About Time You Tried: London’s Best Vegan Tofu BreakfastsBy Alicia Grimshaw
Dear vegans and plant powered hunnies,
We made it our mission to discover the best tofu breakfasts in London. It was by no means an easy task – fighting dry vegan sausages and hideously drab plates of overcooked veggies. Good news, we succeeded on our journey. Here’s 5 tofu brekkies that you must try in the capital.
Your truly,
About Time Magazine
1. For a Vegan Shakshuka: Cafe Loren
The Dish: Grated tofu, roasted bell peppers, onions, garlic, granny’s harissa and tomatoes – served with tahini, side salad and a vegan bun (£8.50)
The Lowdown: Cafe Loren, tucked away under the railway arches in Camden Market, is a welcome addition to Camden’s rather shoddy breakfast scene. The cafe cook up one dish -shakshuka – and they do it well. The shakshuka at Cafe Loren is legendary with rich tomato sauce made from scratch every day and the best Challah bread around. There’s fast wifi and good coffee, so bring your laptop and fuel up for the morning.
Why: One of our favourite vegan breakfasts in London. The shakshuka base is a combination of roasted pepper, onions and garlic with an added dash of harissa for a little heat. It’s a proper warming little number, and when there’s tofu in the mix, it’ll keep you full for hours. There’s tahini on the side to drizzle and bread to soak up the sauce. If you want your shakshuka on the spicier side, you only have to ask.
Where: 6 Camden High St, Camden Town, London NW1 0JH
2. For Vegan Scrambled Egg: Ottolenghi Spitalfields
The Dish: Scrambled tofu and rose harissa, served on sourdough with avocado, tomato and crispy Jerusalem artichokes (£9.50)
The Lowdown: There’s nothing Ottolenghi Spitalfields can’t do well. In the morning, come to the restaurant for the best breakfasts in town; their shakshuka is a thing of beauty, as are the fresh juices – try the kale, cucumber, apple and lime juice, it’s a winner. Ottolenghi Spitalfields succeeds on so many levels; the atmosphere of the place is laid-back and casually cool, perfect for dates and friend dinners alike. We love.
Why: Scrambled tofu can often fall victim to being bland and dry. However, Ottolenghi and his kitchen wizardry ways have made sure that’s not the case. The tofu is full of flavour, thanks to the sweet rose harissa and the saltiness from the Jerusalem artichokes. It’s that good, you’ll question if you’re even eating tofu.
Where: 50 Artillery Ln, London E1 7LJ
Photo Credit: Gemma Bell PR
3. For a Vegan Quesadilla: The Gallery Cafe
The Dish: Tortilla wrap with refried beans and vegan cheese, topped with tomato, vegan sour cream and scrambled tofu (£7.50)
The Lowdown: The Gallery Cafe caters for all the vegan and veggie queens. This East London hot spot has grown a cult following thanks to their meat-free wonders, purse friendly prices and their glorious outdoor seating area. All of their veggie dishes can be made vegan, and their loads of gluten-free options too.
Why: One of the vegan breakfasts in London, for sure. A Mexican dish for breakfast is a strong choice and the quesadilla at The Gallery Cafe does not disappoint. It’s a comforting dish – rich refried beans and nutty vegan sour cream all beautifully covered in a sea of vegan cheese. So much protein. So much flavour.
Where: 21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PL
The Dish: Kale and sweet potato hash sautéed in coconut oil with organic scrambled tofu, turmeric and spices (£8.50)
The Lowdown: Ethos is a dedicated veggie restaurant serving dishes from around the world that are full of flavour, healthy and a refreshing change from the pre-packed variety . The restaurant is a pay-by-weight concept and rustle up gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options. But definitely, not free-from taste.
Why: Kale, sweet potato and scrambled tofu is one dreamy breakfast combination. Add in a generous sprinkling of turmeric for an Indian twist and additional spices, with the end result an explosion of Asian flavours. The crunchy kale and the soft scrambled tofu work fantastic together.
Where: 48 Eastcastle St, London W1W 8DX
5. For a Vegan Fry Up: Brasserie Max at the Covent Garden Hotel
The Dish: Vegan Breakfast – sautéed spinach, field mushrooms, chilli beans, tomato, toast and crispy tofu (£16)
The Lowdown: Brasserie Max at the Covent Garden Hotel is as a classy weekend destination. Decked out in plush upholstery and fancy bar seating, the decor is as pretty as your runny yolk. Swing by for afternoon tea or pre-theatre cocktails. This place whip up a mean Espresso Martini.
Why: Hey, just because you’re vegan doesn’t miss you have to miss out on the greatest hangover dish of all time. This brekkie delight is certainly not just a sad replacement of the meat extravaganza, with some token veggies and a limp hash brown. Oh no, this dish is full of sass. The tofu is crispy, the fields mushrooms are large and nicely grilled, and the chilli beans adds some much needed spice.
Where: Convent Garden Hotel, 10 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9HB