This post originally appeared in Eat Treat Online-
http://www.eattreatonline.com/articles/wandering-through-londons-vegan-eateries
Picture courtesy- Whole Hearted Eats http://www.wholeheartedeats.com/2013/11/sunshine-acai-bowl.html
I decided to escape the heat and head to London for the summer and was pleasantly surprised to find that eating consciously and being vegan has become really fashionable there – and not just in posh areas like Notting Hill and Mayfair. I always thought that Bali, California and Sydney were cashing in on the gluten-free, vegan bandwagon, but this time around, the health cafés in London were literally mushrooming everywhere. Now I’m not a vegan because I have a torrid love affair with meat; but I fell in love with the food at these little healthy haunts and I think you will too.
Here’s a list of spots I recommend you make your way to:
Goodlife Eatery, Chealsea
This gorgeous café is owned and run by Shirin and Yasmin – two health-food enthusiasts who love eating healthy and living well. With exposed white brick walls and wooden chairs and tables, the café exudes a chilled out, LA vibe. The menu ranges from cold-pressed juices to superfood smoothies and coffees and teas made with dairy substitutes like almond, soy and rice milk. The chicken and eggs served here are organic and free range, and everything is prepared in-house. I had the Almond Milk Latte with Paleo Chestnut Waffles (served with a fig compote and fresh coconut yoghurt), which was decadent, satisfying and absolutely divine. The second time around I went for a lunch meeting and ordered a massive green smoothie and Sunset Club Sandwich on gluten-free chia and flax bread. I have to say I was a tad nervous about feeling hungry after the meal but the fillings were generous and the sandwich kept me going till dinner. They open early everyday and accommodate only 25 covers. So plan your visit early over the weekend to avoid disappointment; they don’t take resevations and follow a first come first serve policy. For my third visit, I’ve got my eyes on the Gluten Free Coconut Cake with Coconut Shavings!
59 Sloane Avenue, London, SW3 SDH; www.goodlifeeatery.com
Wildfood Café, Covent Garden
This raw-centric, vegan café is located in one of London’s finest areas. Started by Joel and Aiste, the Wildfood Café philosophy is to make plant-based eating nutritious, beautiful and delicious. The focus here is on locally sourced, organic, fair-trade produce, and everything is prepared fresh daily on the premises. It isn’t cheap by any account, but the food is prettily plated and downright delicious; so one doesn’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks. I loved the Ayurvedic Super salad (artichokes and avocados…nom nom nom), which is packed with a solid dose of immunity boosting antioxidants. The falafel and Wild Pizza also come highly recommended if you are looking for something that’s more carb-heavy and substantial. On a sweet note, you’d be incredibly stupid if you missed out on their gorgeous, raw desserts. Check their daily specials or pick between the Raw Lemon and Chocolate Tart. If you end up becoming a regular here, you can sign up for their raw food seminars and cooking classes to recreate these recipes at home.
1st floor, 14 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9DP; www.wildfoodcafe.co
Nama, Notting Hill
Nama is one of the older establishments in this category, that paved the way for newer vegan, raw-inspired spots in London. Tucked away in a cove in the highly coveted Notting Hill area, Nama’s menu comprises of cereal bowls, raw desserts, salads, vegan sushi and cold-pressed juices and smoothies. With a focus on superfoods like maca, lucuma, coconut oil, chia seeds and turmeric, it attracts a loyal and flashy clientele of models and conscious eaters and is quite the spot to be seen at. The food is delicious and beautifully presented, and they also cater to private events. Sign up for their raw cleanse to undo some of the damage caused by a winter of binging on pies, kebabs and endless cocktails.
110, Talbot Road, London, W11 1JR; www.namafoods.com
Juice Baby, Chelsea
Located in Chelsea, Juice baby is a favourite amongst chefs, wellness practitioners and bloggers like Ella Woodward of Deliciously Ella fame. The café is based on the premise that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, bland or difficult, and like other similar establishments in the area, this one too denounces dairy, gluten, soy, added sugars or preservatives, focusing instead, on the inherent goodness of fruit, vegetables, seeds and gluten-free grains. Furthermore, the goal here I believe, is to make eating healthy an affordable and sustainable proposition for people across the board. Unlike Good Life and Tanya’s, it’s not frightfully expensive and has options that would please a non-vegan as well. While cold-pressed juices and smoothies are the highlight, the raw nut-flour based desserts and the falafel are to die for too. The menu accommodates everything from superfood smoothies to granola, acai berry bowls (these are hugely popular), and chia pudding. If you want something more substantial you can opt for a bowl of quinoa salad with veggies to tide you over until your next meal. Just remember to leave some space for the raw-inspired cheesecakes and desserts (the Lemon-Blueberry and Chocolate Cake are amazing!). Who knew clean eating could taste oh-so-good!
398 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW10 0LJ; http://www.juicebaby.co.uk
Vanilla Black
You don’t need to be a hipster or a yogini from California to enjoy delicious vegan fare. The gourmands enjoy meals at Vanilla Black because each plate is exquisitely presented and the ingredients unfold like a beautifully constructed story. This establishment has proven to meat eaters, critics and food enthusiasts that eating vegetarian can be an incredibly scintillating, delightful experience; and even the Michelin guide recommends it. Established over a decade ago, Vanilla Black paved the way for more contemporary vegetarian fine dining venues in London. I won’t divulge the menu; you’ll have to go and see for yourself what the fuss is all about. Bon appetit!
7-18 Tooks Court, London EC4A 1LB; http://www.vanillablack.co.uk
Lead Image courtesy- Whole Hearted Eats
http://www.wholeheartedeats.com/2013/11/sunshine-acai-bowl.html
