The Vegan Guide to Edinburgh

Ahoy, plant-based pals! Ready to embark on a vegan adventure in the Athens of the North? Grab your umbrella (and maybe your sunglasses… you never know!), and let’s explore the deliciously diverse world of vegan Edinburgh!

Welcome to Auld Reekie: A Vegan Paradise (with Unpredictable Weather)

Edinburgh, with its stunning castle, winding cobblestone streets, and more vegan options than you can shake a leek at, is a plant-based paradise masquerading as a medieval wonderland. This city is so vegan-friendly, even the ghosts are probably munching on spectral sprouts!

But first, a wee warning about the weather: it’s as predictable as a deep-fried haggis in a vegan restaurant. One minute you’re basking in glorious sunshine, the next you’re wrestling your umbrella in a gale. But fear not! The abundance of cozy cafes and restaurants means you’re never far from a warm, vegan-friendly haven.

Scottish Classics: Haggis Without the Haggle

Vegan Haggis: The Veggie Chieftain o’ the Pudding-race

Vegan haggis

Who says you need meat to enjoy Scotland’s national dish? Vegan haggis is taking Edinburgh by storm, packed with lentils, nuts, and enough spices to make your taste buds do a Highland fling. It’s like a warm hug for your insides, minus the sheep’s stomach (you’re welcome).

The Full Scottish Breakfast: Morning Glory, Vegan Style

Full Scottish breakfast

Forget the bacon and eggs. The vegan Scottish breakfast is here to show you how it’s done. Think vegan square sausage, meat-free bacon, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, and tattie scones. It’s enough to fuel you through a day of castle-climbing and whisky-tasting (more on that later!).

Macaroni Pie: Comfort Food Gets a Plant-Based Makeover

Imagine a creamy, cheesy pasta encased in a flaky pastry. That’s right, it’s delicious. Normally, it’s vegetarian-only but occasionally you can find a vegan option too!

Deep-Fried Delights: Because Why Not?

  • Deep-fried pizza: Usually vegetarian, but ask for it without cheese, and you’ve got a vegan heart attack on a plate. It’s a culinary experience you’ll either love or hate (but secretly love).
  • Deep-fried Mars bar: While not vegan, some chippies are experimenting with frying vegan chocolate bars. It’s research, right?

Sweet Treats and Liquid Gold

Don’t forget to pick up some vegan-friendly Scottish goodies:

  • Tablet: This tooth-achingly sweet treat now comes in vegan varieties. It’s like fudge’s hyperactive Scottish cousin.
  • Shortbread: Buttery biscuits without the butter? Yes, it’s possible, and it’s delicious.
  • Whisky: Good news! Most whisky is vegan. So raise a dram and toast to the plant-based haggis hunters of yore.

British Classics: Keep Calm and Vegan On

Fish and Chips: The Catch of the Day is… Banana Blossom?

Who needs cod when you’ve got battered banana blossom or tofu? Served with chips (that’s fries to you, American friends) and mushy peas, it’s the perfect seaside supper… even if you’re nowhere near the sea.

Afternoon Tea: Pinkies Up, Plants Out

Dainty sandwiches, scones with jam and (vegan) cream, and an array of sweet treats, all washed down with a pot of tea. It’s so fancy, you’ll feel like you’re dining with the Queen (who, rumor has it, enjoys a plant-based Monday).

Cornish Pasties: A Taste of Cornwall in Caledonia

These hearty hand pies are getting a vegan makeover in Edinburgh. Stuffed with veggies and plant-based meat alternatives, they’re the perfect portable lunch for your city explorations.

International Flavors: Edinburgh’s Vegan Melting Pot

Edinburgh’s vegan scene is more diverse than a Scottish weather forecast. Here are some spots that’ll knock your wool-free socks off:

Soul Vegan: Malaysian Magic Meets Scottish Hospitality

Fancy some rendang without the remorse? Soul Vegan serves up fully plant-based Malaysian cuisine that’ll transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia faster than you can say “pass the sambal.”

Sora Lella: La Dolce Vita, Vegan Style

Mamma mia! This fully vegan Italian joint proves you don’t need dairy to do Italian right. From creamy carbonara to perfect pizzas, it’s a little slice of Rome in the heart of Edinburgh.

Homies Pizza: Motor City Meets Midlothian

Detroit-style pizza, but make it vegan. Homies Pizza is slinging square pies topped with plant-based perfection. It’s so good, you’ll forget you’re not in Michigan (the castle view might give it away, though).

Global Goodies

  • Vegan haggis spring rolls: East meets West in the most delicious way possible.
  • Plant-based poutine: Canadian comfort food gets a Scottish, vegan twist.
  • Vegan Irn Bru ice cream: Yes, it exists. No, we can’t explain it. Just try it.

So there you have it, veggie voyagers! Edinburgh is a plant-based playground where traditional Scottish fare dances with international flavors, all without an animal product in sight. Whether you’re noshing on vegan neeps and tatties or sipping on a whisky sour made with aquafaba, you’re in for a treat.

Remember, in Edinburgh, the only thing better than the food is the company (and maybe the whisky). So raise a glass to haggis, hummus, and everything in between. Slàinte mhath!

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