January is here, the dawn of a new year driving a new wave of commitments to take action on ambitions, balance out holiday indulgences and set ourselves in good stead for the months that follow. Naturally this period lends itself to a temporary but sharp rise in veganism where, for reasons including health, development and welfare, participants cut animal products from their diets. We have accustomed to this phenomenon in recent years and labelled it ‘Veganuary’.
It was Veganuary 2021 I first took part in, though already vegetarian I found it particularly daunting stripping dairy from my routine. However, by the time February came following weeks of experimenting with alternative products I’d grown familiar with this new lifestyle and decided to make it permanent.
Four years later and I have discovered the best plant based dishes Glasgow has to offer. If you’ve decided to cut out animal products this month then here's some local food and drink inspiration.
5. La Gelatessa
A Southside cafe specialising in handmade Italian gelato and hot chocolate. Although the menu is not strictly plant-based, they do offer dairy-free sorbets and gelato flavours. Their hot chocolate with its rich and creamy flavour - the best I’ve tried in Glasgow - can be made using alternative milks and topped with a toasted vegan marshmallow. The soft aesthetic of its interior also makes it a great hangout spot, featuring the artwork of local artist Kieron Redmond. | La Gelatessa
6. Mono
Found on the outskirts of the city centre in the Trongate area is Mono, a fully plant based venue. Open between 11am and 10pm each day (though on Sundays it opens at 12pm), when it comes to food and drink it may be utilised as a cafe or pub. For the earlier visitors they serve specialty coffee with a selection of milk alternative, cakes and sweet treats. They have a soup of the day and small plate options. For later on, their menu also consists of pizza, pub-grub style mains, and there is a section dedicated to meat-free chippy style meal alternatives. They serve vegan wines and locally sourced vegan lagers. | Mono
7. Chaakoo
With venues in the city centre and west end, Chaakoo is a great option for both vegans and non-vegans looking for Indian food. I’ve visited here on numerous occasions with friends who can’t do without meat meaning no one has to compromise and each time every person has left wholly satisfied. Bombay and Iranian-style cooking is naturally very plant-based inclined due to its tendency to base dishes around vegetables and dairy free ingredients such as coconut milk. Thus, what is vegan on the menu is not a throwaway option but a carefully thought out recipe. Inherent to the culture it represents the restaurant specialises in small plates which are fairly priced. | Chaakoo
8. Roots & Fruits
Roots and Fruits - an organic grocery store and takeaway food kiosk with locations on Great Western Road and Argyle Street in Finnieston. They stock a great range of alternative milks and cooking ingredients such as tofu, tempeh and non-dairy cheese, and specialise in sourcing from local producers. Each store serves takeaway salad boxes, freshly made, which are almost always vegan. These are delicious, packed with flavour and nutrients. They also sell homemade vegan samosas, sausage rolls and soup. | Roots Fruits