Vegan City Guide: Leicester

May 09, 2019

Vegan City Guide: Leicester

Leicester Clock Tower

About Leicester

That Leicester is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United Kingdom with over 70 languages spoken across the city[1] I had known before I even moved here in 2013. That its inhabitants come from more than 50 countries across the globe as identified in the 2011 census[2] and that Narborough Road is officially the most diverse street in the country[3] I found out when getting to know my new hometown.

Above all, however, I love the fact that Leicester is a vegan foodie heaven. The city’s vegetarian and vegan food scene has been on the rise for some time. Sustainable and ethical businesses are thriving and there are many new fresh eco-friendly ideas emerging all the time. The city has just over a hundred veggie/vegan restaurants, cafes, shops and businesses.[4] Not many people probably know, but the term 'vegan' was actually coined in Leicester by Donald Watson, who established first Vegan Society here in 1944.

Southeast Asian culture and food

One of the first things you notice when arriving in Leicester is its rich South-East Asian cultural and food scene. Belgrave and Melton Roads, known as ‘Golden Mile’ or ‘Little India’ are home to many Indian restaurant and shops. Most of them are 100% vegetarian or vegan. There is some debate about what “Golden Mile” refers to.[5] The most popular view is that it relates to the many businesses trading in gold and jewellery. This neighbourhood is also known for the biggest (outside of India) annual Diwali (Hindu festival of light) celebrations.

Indian restaurants are everywhere in the city and in my opinion they are the best in the country. It is impossible to provide a review for each one so here I have chosen to reveal a bit more about some of my favourites.

The first authentic Kerala restaurant in Leicester, Kayal, offers fresh, healthy and aromatic south Indian dishes. Although its specialty is fish and seafood, there are many vegan-friendly dishes. My favourite are the large ‘falling out of your plate’ dosas (savoury rice and lentil pancakes filled with traditionally seasoned potatoes, onions and peas).

Dosa, Kayal

Numerous awards and recognitions, as well as its popularity has encouraged Kayal to open its sister restaurant, just opposite on the same street – 100% vegetarian Herb. This is a real gem. Most of the menu is vegan and the flavours are truly ‘out of this earth’. My personal favourites (pictured below) include crispy fried banana boli (slices), accompanied with coconut chutney, spinach potato dosa, green papaya stew and kadala (black chickpeas) curry, all served with aromatic turmeric-golden naranga choru rice. Finger licking!

Selection of curries, Herb

Another gem curry restaurant in Leicester is Shivalli. Its name comes from the village in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Its villagers are pioneers of world famous Udupi hotels (vegetarian restaurant) known for serving typical dishes such as Idli (savoury rice cake), Vada (savoury doughnut), Dosa (rice and lentil pancake), Upma (thick semolina or rice porridge) etc. Shivalli’s menu is 100% vegetarian and most dishes can be ordered as vegan. They do a lot of holiday specials and this is how we got to enjoy a really delicious Valentine’s dinner (pictured below).

Curry platter, Shivalli

Semolina dessert, Shivalli

Asian cuisine dominates Leicester’s food scene. But it is not just tantalising Indian flavours that should attract you to this major East Midlands’ cities.

A bit more Asia

Japanese and Korean cuisine have also something special to offer. If you are after a quick lunch bite, you should try one of the nourishing Korean-inspired Buddha bowls at the Grounded Kitchen. My favourite is the edamame-sweet potato bowl, served with chestnut mushrooms, cucumber, carrots, spinach and avocado on a base of short grain rice. It is topped with spring onion, chilli flakes, fresh chillies, sesame seeds, toasted cashew nuts, coriander and freshly prepared spicy gochujang (red chilli), avocado and coriander and Japanese creamy yum sauce. And if you want something extra indulgent to finish off your meal, one of the fresh juices or smoothie bowls will be just perfect.

Lunch, Grounded Kitchen

If you are more of a sushi person, then you should head to Kokoro. Besides the traditional fish-filled rolls, you can find a number of vegan options. My favourite combination is a steaming hot miso soup and an avocado and cucumber roll set, with a side of edamame beans, seaweed, coated pumpkin and spring rolls. A real taste of vegan Japan at very affordable prices!

Sushi lunch, Kokoro

And if you are after an evening Japanese meal then a ‘must go’ place for me is Bonzai. Here, opt in for the vegan teppanyaki set. The amount of food you get is unbelievable and it costs less than 15GBP per person! For your starter you’ll be served miso soup, edamame beans, few pieces of sushi, veggie-filled dumplings and hot spring rolls. Your main will consist of a vegetable-tofu stir fry, served with rice and seaweed salad. Truly mouth-watering dishes, and remember – come hungry!

Starter 1, Bonzai

Starter 2, Bonzai

Main, Bonzai

And to finish off Asian culinary adventures in Leicester, make sure to try the Vietnamese-inspired Pho restaurant. Offering both sit-down and to-go menu with great student discounts, this place is perfect for vegan eaters who enjoy crispy and peanut-y flavours of this Southeast Asian cuisine. My personal favourite meal combination (pictured below) consists of a Chả giò starter (crispy spring rolls served with lettuce & herbs to wrap & dip in a peanut sauce), Cà-ri main (rich, fragrant Vietnamese veggie curry tofu & mushrooms, topped with nuts & served with broken rice), enjoyed with a fresh carrot, apple and ginger juice.

Starters and juices, Pho

Vegan cafés and more

Apart from its Asian-inspired vegan food scene, Leicester is also home to many traditional British pubs, delis and cafés serving a huge variety of plant-based meals. Here I’ll focus on just a few, but be sure to check HappyCow directory for more options.

If you are looking for a lazy weekend brunch, followed by a good film, then Phoenix Café is your place to go. The vegan breakfast is really scrumptious and filling. It consists of scrambled tofu, spinach, mushrooms, roasted peppers, hash browns, beans, grilled tomato and a toast served with soya spread.

Vegan Breakfast, Phoenix

If you are out and about in town or are looking for more of a ‘fast food’ vegan option, then the Fish and the Chip place is one I really recommend! Although branded as Leicester’s 100% pescatarian place, there is an abundance of vegan options. In fact, there is a separate 100% plant-based menu serving dishes from all around the world from cauliflower corn nachos, cassava chips with a pineapple jerk sauce, through Middle Eastern flatbread to San Diego burgers and Asian bowls. The choice was really hard but for my first visit I decided to go for a ‘traditional’ British meal. The wasabi and sesame seed battered vegan fish and chips served with mushy peas and tartar sauce were worth all the calories they had!

Vegan Fish and Chips, The Fish and Chip

Another very well-known place in Leicester, located in a residential neighbourhood of Clarendon Park is Jones’ Café Bistro. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and homemade cakes and desserts, this little cosy restaurant is a much-loved local gem. The vegan options are prepared with a lot of care and creativity. My lunchtime favourite is a loaded with vegetables, hummus and falafel tortilla with a side salad.

Lunch, Jones'

The dinner menu changes quite frequently. For my husband’s graduation I got to enjoy a spectacular three-course meal that I could not take my eyes off. The starter included sweet potato patties, served on a bed of rocket with avocado and pea mash and beetroot chutney. The main was a colourful asparagus, mushroom, pea, tomato, cashew and mint risotto. Sending my taste buds to vegan heaven, the dessert was a carrot cupcake and an oat milk cinnamon latte. Simply a beautiful meal served in a cosy and friendly atmosphere of this little Leicester bistro.

Starter, Jones'

Main, Jones'

Dessert, Jones'

Staying in the area, one cannot miss the Coffee Ethic, a very vegan-friendly café, located on the main street of Clarendon Park area. This little enterprise works with many local businesses to offer a delicious selection of sandwiches, tempting sweet bakes, warm homemade scones with jam and coconut whipped cream and a variety of cakes and loafs. The real treat is the monthly afternoon tea at less than 15GBP. Another affordable not-to-be missed place!

Vegan Afternoon Tea, Coffee Ethic

Heading back to the city centre, Prana Café is one of the recent additions to the Leicester’s vegan scene. Branded as the luxury vegan health whole food place, the café is located in a prominent spot at the Town Hall Square. It serves breakfasts, lunches, desserts, artisan coffee, and an afternoon tea. Some of the tastiest-looking options include warm banana bread, served with a bowl of coconut yogurt topped with berries and organic chia, Prana bowl with smoked tofu on brown rice topped with organic vegetables and an indulgent chocolate brownie served with organic vanilla ice-cream. The café also serves a daily afternoon tea, which we go to enjoy on last Mother’s Sunday. Finally, I can recommend Prana’s artisan coffees and teas, having enjoyed their matcha latte. Milk options include: oat, soya, coconut and almond.

Vegan Afternoon Tea, Prana

Another new addition to the Leicester's vegan food scene is the Café Deli Healthy Louisa. Run by a lovely Polish couple, this cosy place offers nice and relaxing atmosphere, healthy and homemade food and a very friendly service. I have so far had a chance to try their curried chickpeas, vegetables 'duck', a selection of savoury toasts and a scrumptious walnut cake. Their coffees are excellent and the coconut truffle white tea is one of the best teas I have ever tried in my life!

Curried chickpeas, Healthy Louisa

I am going to finish off my list of top vegan-friendly coffee shops in Leicester with my number one – St Martin’s café. Located in an independent shop and restaurant area of the same name, this coffee roastery is my favourite spot in town to enjoy a beautifully crafted chai latte with a slice of a delicious cake and a book in hand.

Chai latte and a chocolate cake, St Martin's

Finally, Leicester is home to many of the popular high street chain restaurants, such as Zizzi’s, Pizza Express, Frankie’s and Benny’s or Wagamama. All of which have been expanding their vegan food menus over the last few years or so. One final establishment, which is known in the East Midlands area (with shops in Leicester, Nottingham and Derby) is Doughnotts. These home-made, rough, finished with all manner of mouth-watering toppings doughnuts also come in a vegan version. My personal favourites are cinnamon swirl, peanut butter and jelly and salted caramel from a standard selection (3 for £5). If you are after an extra treat, then the top premium selections options for me are cherry bakewell and a mud pie.