Cape Town is a lively and inclusive city that provides a range of cuisine and cultural options. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply searching for delicious plant-based alternatives, the culinary offerings in Cape Town won’t disappoint. In this write-up, we’ll delve into some of the top vegan and vegetarian eateries in Cape Town, along with helpful tips to enhance your dining experience.
What is Vegan and Vegetarian Food?
Before diving into the restaurants, let’s clarify vegan and vegetarian food. Vegan food excludes animal products or by-products, including meat, dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, and other items. Vegetarian food does not contain meat or fish but may have other animal products like dairy or eggs. Some vegetarians avoid animal products such as rennet (an enzyme derived from animal stomachs) or cochineal (a red dye made from insects).
Did you know that there are various types of vegetarians? Some vegetarians consume dairy but not eggs, and they are called Lacto-vegetarians. Meanwhile, Ovo-vegetarians eat eggs but not dairy, while lacto-ovo-vegetarians consume dairy and eggs. There is also a pescatarian diet, which is similar to a vegetarian diet but includes fish and seafood.
Why Choose Vegan and Vegetarian Food?
There are many reasons why people choose to eat vegan and vegetarian food. Some of the most common ones are:
Ethical: Some people choose to avoid animal products because they care about the welfare of animals and the environment. They believe animals have rights and should not be exploited or harmed for human consumption. It is widely accepted that animal agriculture plays a significant role in contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Health: People choose to eat plant-based meals because they think they are more wholesome and nutritious than those made from animals. To lower the chance of developing chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer, experts advise adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet. Additionally, they contend that compared to animal products, plant-based diets are more alkaline, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.
Spiritual: Some people follow a vegan or vegetarian diet because of their religious or spiritual beliefs. For example, some religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, advocate for non-violence and compassion towards all living beings. They consider eating animals as a form of violence and karma that can affect one’s spiritual growth.
Personal: Some people choose vegan or vegetarian food simply because they prefer the taste, texture, variety, or creativity of plant-based dishes. They enjoy experimenting with different ingredients, flavours, cuisines, and recipes that showcase the diversity and richness of vegan and vegetarian food.
How to Find Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Cape Town?
Finding vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cape Town is easy if you know where to look. Here are some tips and resources to help you find the best places to eat:
Use online platforms: Some many websites and apps can help you locate vegan and vegetarian restaurants near you. Some of the most popular ones are HappyCow, Veggie Planet, Zomato, TripAdvisor, etc. You can use these platforms to narrow your search for restaurants based on location, cuisine, price range, ratings, and reviews. Additionally, you can view photos, menus, opening hours, contact information, and directions to the restaurant.
Ask locals: To discover vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cape Town, seek local recommendations. Contact friends, family, colleagues, neighbours, taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides who reside or operate in Cape Town for their preferred dining spots. Additionally, consider joining online groups or forums where vegans and vegetarians discuss their experiences and advice for dining out in Cape Town.
Explore on foot: Sometimes, the best way to discover new vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cape Town is to explore on foot. You can walk around different neighbourhoods and look for signs or menus that indicate vegan or vegetarian options. For a wide variety of Vegan and Vegetarian ingredients and menus, you can also check out the Spar Catalogue and find spar fresh fruit packs, spar mixed vegetable packets, grains, nuts, seeds, spices and more at special discounts. You might be surprised by the variety and quality of vegan and vegetarian food that you can find in Cape Town.
What are the Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Cape Town?
Now that you can find vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cape Town, look at some of the best ones. Here are some of our top picks, in no particular order:
Plant Cafe: Plant Cafe is a vegan restaurant serving various dishes, from burgers and pizzas to salads and bowls. They also offer smoothies, juices, coffees, teas, desserts, and more. Some of their signature dishes include the Beyond Burger, the Mac ‘n Cheese, the Buddha Bowl, and the Chocolate Cake. They have two branches in Cape Town: one in the CBD and one in Observatory.
Lekker Vegan: Lekker Vegan is a vegan fast-food restaurant specialising in burgers, wraps, sandwiches, nuggets, fries, and sauces. They use plant-based meats and cheeses that mimic the taste and texture of animal products. Some of their best-selling items include the Gatsby, the Crispy Burger, the Chicken Mayo Wrap, and the Cheesy Fries. They have four outlets in Cape Town: one on Kloof Street, one on Harrington Street, one in Woodstock, and one in Claremont.
Scheckter’s Raw: Scheckter’s Raw is a vegan restaurant focusing on raw, organic, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free food. They offer breakfasts, lunches, snacks, drinks, and desserts made with fresh and wholesome ingredients. Some of their popular dishes include the Acai Bowl, the Falafel Wrap, the Rainbow Salad, and the Snickers Bar. They are located in Sea Point.
Hungry Herbivore: Hungry Herbivore is a vegan restaurant that serves various dishes, from soups and salads to curries and pasta. They also have pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, nachos, and more. Their must-try dishes include Thai Green Curry, Mushroom Alfredo, BBQ Pizza, and Nacho Libre. They are situated in Oranjezicht.
Plant Power Food: Plant Power Food is a vegan restaurant that offers a fusion of Asian and Western cuisines. They have soups, salads, bowls, noodles, rice dishes, burgers, and more. Some of their recommended dishes include the Tom Yum Soup, the Pad Thai, the Bibimbap Bowl, and the Beyond Burger. They are based in Gardens.
These are just some of the many vegan and vegetarian restaurants that you can find in Cape Town. There are many more to explore and enjoy, depending on your preferences and budget. Cape Town is a paradise for vegans and vegetarians who love to eat out and experience different flavours and cultures.
