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A Magazine for Sheffield

Viva La Vegan

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ALT.

The number of people in the UK choosing to eat a plant-based diet has grown massively in recent years. According to the Vegan Society, the figure rose to 542,000 in 2016, a 350% increase since 2006.

Undeniably, being vegan has become popular, with many hashtags you can follow on social media. But trends aside, exploring vegan dishes offers many culinary possibilities and opportunities to combine exciting textures and tastes. There's plenty to enjoy, whether you are vegan, vegetarian or 'flexitarian', from jackfruit and avocado wraps, quiches made with a quinoa crust and cauliflower popcorn to mac 'n' cheese hot dogs made with seitan, topped with cheese made with sweet potato.

You are likely to find plenty of combinations of ingredients you may not have tried before, and this includes drinks and sweet treats. For a taster, check out the all-vegan cocktail menu at the Temple of Fun on Rutland Way and the beautifully presented dairy-free desserts from Froconut.

There are a few reasons why people are deciding to follow a vegan diet now and social media is one of them. Instagram has been instrumental in showing off innovative vegan creations and is a platform for enthusiastic ambassadors to build a passionate following. Being conscientious about the environment, animal welfare and sustainability are strong influences for others.

Where is worth a visit in Sheffield for vegan food? This has been an exciting list to put together, because there are plenty of places which offer vegan options or a 100% vegan menu. In no particular order, here's our summary of where to try - with apologies to those we missed off the list.

Vegan dishes offer many culinary possibilities

In the city centre, check out the Lovely Pear pop-up at Union St, where you can enjoy exciting salads and a range of vegan bagels, including the peanut, sweet chilli and tofu bagel. On Cambridge Street, there's the Dina Diner, a central location for a vegan breakfast. The Blue Moon Cafe near the cathedral is one of the city's longest running veggie cafes in the city, where you can get your fill of homemade cakes, wholesome pies and lighter bites. Another personal favourite is Fusion Cafe at Butcher Works on Arundel Street. They have an ever-changing menu with inventive and vibrant salads, as well as daily specials.

At Park Hill, there's the new South Street Kitchen, which offers a Middle Eastern-inspired menu of spice-rich dips, falafels and tagines. We've heard good things about the vegan options at Italia Uno at Banner Cross and they also set up the Pending Pizza initiative, which allows you to buy a pizza which can be redeemed in the future by someone in need. We have to mention London Road's newly opened Butta La Pasta, Italian food cooked from the heart, and The Rude Shipyard for their delectable cakes. Finally, a shout out to Homemade by Thelma's in Nether Edge and Pom Kitchen on Sharrow Vale Road.

Phew. There's just enough space here to spotlight another six 100% vegan destinations in Sheffield. Enjoy.

Ros Ayres

nibblypig.co.uk

[PIC5]

Sunshine Deli

989 Penistone Road, S6 2DH

instagram.com/sunshinedeli1

This Hillsborough-based independent vegan cafe offers a great daily menu and special themed nights, from Taco Thursday to Fish 'n' Chip Friday.

You should try: House-made seitan streaky bac'n BLT or the Full Monty vegan breakfast.

The Incredible Nutshell

31 Chesterfield Road, S8 0RL

instagram.com/incrediblenutshell

Your go-to destination for vegan ingredients. Sheffield's first and only 100% vegan grocery shop.

You should try: Ordering your goodies online for home delivery.

The Plant

12 Campo Lane, S1 2EF

Facebook: The Plant Sheffield

From the owners of Steel City Cakes comes The Plant. They offer an all-vegan menu, including salads, wraps, cakes and shakes.

You should try: One of their homemade pasties.

Make No Bones

4a Rutland Way, S3 8DG

instagram.com/mnbvegan

At the Temple of Fun, you can indulge in the MNB delicious breakfast menu or go all out for an evening meal and 100% vegan cocktails.

You should try: A vegan doner kebab - seitan marinated in a Turkish spice mix, served with pink pickled onion, rainbow slaw and garlic mayo.

Just Falafs

87 Chesterfield Road, S8 0RN

instagram.com/just_falafs

Everyone loves a good pun. This place is all about Middle Eastern food, from falafel and hummus to chips loaded with seitan shawarma, tahini and za'tar.

You should try: Knish, a potato dumpling filled with soy mince, with sides of homemade pita and hummus.

ALT

170 Crookes, S10 1UH

instagram.com/alt.sheffield

ALT recently arrived in Crookes, offering a welcoming cafe vibe and enticing plant-based brunch options, small plates and sweet treats.

You should try: A vegan and gluten-free 'doughNot'.

FOOD EVENTS

Sheffield Vegan Festival

Sat 15 Sept | 10:30am-4:30pm | Megacentre, Bernard Road | £2

Enjoy everything vegan, with lots of food and clothing stalls, plus interesting talks.

Turning Earth Vegan Breakfast Club

Sat 29 Sept | 10am-2pm | Union St | Pay As You Feel

Get your fill of vegan pancakes, fresh fruit and crunchy granola at the Turning Earth monthly breakfast club. If you want to get involved, join their volunteers group on Facebook.

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