Who said a vegan diet had to be boring? Here’s a guide to nine black-owned vegan spots in London that are changing perceptions of plant-based for the better. Hearty and healthy (though some are a good old indulgence), these vegan eats serve up flavoursome recipes with the classic Caribbean and African influences.
222 Vegan Cuisine
Headed by world-renowned vegan chef Ben Asamani, this restaurant has been serving delicious plant-based meals with fresh ingredients since 2004.
222 North End Rd, West Kensington, W14 9NU
All Nations Vegan House
An ital Caribbean restaurant and takeaway with home-cooked, plant-based dishes and sugar-free desserts. For fans of spice and seasoning, founder Atreka promises the ‘same big flavours’ even if no meat is on the plate.
8 Sandringham Road, Dalston, E8 2LP
The Guava Kitchen
A ‘tropical’ vegan and vegetarian eatery with a hearty all-day breakfast menu and much more. The Guava Kitchen began as a street food enterprise but has since flourished into a permanent space serving homemade recipes to eat in or take away.
16 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3HF
Andu Cafe
Proudly the UK’s first and only vegan-speciality Ethiopian restaurant. This simple spot is ‘Bring Your Own Bottle’ and the menu is made up of six sample plates, served to you on delicious traditional injera bread or rice.
528 Kingsland Road, Hackney, E8 4AH
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Zionly Mannla Vegan Rastarant
This cafe is the place to go for filling and flavourful vegan Caribbean food. Founder Ras was 9 years old when he started cooking and his hearty but inexpensive menu is inspired by Caribbean, West African and Ethiopian cooking. He’s also the owner of the craft shop next door.
Rye Lane Indoor Market, 41, 48 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 5BY
LoveGift Vegan
Popular with the local community, this cafe and creative space welcomes you in to feed your mind, body and spirit. The menu is both sweet and savoury, British and Caribbean-inspired.
386 Lee High Road, Lee, SE12 8RW
Deserted Cactus
This Saturday pop-up was launched by influencer London Afro Vegan, who is the sole chef serving up platefuls of plant-based goodness. Brief but worth it, they occupy a four-hour spot in Holdrons Arcade every weekend.
Holdrons Arcade, Unit 23 & 25 135A Peckham Rye, SE15 4ST
Eat of Eden
Now in four locations, Eat Of Eden keeps on growing and we’re here for it! Made with fresh and organic ingredients, their dishes are inspired by Caribbean ital and European home cooking. They’re proud of the fun, friendly and welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to bring your friends again and again.
Brixton: 4 Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane SW9 8PR
Clapham: 6 Ascot Parade, Clapham Park Road SW4 7EY
Lewisham: 1 Goldcrest House, 32-64 Lee High Road SE13 5FH
Shepherd’s Bush: 76 Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7PH
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