NJveg and Vegan in NJ collaborated with Vegan Outreach to create New Jersey’s first Vegan Chef Challenge! The Vegan Chef Challenge is a month-long event showcasing new vegan menu items created by chefs at local restaurants. 17 restaurants in Princeton and vicinity took part in September 2023. Here are the inaugural award winners:
| Award | Restaurant | Item/Comment |
| Best Value | Whole Earth Center Deli | multiple items, including Kale Salad |
| Best Comfort Food | Planted Plate | Korean Cauliflower Tacos |
| Most Creative Flavors | The Mint | Royal Gobi Musallam |
| Super Voter’s Choice | Jules Thin Crust Pizza | Meat Lovers, Mushroom Madness, White Pizzas |
| Best Soup | Arlee’s Raw Blends | Tai Noodle Soup |
| Best Soup | Le Bon Gout | Squash Soup |
| Best Appetizer | Nomad Pizza | Heirloom Bruschetta – all top score votes |
| Best Small Plate | Say Cheez Café | Masala Empanada |
| Best Dessert | LiLLiPiES Bakery | Banana Donut & Jumbleberry LiLLiPiE |
| Best Dessert | Contemplate Kitchen | Floral Pie |
| Best Brunch Option | Savory Leaf Cafe | Lox of Love Bagel Sandwich |
| Best Sandwich/Wrap | Jammin Crepes | Jersey Vegan Tomato & Arugula Pie |
| Best Lunch Entrée | Tipple + Rose Tea Parlor | Tofu Gyro |
| Best Lunch Entrée | Lady and the Shallot | Ricotta Fig Balsamic Flatbread – all top score votes |
| Best Dinner Entrée | The Perch | Grilled Cauliflower Steak – all top score votes |
| Best Dinner Entrée | Amazing Thai | Khao Soi Mock Duck – all top score votes |
| Diners’ Favorite | Blue Bears Special Meals | Most votes, most top score votes (Mushroom Risotto was their top-rated dish) |