Let’s be completely honest with ourselves for a moment. As much as we’re all aware that there are loads of benefits to initiatives like Veganuaryand Meat-Free Mondays, from a carnivorous point of view, the prospect of giving up burgers, pizza, wings, kebabs (aka the hangover food that got us through the better part of the festive period) doesn’t go down as easily as we’d like it too.
The good news is, however, that veganism isn’t as sparsely catered to as it once was. Over on Instagram you’re probably as likely to scroll past vegan food porn as a you are posts by the booming #beautyblogger community. Vegan recipes are consistently popular on Pinterest. Pret, Pizza Express and Nandos are just a few of our favourite chain restaurants to be consciously expanding their vegan-friendly offerings.
Vegan offerings are fairly commonplace these days. But a particular cuisine (if you want to call it that) was previous lacking in plant-based production is everyone’s favourite guilty pleasure: junk food. That is, until now.
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As with most trendy food outlets, the bulk in the early days are found down in the busy big smoke. Nevertheless, there are some really exciting cafes and restaurants poping up around the country too. Curious? Here's where to find some of the best vegan junkfood offerings up and down the UK.
VX, London
According to the website, this store (also known as V-cross) was the first 100% vegan shop to arrive in London and whether you're after coffee and cake or smokey bbq smothered popcorn 'chicken', they're here to satisfy those cravings.
Biff's Jack Shack, London
If you're not familiar with jackfruit, you're about to be. Hailed as the beacon of vegan junk food, Biff's Jack Shack is all over this fried, meat-textured vegan-friendly junkfood favourite. What do they make? Burgers, fried chicken looking things and more. Filthy AF. Their words, not ours.
Temple of Seitan, London
These guys mean business and are well regarded in the vegan fast food game. They also pop up at street food markets if that's your thing. Menu favourites include mac'n'cheese and the Temple Spicy Burger. I dare your tummy not to rumble at the sight of their food.
The Full Nelson, London
If you venture down to Deptford in South East London you'll find this cool little gem of a vegan/veggie bar and kitchen. Open Wednesday through Sunday, if there's anything that you fancy on the menu, don't fret because it can all be turned into an equally yummy vegan alternative. Also the bar is dog-friendly so, you know, wins all around.
Club Mexicana, London
These guys are the shit. All of their food is 100% vegan and Mexican inspired and looks really, really fun. 'If you're looking for chick peas and chia seeds, you're in the wrong place', they say on their website. Safe to say we're on board.
Cook Daily, London
Another London street food favourite coming to you from CookDaily, a Vegan restaurant you can find at both Croydon and Shoreditch Boxparks for all of your less junk-based stir-fry and curry needs. They also do what looks like a banging vegan fry up.
Make No Bones, Sheffield
V Rev, Birmingham
Praise be to the vegan food gods because there is a vegan diner that'll entise the most dramatic of hangovers. Everything on the menu is 100% vegan and you can find everything from beefy burgers to poutine right there at your disposal.
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Follow Jazmin on Instagram @JazKopotsha
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.