I didn't choose my study abroad location based on the availability of plant-based food, but if I had, it would have still been London. Consistently referred to as the Vegan Capital of the World, London has been serving up some of the best vegan food I've had in my life. Here are the highlights:
Holy Carrot
Holy Carrot… where do I begin? This is my favorite restaurant in all of London, perhaps in the world (though Southern Belle in ATL might be a contender for that honor as well). I knew Holy Carrot and I would get along when I first checked out their website, as they boast a menu that’s entirely “gluten-free, sugar-free as well as being free from preservatives and additives.” Let’s just say I was not at all disappointed. The first thing that strikes you about Holy Carrot is the elegance of the space. The intimate dining room is adorned in white and blue, sun-drenched for the better part of the afternoon thanks to the expansive windows offering a view of Knightsbridge. Once you see the menu, though, the interiors become almost an afterthought. I can pretty much guarantee everything on this menu will wow, but there are a few dishes I can personally vouch for. For starters, try the purple potato croquettes, a marriage of elegance and comfort food that perfectly encapsulates Holy Carrot’s mission, or the “Holy Maki,” a selection of vegan sushi almost too pretty to eat. For mains, I recommend, more than I recommend anything else I’ve ever eaten, the “Sexy Tofu.” Drenched in a perfectly sweet peanut sauce, these little cubes of heaven will quite literally change your life. Even if you’re a sworn tofu hater. I also love the parsnip risotto and aubergine with mushrooms, but nothing tops the tofu. For desserts, I’d recommend the miso caramel sponge cake with oat and miso ice cream, or simply a scoop of their peanut butter ice cream. It’s refined sugar-free, so go crazy. Finally, if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, try “The Fool,” which manages to make aquafaba (chickpea liquid) both sexy and delicious.
Wulf and Lamb
People who knew me as a child must have been in absolute shock when they found out I transitioned to a plant-based diet. When I was younger, I was a self-proclaimed mac and cheese connoisseur. It was my favorite food in the world, and I tried to eat it wherever I went. The eventual decision to give up cheese surprisingly wasn’t a difficult one, but I do still enjoy the occasional vegan mac. Wulf and Lamb’s is the best I’ve ever had. Served up in a steaming little pot of happiness, the mac relies on cashews for creaminess and nutritional yeast for umami and color. Though the portion is enough for a meal, the mac is technically classified as a side, so make sure to order a pot even if it’s not the main event. Other menu highlights include heavenly miso aubergine baos and the smoky BBQ black bean burger, after trying which I was literally speechless. Make sure to book ahead as both the Chelsea and Marylebone locations are packed on the weekends.
The Fields Beneath
This tiny and effortlessly cool coffee shop fits right in in edgy Camden Town. In addition to their curated coffee and tea selections, the cafe offers a small food menu with different recipes on rotation throughout the week. I devoured my Korean Tofu Wrap, which was the perfect portion for lunch. The breakfast tea hit as well, but the real draw here may be the green-filled interior. If you can snag one of the few seats inside, you can enjoy your food beneath a hanging garden practically dripping with serotonin. The best part? These plants are for sale alongside the coffee, vegan food, and selection of curated wine. Enjoy.
Vantra Eden
Vantra is my after school haunt. Situated in Bloomsbury, it’s an easy (and beautiful, if the weather’s nice) walk or tube journey from campus. Its low prices and focus on whole-foods makes it the ideal spot to grab lunch before heading to the Wellcome Library to study. Though the food is delicious and filling, I always feel lighter after eating at Vantra, which makes it a favorite for when I’m sick of eating out but forgot to pack a lunch. Vantra utilizes a build-your-own concept, my go-to combination being buckwheat + Vantra’s lentils, sweet potato, and kale. Every bowl comes with steamed veggies and salad, because health is wealth, am I right? I usually take my meal to nearby Fitzroy Square Garden, the perfect place to people watch and dodge pigeons on a sunny day.
Black Cat Cafe
I stumbled upon this Hackney joint while out wandering on a Saturday, but calling it a hidden gem would be misleading. Local vegans are plenty familiar with this 100% plant-based establishment which boasts an inclusive and welcoming space for all humans as well as delicious food that contains no animals. Their small but inventive menu features comfort food staples like veggie-packed lasagna, lentil shepherd's pie, and BBQ tofu sandwiches. I opted for the “Giant Couscous and Roasted Veg” salad, which surprised me by being, well, actually ginormous. After eating my fill, I cozied into my spot by the window with my book, enjoying the homey vibes and the beautiful buzz of compassionate people supporting small businesses.
The Canvas Cafe
The Canvas is more than a place to grab excellent vegan food; it’s a community hub for vegans. Their creative venue hosts various workshops from hand lettering tutorials to film screenings, creating a network of like-minded plant-based foodies. What’s not to love? You can find The Canvas on a graffiti-packed street in Shoreditch, just off of Brick Lane, where I find myself almost every weekend. While everything on their small but mighty menu packs a punch, the savory sweet potato waffles topped with kale and cheesy sauce are my favorite. Try the pancakes topped with berries and vegan honey or a homemade lemonade if you’re craving something sweet.
Honorable Mention:
Farmacy: Plant bowls and sugar-free cocktails for all!
Mildreds: Excellent vegan kofte, a dish you rarely find in plant-based form.
Purezza: Huge selection of 100% vegan pizza.
Flipside: Vegan junk food vibes + seemingly healthier lunch bowls. Great for takeaway.
Merkamo Ethiopian: A gem amidst the bustling halls of Spitalfields Market.
The Vurger Co: Another plant-based junk food spot. I recommend the Auburger, but the vegan chicken is scarily accurate if that’s your thing.
Stem & Glory: Up there with Mildreds, Farmacy, and Holy Carrot for elegance and originality of menu. Go for the gnocchi and sugar-free cherry cheesecake.
Next on my Hit List:
Cafe Van Gogh
Eat Genesis
Mallow
WAVE
Comments