London is witnessing a significant shift towards consuming fewer animal products, spurred by social, political, and ethical considerations. This change reflects a growing awareness among diners about personal health, environmental concerns, and animal welfare. Over the past five years, there has been a noticeable increase in vegan options on restaurant menus, marking a trend some argue became mainstream around 2018.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that this narrative often centers on a specific demographic, neglecting diverse food cultures and ingredients. Veganism has long been prevalent in many cuisines globally, including London’s culinary scene. Here are some standout vegan eateries in the city:
1. Horizon Foods
Located at 14 Bull Lane, England N18 1SX, Horizon Foods offers Trinidadian delicacies like dhal puri roti and pholourie balls. Their renowned doubles, a Trinidadian breakfast dish, comprises fried bara and chickpea curry served with tamarind and pepper sauce.
2. Hiba Taboun
Situated at 6 Wood St, Greater London, E17 3HU, Hiba Taboun is a Palestinian cafe celebrated for its freshly baked pita sandwiches and manakeesh, customizable with toppings like olive oil and za’atar.
3. Loving Hut Archway
Found at 669 Holloway Road, England N19 5SE, Loving Hut Archway is part of an international chain promoting plant-based cuisine. With a diverse menu including hot pot, hamburgers, and vegan shrimp, it appeals to both vegans and omnivores.
4. Rasa South Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
Located at 55 Stoke Newington Church Street, England N16 0AR, Rasa specializes in vegetarian cuisine from Kerala, offering dishes like bhel mix, medhu vadai, and dosas, ideal for sharing.
5. Andu Cafe
Situated at 528 Kingsland Rd, London, Greater London, E8 4AH, Andu Cafe is renowned for its Ethiopian cuisine, serving injera platters with a variety of vegan dishes like misir wot and tikil gomen.
6. Tofu Vegan
Situated at 105 Upper St, London, Greater London, N1 0NU, Tofu Vegan is an all-vegan Sichuan restaurant renowned for its inventive dishes like Dongbei sweet potato noodles and Chongqing-style “chicken.”
7. Itadakizen
Nestled at 139 King’s Cross Rd, London WC1X 9BJ, UK, Itadakizen specializes in udon noodle soups and bento boxes, offering a satisfying midweek lunch option.
8. Ravishankar Bhelpoori House
Located at 133 Drummond St, Kings Cross, London NW1 2NB, UK, Ravishankar Bhelpoori House serves traditional Indian street food, including dosas and bhel puri, perfect for a post-show meal.
9. Bubala
Situated at 65 Commercial St, London, Greater London, E1 6BW, Bubala offers modern vegetarian cuisine inspired by Tel Aviv, featuring dishes like tahini-loaded hummus and fried eggplant with zhoug.
10. Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
Found at 9-10 Soho St, Soho, London W1D 3DL, UK, Govinda’s is a vegetarian restaurant associated with the Hare Krishna movement, offering affordable thalis and a la carte options.
11. Gauthier Soho
Situated at 21 Romilly St, London, Greater London, W1D 5AF, Gauthier Soho is a fine dining French restaurant that shifted to a fully plant-based menu, serving innovative dishes like the Jar of Faux Gras.
12. Nandine
Located at 45 Camberwell Church St, London, SE5 8TR, Nandine offers Kurdish cuisine with a vegan-friendly menu featuring dishes like smoked eggplant with chickpeas and stuffed dolma.
These establishments represent a diverse array of vegan dining experiences in London, catering to various tastes and preferences while promoting plant-based eating in the city.
