The Russell on Main Street in Kansas City's Midtown is the all-day cafe with the city's strongest vegetarian programme: quiches, salads, biscuit sandwiches.
Tip: Veggie biscuit sandwich and the daily quiche are the moves; the cafe is gluten-free friendly.
Mud Pie Vegan Bakery in Mission, Kansas runs a heavy gluten-free programme alongside its vegan baking, with grab-and-go cookies, brownies and cupcakes.
Tip: Order ahead for gluten-free birthday cakes; the cookies are the daily must-buy.
Habashi House in Kansas City's City Market runs a family-owned Middle Eastern halal counter since 2000, with beef shawarma, falafel and combination platters.
Tip: Open Mon-Tue 10:00-14:00, Wed-Fri 10:00-17:00. Cash works fastest; takeaway is the move at peak lunch.
Kababesh Grill in Overland Park serves halal Indian and Pakistani kebabs, biryani and curries, with a dedicated halal kitchen and a casual counter dining.
Tip: Lamb seekh kabab and chicken biryani are the picks; the lunch specials run cheapest.