London’s 11 yummiest vegan comfort foods

From metro.co.uk

‘Ah, you’re a vegan. What’s it like eating rabbit food?’ You’ve probably heard this kind of line if you’re a vegan or occasionally dwell on the plant-based side of life. It’s something that an out-of-touch uncle will bring up at a family gathering, and he’ll probably repeat it because it’s such a classic gag. You’ll get less of this kind of scintillating chat in London, a city where you can indulge in the full gamut of vegan dining. In fact, Londoners are three times more likely to order vegan comfort food than anyone else in the UK. According to Deliveroo, there’s been a 68% increase in vegan food delivery orders in London over the past six months.

While you’re probably more inclined to order-in during these dire, chilly months, actually leaving the house might boost your mood more than festering on your couch will. So, here’s where to head for a greasy, creamy, fried, melted, oozing hug of a meal. Because Uncle Bernie, vegans love junk food too.

                             11 delicious vegan comfort foods to try in London this winter.                                                   (Picture: Cafe Mexicana / Temple of Seitan / The Full Nelson / The Vurger Co / Yorica)

For vegan mozzarella sticks… Unity Diner, Spitalfields

Unity Diner is a one-stop-shop for vegan comfort food. Founded by vegan activist Ed Winters (Earthling Ed), they serve up indulgent mozzarella sticks created from coconut-based cheese with a herby panko coating. If you’re feasting, the hash brown fries and tofish bites are also a tasty treat. The non-profit diner and bar, which has just reopened at a new site in Spitalfields, directs their profits to Surge, a grassroots animal rights organisation. You’ll also be delighted to know that their diner is doggo-friendly.

For vegan burritos… Club Mexicana, Shoreditch

As any comfort food enthusiast knows, burritos are angelic parcels of delectability. It’s a humble dish that packs sauciness, crunch, and heavy carbs into a perfectly-folded parcel, which is particularly comforting when you’re a brutally hungover wreck. So, kick off your seedy Sunday with Club Mexicana’s big brunch burrito, a bulky package of vegan chorizo’, tempeh bacon, triple fried potatoes, black beans, guacamole, salsa, slaw and hot sauce.

For vegan fish and chips… Canvas Café, Brick Lane

Time for the British classic with a plant-based update. Brick Lane favourite Canvas Café serves up cosiness on a plate with their tofish and chips, a meal featuring deep-fried battered tofu and nori with hand cut chips, minted mushy peas and homemade tartare sauce.

For vegan mac ‘n cheese… Temple of Seitan, Hackney

The famed temple might be best known for its moreish array of vegan fried chicken, but you can’t go past their magical mac ‘n cheese. The little bowl of cashew sour cream and parmesan with vegan bacon bits and fresh parsley is a big W when it comes to taste, and a triple-threat when it comes to textures.

For vegan pies… Young Vegans, Camden

For a hand-sized bit of cosiness, Camden Market’s Young Vegans has the dish for you. Try the parmigiana pie that packs a tangy, creamy bite or the chicken katsu curry pie if you’re in the mood for a winter warmer. The pie shop also reveals their weekly specials via their cravings-summoning Instagram account.

For vegan pizza… Yard Sale, Hackney

Pizza chain Yard Sale all started with a backyard pizza oven and a few weekly supper clubs with friends. Last month, they launched their fifth London site, where locals can come to enjoy their sumptuous ‘Texas VBQ’ pizza featuring plant-based chicken nuggos, homemade BBQ sauce, guindilla chillies and vegan mayo. With the opening of their new Hackney branch, they also introduced new line-up of calzones, including a vegan calzone with black beans, vegan mozzarella, pink onions and smashed avo.

For vegan burgers… The Vurger Co, Shoreditch

Vegan burgers are no longer limited to supermarket patties. You know, the last-minute purchase before the Sunday BBQ. The Vurger Co aims to ‘feed the soul’ with their wicked range of vegan burgers. A highlight is the New York Melt, which includes the Beyond Meat patty heaped with double vegan cheese, gherkins and homemade burger sauce.

For vegan waffles… The Full Nelson, Deptford

When it comes to comfort eating, a doughy waffle is right up there. The Full Nelson’s brunch menu includes their chick’n waffles, a wild little dish of southern-fried vegan chicken, sweet waffle and maple syrup. It’s salty, it’s sweet and we think you’ll agree it’s time to eat.

For vegan fried chicken… Biff’s Jack Shack, Shoreditch

The Boxpark eatery make a (cruelty-free) killing with their junky range of jackfruit-based dishes. They pride themselves in their ‘totally filthy’ dishes including their signature jackfruit ‘chicken’ wings double dipped in a panko crumb and fried. Did we mention they’ve also got a melt-in-your-mouth vegan poutine?

For vegan baked goods… Cookies and Scream, Highbury East

Even looking at a visual of oozing chocolate can be as comforting as devouring it. But why stop there? London bakery Cookies and Scream kicked off operations in 2010, going on to make a name for themselves with their decadent selection of vegan cookies, brownies, and donuts. While their original Camden Market store closed down due to a fire, they’re still serving up baked delights at their Holloway Road shop.

For vegan ice cream… Yorica, Soho

Last but not least, it’s one of the most uplifting, satisfying dishes out: ice cream. Vegan Society registered-store Yorica serves vegan ice cream in flavours such as double chocolate cookie, gooey vanilla and banoffee. The brand also sells soft serve, crepes, waffles and shakes which are free from all 14 major allergens, so there’s something for everyone.

https://metro.co.uk/2019/10/26/londons-11-yummiest-vegan-comfort-foods-10988022/