London is a city renowned for its cultural diversity, and this is vividly reflected in its culinary landscape. For vegan food enthusiasts, the city offers a tantalizing array of plant-based dishes from around the world. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply curious about expanding your palate, exploring global vegan cuisine in London is an adventure worth embarking on. From spicy Indian curries to hearty Middle Eastern fare, here’s a guide to the best international vegan dishes you can find in the capital.
1. Indian: Vegan Thali
Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of vegan delights, and London boasts some of the best Indian restaurants outside of India. A must-try dish is the Vegan Thali, a platter that offers a little bit of everything. Typically, a thali consists of several small dishes, including lentil-based dal, spiced vegetables, rice, chapati (unleavened bread), and various chutneys. This meal is not only bursting with flavor but also balanced in nutrients, making it a satisfying choice for vegans.
One of the best places to enjoy a vegan thali in London is Diwana Bhel Poori House in Drummond Street, known for its authentic and affordable Indian vegetarian cuisine. The thali here is vibrant, flavorful, and offers a great way to sample a variety of Indian dishes in one sitting.
2. Middle Eastern: Falafel and Hummus
The Middle East has long been a haven for vegan-friendly dishes, with falafel and hummus being two of the most popular. Falafel, made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, is deep-fried to perfection, offering a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Paired with creamy hummus, made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, this combination is a match made in heaven.
For an authentic taste of the Middle East, head to The Gate in Marylebone. This renowned vegetarian and vegan restaurant serves up a delectable falafel dish, accompanied by house-made hummus and a fresh salad. It’s the perfect choice for a light yet satisfying meal.
3. Ethiopian: Injera with Vegetable Stew
Ethiopian cuisine is known for its rich, spicy flavors and communal dining style. The centerpiece of an Ethiopian meal is injera, a spongy, sourdough flatbread made from teff flour. Injera is used as both a plate and a utensil, with diners tearing off pieces to scoop up various stews and salads. The vegan options typically include a variety of lentil and vegetable stews, such as misir wot (spicy lentils) and gomen (collard greens).
For an authentic Ethiopian vegan experience, visit Zeret Kitchen in Camberwell. Their vegan platter is a feast for the senses, offering a colorful array of stews and salads atop a large injera. It’s a communal dining experience that highlights the rich flavors and textures of Ethiopian cuisine.
4. Mexican: Vegan Tacos
Mexican cuisine is another fantastic option for vegans, with dishes like tacos easily adaptable to a plant-based diet. Vegan tacos can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as grilled vegetables, black beans, tofu, or jackfruit, and are typically topped with salsa, guacamole, and fresh herbs.
Club Mexicana, located in Soho, is a go-to spot for vegan Mexican food in London. Their vegan tacos are packed with bold flavors, featuring ingredients like BBQ jackfruit, spiced chickpeas, and house-made vegan cheese. Pair your tacos with a refreshing margarita, and you’ve got the perfect meal.
5. Japanese: Vegan Ramen
Ramen, the beloved Japanese noodle soup, has been given a vegan twist in many London eateries. Vegan ramen typically features a rich, flavorful broth made from miso, soy, or vegetables, with toppings like tofu, mushrooms, seaweed, and spring onions. The combination of hearty noodles and umami-rich broth makes vegan ramen a comforting and satisfying meal.
For some of the best vegan ramen in London, visit Tonkotsu in Shoreditch. Their vegan ramen is a delight, featuring a creamy sesame and soy milk broth, crispy tofu, and a medley of vegetables. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly London day.
6. Chinese: Vegan Dim Sum
Dim sum, the bite-sized portions of food traditionally served in steamer baskets, is a staple of Cantonese cuisine. Vegan dim sum options have become increasingly popular in London, with fillings like mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables replacing the usual meat and seafood.
Plum Valley in Chinatown is a fantastic spot to enjoy vegan dim sum. Their menu includes a wide range of vegan-friendly options, such as vegetable dumplings, stuffed tofu, and steamed buns. It’s a great way to explore the flavors of Chinese cuisine while sticking to a plant-based diet.
7. Italian: Vegan Pizza
Italian cuisine is beloved worldwide, and London’s vegan scene has embraced it fully, especially when it comes to pizza. Vegan pizza options are now widely available, featuring dairy-free cheeses, fresh vegetables, and plant-based meats. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or something more adventurous, there’s a vegan pizza for everyone.
PickyWops in Fulham is a standout in London’s vegan pizza scene. They offer a variety of dough bases, including multigrain and turmeric, and top their pizzas with inventive vegan ingredients like truffle oil, artichokes, and cashew cheese. It’s a must-visit for any vegan pizza lover.
8. Thai: Vegan Green Curry
Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors, with a delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Vegan green curry is a popular dish, made with a base of coconut milk and green curry paste, and filled with vegetables, tofu, and aromatic herbs like basil and lemongrass.
For a taste of Thailand, head to Mildreds in Soho. Their vegan green curry is bursting with flavor, featuring a creamy coconut sauce, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked tofu. It’s a satisfying dish that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Bangkok.
9. Caribbean: Vegan Jerk
Caribbean cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, and jerk seasoning is a key component. Vegan jerk dishes typically feature plant-based proteins like tofu or seitan, marinated in a spicy jerk sauce and grilled to perfection. The result is a smoky, flavorful dish with a satisfying kick.
For a taste of the Caribbean, visit Rudie’s Jerk Shack in Boxpark Shoreditch. Their vegan jerk options are packed with flavor, served with traditional sides like rice and peas, and plantains. It’s a delicious way to enjoy Caribbean cuisine while staying true to a plant-based diet.
Conclusion
London’s culinary diversity offers endless opportunities for vegans to explore global flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy Indian thali, a comforting bowl of Japanese ramen, or the bold flavors of Caribbean jerk, there’s a vegan version waiting for you in this vibrant city. Each dish tells a story, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of its origins, and provides a delicious way to experience the world through food. So, embark on a culinary journey across London, and discover the best international vegan dishes this city has to offer.
