In honour of Veganuary (where people decide to eat an exclusively vegan diet for the month of January) I decided to make this month’s round-up of Cardiff’s most interesting foodie events a plant-based special.
Even if you’re not giving the full vegan experience a go, these places should inspire you to try at least try it out. Cardiff’s passionate vegan chefs have got it covered with everything from pies to pastries, burgers and hotdogs, and indulgent sweet treats.
#1 The new ‘Kevin Pie’ from PieMinister, city centre
(All month)
A full-bodied ragu-like filling of British chestnut mushrooms, tomato and red wine, along with baby onions, red quinoa and thyme. That’s what you’ll find inside PieMinister‘s new crisp pastry, vegan pie. As plant-based eating grows in popularity in the UK, PieMinister hopes this pie will not only appeal to the vegan community but also encourage others to give vegan food a go. I have booked a table to try it for myself at the St Mary Street branch this Friday – I’ll let you know the verdict!
For more info, visit: www.pieminister.co.uk/introducing-kevin
#2 A Tidy Kitchen feast in Rhiwbina
(18th, 24th & 25th January)
New foodie venture Tidy Kitchen will be hosting a series of intimate mid-week vegan supper clubs this month. The aim of these relaxed events is to allow people to try something new – even if they have never contemplated veganism before. I particularly like the sound of the salty herb focaccia with virgin olive oil and dukka dust, and the courgette, spelt and cumin fritters. Yum! The supperclubs are catered by chef Laura Graham, who learned her craft at Leith’s School of Food & Wine, and has since traveled the world cooking for exclusive clients aboard luxury yachts.
For tickets, see: https://billetto.co.uk/e/vegan-supperclub-tickets-250784 and don’t forget to BYOB!
#3 Sweet treats from The Lazy Leek, Pontcanna
(13th January)
The Lazy Leek are small family team on a mission to prove that responsible, healthy food can be tasty, too. They have big plans for a permanent spot on the Kings Road in Pontcanna. This will serve up everything from burgers to wraps and BBQ jackfruit – but won’t open until February. In the meantime, pop down to their market stall at Pontcanna Farmers Market on the 13th January where they’ll be selling cakes, brownies and other sweet treats to whet your appetite.
To find out more about The Lazy Leek, visit: www.lazyleek.co.uk
#4 Junk food at The Robin Hood, Pontcanna
(7th & 21st January)
Pop-up Greazy Vegan is all about ‘taste without cruelty’ and proving that not all vegans eat healthy kale chips and quinoa. The founders were fed up of what they felt were ‘limited junk food choices’ for plant-eaters, and decided to do something about it. Try the ‘Big Moc’ for their take on the McD’s classic. Two 100% vegan patties and a slice of vegan cheese, with lettuce, onion, pickles and vegan burger sauce in a split seeded bun – YUM!
To book your place at the next pub takeover, visit: www.greazyvegan.com
#5 Cake and coffee from the Blanche Bakery, Roath
(All month)
This uber-instagrammable vegan bakery & coffee shop has recently opened on Mackintosh Place in Roath. Head here for vegan cakes and cosy hot drinks; if you’re feeling indulgent, give one of their fried doughnuts topped with maple roasted “bacon” flakes a try. They get bonus points for using Vegware take-out coffee cups (meaning they are biodegradeable and can be recycled along with council food waste).
Find out more about the Blanche Bakery at: blanchebakery.com
These look great. Will definitely have to try these
Author
I’m going to Pontcanna market on Saturday for some of Lazy Leek’s vegan cakes, can’t wait 🙂