic shopping hours in front of you:) I haven’t tried the veggie meatballs in Dubai (I’m not really sure they even serve them) but they look good. Are they like falafel?
wazwu
atExactly! It’s the perfect reward and very reasonably priced too. Yes, they’re similar to falafel, but much less dense… probably because they use fewer chickpeas.
Mrs C
atSomehow this meatballs look more appealing than the ones they have here. But as Mitzie said it, it is a must to have something at the cafeteria when in Ikea. I even bribe the kids a meal there just to accompany me!
wazwu
atHow funny that you bribe your kids with a meal at Ikea! Their food is so simple, but quite tasty. Definitely a good form of bribery! ;P
Mrs C
atIf I don’t bribe them with something, I’d end up going alone. Everybody in my household seems to avoid Ikea like a plague!
wazwu
atAww, it’s no fun alone! It sometimes gets really crowded, which can make it a bit of a chore. We usually try to go first thing in the morning to beat the rush.