Karine Laudort January blues are back but so is Veganuary, the month of encouraging more people to try vegan products. A perfect way to start 2022 is to experiment with your lifestyle and try out different things. No matter if you are vegan or not, this is a great way to kick-start your journey to healthier eating or to even challenge yourself with trying new foods. So many people worry about how they can start their veganism journey and what better way than in the new year and this very special month.
You may have just set a New Year’s resolution to care more about your health, or to lose weight in 2022 but that doesn’t mean that you cannot indulge in some amazing foods. There are so many amazing street vendors and restaurants all over London that can help with that! In this blog, we will go over some of our favourite, mouthwatering restaurants, street food vendors and brunch houses in London so that you can discover the best eateries to try for yourself.
1) Rudy’s Vegan, Camden Stables Market
Rudy’s Diner is the World’s 1st all-Vegan Diner and Butcher, They have paved the way for the future of Veganism with their innovative meat replacements such as soya beef mince patties and their ‘Crispy Soya & Seitan Chick’n.’ With melt in your mouth burgers and a wide variety of classic American dishes with a vegan twist, Rudy’s is a perfect place to try your plant-based dishes. From hot dogs and buffalo wings with a signature Rudy’s twist, there is so much to choose from and evidently, there is something for everyone!
2) Kiss the Koala, Crouch End
Trying to find the perfect brunch spot? Look no further. Kiss the Koala is based in Crouch End and is an extraordinary Breakfast and Brunch house with many vegan options to pick from. With a super amiable and relaxed vibe, this is a great spot to grab some breakfast! A very instagrammable spot with a gorgeous range of both vegan and non-vegan plates that are perfect to start the day with. From amazing dishes that have taken inspiration from classic Portuguese plates, like their jaw-dropping Sweetcorn fritters and their speciality coffee that is made in house, you are sure to have a great time at Kiss the Koala.
3) Quinoa Arepa Peruvian Street Food, Camden Market
Ever thought of street food with quinoa as its main ingredient? Quinoa Arepa is a Peruvian food vendor that uses a variety of innovative preparation techniques with holistic health in mind. They turn the grain into amazing wheat-free dishes that are super delicious, vibrant dishes. With super healthy, protein-packed foods, Quinoa Arepa is not only located in Camden but they also do loads of pop up stalls at events and markets all over London so you are bound to find the flavours one way or another!
4) Club Mexicana, Kingly Court and Seven Dials
What’s better than a vegan taco? You don’t have to tell me… Nothing is better! Club Mexicana is the perfect spot to fulfil your Mexican dreams (and your stomach!) With a variety of some sensational, tex-mex classic dishes with a saucy vegan twist, this is a great spot to try out. From their BBQ Short rib taco to their astounding Cheezeburger burrito, there is a great range of mouth-watering dishes to choose from. They also hold a ‘Taco Tuesday’ where you can get ‘all you can eat’ Tacos for just £15! May I also mention that their decoration is gorgeous and is a perfect place to grab that Instagram picture!
5) Tofu Vegan, Islington
Offering a fully plant-based menu, suitable for both vegan and vegetarian, Tofu Vegan is located in the heart of Islington and is a truly amazing addition to London’s vegan restaurants. With chefs from Sichuan, the Cantonese part of China and the northeastern Dongbei region, there is a unique blend of both cultures that beautifully tie into one, making the menu enriched with alluring regional flavours. With classic Cantonese twists on dishes like Dim sum and Sweet and Sour chicken, there are so many flavours to pick from.
6) Omnom, Islington
OMNOM keeps food in mind and health at heart with their ingenious restaurant and wellbeing hub. Inspired by eastern beliefs, OMNOM is setting the bar high by bringing a divine lifestyle and building a community of positive change. With amazing eastern inspired dishes like Spicy Peanut Laksa and Korean BBQ Cauli bites, there is an astounding variety of different plates to kick-start your healthy eating.
7) Purezza, Camden Town
Have you heard of plant-based pizza? Purezza is known for its spectacular plates and wonderful selection of vegan dishes! From their take on the classic full English breakfast, their range of wholegrain, hemp and gluten-free pizzas to their other tasty mains , there are many perfect substitutes for anyone wanting to try veggie-based meals. They have also won an award for the best Vegan Restaurant of 2021 so what’s more to love about them! This is definitely a great spot for lunch.
8) The Athenian, Boxpark Shoreditch
Looking for a taste of Cyprus? Look no further as The Athenian has lots of appealing greek dishes with a vegan twist. From greek classics like the gyro wrap, The Athenian has it all. With unique blends of different flavours, this is a great place to indulge in some tasty cuisine. Named ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in 2020, the Athenian have some amazing substitutes that are vegan and vegetarian friendly like the meatless keftedakia or the courgette fritters, this is somewhere that is definitely on my bucket list for 2022.
9) Rapsa, Hoxton and Archway
Rapsa is a Filipino restaurant based in Hoxton and Archway, serving up an amazing Veganuary menu alongside their astounding everyday menu. With great Filipino vegan dishes like Ukoy Fritters and Tofu Dinuguan, there is definitely something there to tingle your tastebuds. Also known for their ‘Boodle Fight’, which takes place every Sunday at the end of the month, where you can indulge in a variety of different flavours and foods. They currently have a Veganuary offer of 5 Vegan plates for £35 which is perfect to tuck in for two!
10) Megan’s Restaurant, Locations vary
Megan’s is not only a perfect spot for a brunch date but you can also bring your furry friend down with you too! A dog-friendly neighbourhood spot that has some amazing dishes for you to try; Both vegan and non-vegan! With delicious substitutes to the traditional full English breakfast and American pancakes, you will be blown away by the variety of different meals. Each restaurant’s menu varies to every location but nevertheless, you will be certain to find something for everyone!
What better way to start Veganuary than by spreading the word of some of London’s finest restaurants. Not only do they have such a variety of foods but with veganism comes different cultures cuisines and their take on classic dishes with a veggie twist. Definitely be sure to go and try out these restaurants and street vendors because not only do they look good, they taste just as amazing.
