Chef Tanya's Kitchen

As the saying goes, this isn't Chef Tanya's first rodeo! Her current eatery, Chef Tanya's Kitchen, reflects her restaurateur beginnings in the 1980s. During this period, Chef Tanya honed her skills in making seitan and fresh cultured tempeh while still in college. 

The 1990s marked the beginning of Chef Tanya's imprint on Palm Springs' restaurant landscape. She unveiled MT Plate, her first cafe and inaugural all-vegetarian dining spot, showcasing gourmet dishes crafted from homemade seitan and tempeh. 

In 1994, Chef Tanya introduced Native Foods in Palm Springs, a concept that further solidified her commitment to plant-based dining.

After a hiatus between 2013 and 2016, Chef Tanya opened Chef Tanya's Kitchen in 2017. Here, she showcases her motto: "Inspired by my love for good food, nature, and the entire animal kingdom. Dedicated to making food tasty, fun, healthy, and easy."

Today, Chef Tanya's Kitchen is a beacon of plant-based culinary excellence in the heart of the Coachella Valley. 

This eatery is open daily from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. It offers an experience, a history of culinary excellence, and a future of innovative, health-conscious dining.

Vibe

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the restaurant's unassuming yet inviting facade. The exterior sets a serene, understated tone, welcoming a diverse clientele from bustling city dwellers to curious tourists. The exterior's simplicity is a subtle nod to the ethos of Chef Tanya's Kitchen - where the focus is on the essence and purity of ingredients.

The interior of Chef Tanya's Kitchen unfolds as a cozy and casual retreat. The space radiates a rustic charm, with natural light spilling through the windows, illuminating the quaint and homely setting. 

The decor is a tapestry of earthy tones and textures, reflecting Chef Tanya's deep connection with nature and her commitment to sustainability.

The walls are adorned with local art and photographs that capture the journey of Chef Tanya's Kitchen. The essence of Chef Tanya's Kitchen is a "less is more" approach to decor, focusing on healthy cuisine instead.

Chef Tanya's Kitchen: Menu & Drinks 

While the menu is a vegetarian and vegan paradise, meat lovers will find meals that remarkably taste and even feel like meat. 

The Bahn Mi & You is a standout sandwich where the rich, seared garlic chili tofu takes center stage. It's a dance of spicy, sour, and sweet notes, accompanied by a melange of pickled daikon and carrot, fresh cucumber, and jalapeño pickles. Adding cilantro, mint, basil, and spicy mayo adds complexity, all served on a perfectly toasted French roll. 

The El Cubano is a nod to traditional Cuban flavors, reimagined through a plant-based lens. The sandwich features slow-roasted warm citrus and garlic seitan, a marvel of texture and taste. This is paired with a tangy blend of mayo and mustard, crisp cabbage, fresh tomato, pickle, and onion; each ingredient contributes to a symphony of flavors.

Meat lovers will want to try the CTK Tempeh Burger to discover how tasty and juicy plant-based food is. Caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness, complementing the beautiful lettuce and fresh tomato. The burger is held together with a slather of mayo, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that resonate with every bite. 

On the drinks side, the Daily Agua Fresca is a colorful and refreshing choice, embodying the essence of freshness. 

For coffee enthusiasts, the CTK Coco Café is a must-try. This beverage is a harmonious blend of locally sourced Coachella Valley Roasting Co. coffee, coconut, oat milk, and a hint of maple. 

Chef Tanya's Kitchen offers Palm Springs visitors delicious, healthy, plant-based meals for a memorable dining experience.