Edinburgh

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Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Availability of plant-based meals and dining locations catering to dietary preferences.

Sections

1. Types of Vegetarian and Vegan Food Available

Edinburgh offers a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan cuisine, reflecting both local Scottish traditions and international influences. Hereโ€™s what you can expect:

  • Scottish-Inspired Plant-Based Dishes: Vegan haggis (a plant-based version of the traditional dish made with oats, lentils, and spices), neeps and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes), and hearty soups like lentil or Scotch broth.
  • Global Cuisine: Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian, and Asian restaurants often have extensive vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes like falafel, curries, vegan sushi, and pasta are widely available.
  • Baked Goods and Desserts: Many cafes offer vegan cakes, brownies, and scones. Look out for oat milk lattes and other plant-based coffee options.
  • Health-Focused Options: Smoothie bowls, salads, and raw vegan treats are popular in health-conscious cafes.

2. Popular Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh

Here are some of the top-rated vegetarian and vegan-friendly establishments in the city:

Fully Vegan Restaurants

  1. Hendersons Vegan

    • Description: A pioneer in vegetarian dining in Edinburgh, Hendersons now operates as a fully vegan restaurant. They serve a mix of Scottish and international dishes, including vegan haggis, salads, and hearty mains.
    • Price Range: ยฃ10โ€“ยฃ20 per main dish.
    • Location: 7-13 Barclay Place, EH10 4HW.
    • Specialty: Vegan haggis and their famous desserts.

  2. Holy Cow

    • Description: A cozy vegan cafe offering burgers, sandwiches, and cakes made with locally sourced ingredients.
    • Price Range: ยฃ8โ€“ยฃ15 per dish.
    • Location: 34 Elder Street, EH1 3DX.
    • Specialty: Vegan burgers and homemade cakes.

  3. Seeds for the Soul

    • Description: A vibrant vegan cafe in the Bruntsfield area, known for its creative comfort food like mac and cheese, pancakes, and Buddha bowls.
    • Price Range: ยฃ10โ€“ยฃ18 per dish.
    • Location: 167 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4DG.
    • Specialty: Vegan mac and cheese and indulgent desserts.

Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants with Vegan Options

  1. David Bann

    • Description: A sophisticated vegetarian restaurant with a focus on creative, globally inspired dishes. Many items are vegan or can be made vegan.
    • Price Range: ยฃ15โ€“ยฃ25 per main dish.
    • Location: 56-58 St Maryโ€™s Street, EH1 1SX.
    • Specialty: Thai fritters, aubergine tagine, and vegan desserts.

  2. Kalpna

    • Description: A long-established Indian vegetarian restaurant offering a wide range of vegan curries, dosas, and thalis.
    • Price Range: ยฃ10โ€“ยฃ20 per dish.
    • Location: 2-3 St Patrick Square, EH8 9EZ.
    • Specialty: Vegan thali and South Indian dishes.

  3. The Baked Potato Shop

    • Description: A casual eatery specializing in massive baked potatoes with a variety of vegan-friendly toppings like hummus, beans, and vegan cheese.
    • Price Range: ยฃ5โ€“ยฃ10 per meal.
    • Location: 56 Cockburn Street, EH1 1PB.
    • Specialty: Affordable, filling vegan comfort food.

Cafes and Bakeries

  1. Grams

    • Description: A health-focused cafe offering vegan-friendly smoothie bowls, salads, and raw desserts.
    • Price Range: ยฃ5โ€“ยฃ12 per dish.
    • Location: 16 Clifton Terrace, EH12 5JZ.
    • Specialty: Raw vegan cheesecakes and protein-packed meals.

  2. Pumpkin Brown

    • Description: A 100% gluten-free and mostly vegan cafe serving nourishing bowls, soups, and sweet treats.
    • Price Range: ยฃ6โ€“ยฃ12 per dish.
    • Location: 16 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU.
    • Specialty: Buddha bowls and raw vegan desserts.

3. Price Ranges

  • Budget-Friendly: ยฃ5โ€“ยฃ10 (e.g., The Baked Potato Shop, casual cafes).
  • Mid-Range: ยฃ10โ€“ยฃ20 (e.g., Hendersons Vegan, Seeds for the Soul).
  • Fine Dining: ยฃ20โ€“ยฃ30+ (e.g., David Bann).

4. Local Specialties

  • Vegan Haggis: A must-try dish that captures the essence of Scottish cuisine in a plant-based format. Itโ€™s widely available in vegan and vegetarian restaurants across the city.
  • Scottish Oatcakes: Often served with vegan cheese or spreads.
  • Cranachan: A traditional Scottish dessert made vegan with plant-based cream, oats, raspberries, and whisky.

5. Cultural Attitudes Towards Vegetarianism and Veganism

  • Edinburgh is one of the most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly cities in the UK. The cityโ€™s progressive and inclusive culture has fostered a welcoming environment for plant-based eaters.
  • Many restaurants, even those not exclusively vegetarian or vegan, offer plant-based options. Itโ€™s common to find menus clearly marked with vegetarian (V) and vegan (VG) symbols.
  • Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsburyโ€™s, and Marks & Spencer have extensive vegan product ranges, including ready meals, snacks, and desserts.

6. Practical Tips for Navigating the Dining Scene

  • Ask for Modifications: Many restaurants are happy to adapt dishes to suit vegan or vegetarian diets. Donโ€™t hesitate to ask!
  • Use Apps: Apps like HappyCow and Vegan Edinburgh are excellent resources for finding plant-based dining options.
  • Book Ahead: Popular vegan and vegetarian restaurants can get busy, especially on weekends. Make reservations where possible.
  • Explore Farmersโ€™ Markets: Edinburghโ€™s farmersโ€™ markets, such as the one at Castle Terrace, often have vegan-friendly food stalls and fresh produce.
  • Check for Afternoon Tea: Many cafes and hotels offer vegan versions of the traditional British afternoon tea, complete with plant-based sandwiches, scones, and cakes.

7. Final Thoughts

Edinburgh is a fantastic destination for vegetarians and vegans, with a wide variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether youโ€™re looking for traditional Scottish flavors or international cuisine, youโ€™ll find plenty of delicious and satisfying meals. The cityโ€™s open-minded and accommodating culture ensures that plant-based eaters will feel right at home. Enjoy your culinary adventures in Edinburgh!