Veganism, vegetarianism, paleo, plant-based, and a plethora of various other earth friendly diets have very recently exploded in popularity among youth. Many young people have begun adopting these sorts of diets that benefit both their overall health and the natural world around them. Whether it’s out of care for the wellbeing of living creatures, to enhance one’s physical and inner health, to improve diet overall, or simply to try something new, a clean, plant-based diet is an extremely beneficial one to maintain. Eating nutrient-rich, organically grown foods free of processed materials, harmful chemicals, and artificial additives is amazing for physical health such as your skin and hair, for weight loss purposes, and for a major boost in energy levels.
Unfortunately there is widespread negative connotation surrounding such diets as people, especially vegans, have been deemed annoying, difficult to please, high-maintenance, and overly self-entitled simply because of their food choice. Whilst this may be so in some cases, there is nothing wrong with taking pride in one’s healthy and environmentally-friendly diet, and if you’re thinking of trying something new in terms of diet change that involves cutting out animal-based food products in replacement for plant sourced meals, don’t let public perception stand in the way. Starting out as a vegan, pescatarian, vegetarian, or any relative diet can be tricky if you are unsure of the exact foods each entail or how to prepare suitable meals. If you’re seeking to adopt a plant-based diet, but have no clue where to begin in the kitchen, there is a wide variety of vegan restaurants within the area that can help spark some recipe creatively, and also open some doors into the world of a whole new diet with meal possibilities you never would have thought were so amazing.
Here is a list of vegan, vegetarian, organic plant-based restaurants in London, Ontario that I definitely recommend both committed vegans and new beginners give a try:
1. Zen Garden
A Japanese vegetarian restaurant with plant-based Pan-Asian dishes.
Located: 334 Dundas Street
Website: http://www.zengardenslondon.com/order/main/appetizers
Delivery: Yes
Menu Item Examples: sushi, vegetable curry, spicy eggplant roast, Schezuan style spicy tofu, mixed vegetable dumplings
TripAdvisor
2. Glassroots
Vegan restaurant with all food products locally sourced from producers within the area.
Located: 646 Richmond Street
Website: http://www.glassrootslondon.com
Delivery: No
Menu Item Examples: pumpkin soup, pomegranate salad, brussel burger, gnocchi, kale pizza, beat caesar wrap, tofu bacon (you wouldn’t believe it wasn’t actually bacon)
Yelp
3. The Boombox Bakeshop
Vegan-friendly bakery specializing in animal product-free and gluten free goods, also sourcing fresh organic produce from local farmers and distributors.
Located: 502 Adelaide Street N
Website: http://www.theboomboxbakeshop.com
Delivery: No
Menu Item Examples: cupcakes, pies, cakes, cookie sandwiches, coffee
HappyCow.net
4. Root Cellar Organic Cafe
Organic restaurant in London Ontario’s historic Old East Village serving local farm-to-fork fare.
Located: 623 Dundas Street
Website: http://rootcellarorganic.ca
Delivery: No
Menu Item Examples: wraps, paninis, glow bowls, frittatas, veggie burgers, guacamole plate
OEV Hub
5. Chil Frozen Yogurt Bar
Self-serve certified organic and GMO-free frozen yogurt bar offering many flavours, including non-dairy and organic soy, with the choice of 150+ toppings, that also come with dairy free, gluten free, and vegan options.
Located: 620 Richmond Street
Website: http://www.chilfroyo.com/foodticket/
Delivery: Yes
Menu Item Examples: cheesecake, smoothies, sundaes, 50+ froyo flavours
Westernizer
6. Plant Matter Kitchen
A plant-based restaurant and juice bar serving organic and wholly plant-based meals.
Located: 162 Wortley Road Website: https://plantmatterkitchen.com
Delivery: No
Menu Item Examples: dairy-free mac and cheese, curry wrap, veggie burgers, cobb salad, house-made vegan pizza, smoothies, enchiladas, shepherd’s pie
Dream Travel Magazine
7. Globally Local (opening soon)
Have you spotted the new McVegan’s food truck on Western’s campus this week? It is provided by this local grocery store that offers vegan fast food and even has an in-store kombucha bar.
Located: 5619 Colonel Talbot Road
Website: http://globally-local-retail.myshopify.com
Delivery: Somewhat (they offer fruit & veggie kits and meal kits equipped with recipes and pre-measured ingredients that can be sent to your door weekly or bi-weekly with a subscription)
Menu Item Examples: it’s a grocer so all produce items and vegan spins on normal dishes/packaged items you’d find at a regular grocery store.
Globally Local Facebook Page
There you have it. If you’re seeking new food spots to suit your specific diet, or are wanting to try something outside of your normal Timmie’s, Pizza Pizza, or Subway frequenting, then these seven restaurants that are simultaneously healthy, local, and delicious are perfect options. You can treat yourself without the post-feast guilt and feel good about being kind to the earth in doing so.