Ok, I only managed to be a vegetarian for a week of my life after witnessing a pair of wild rabbits being slung on to my bench in the kitchen I was chef-ing in. And that week ended with a Turkish kebab on holiday visiting my parents in Qatar.
I have complete understanding for vegetarianism – I love animals, I’ve had pets of all sorts and I can’t physically hurt anything or anyone (except spiders, fly’s and ants!)
BUT – I love food, I’m a chef and have no control.
So, to compromise with my values I opt for Vegan Mondays, reduce my red meat to once a week and try and eat vegetarian for a further two days a week.
But when it comes to my favourite food from all over the world, they just happen to be vegetarian like Jerusalem Hummus, Amsterdam Frites & Mayo, American Hot Fudge Sundaes, Korean Kimchi, Thai Pad Thai, Vietnamese Spring Rolls, Italian Margarita Pizza or Gnocci with fried sage and butter. Sicilian aranchini or calzoni, Mexican Guacamole & tortillas and Canadian pancakes with bananas & maple to name a few.
So – – This morning I had a lovely message from a fella asking for vegetarian restaurant recommendations in Norwich. An easy task when you’ve eaten in all of them (except one, on my radar!) – – – hence I’m spreading the word.
The Tipsy Vegan–
Started off as Bao on the market (now gone), offering American diner inspired vegan foods. Then they opened up Tipsy Vegan offering more of the same and delicious desserts plus cocktails in their licenced restaurant.
Brunch, Lunch & Dinner 6 days a week – closed Wednesday
68-70 St Benedicts Street / 01603 666788 / https://www.thetipsyvegan.co.uk
Erpingham House–
A well-established smart vegan restaurant offering burgers, Buddha bowls, Moroccan salad, Fsh n chips, Thai noodles plus sides and more.
7 days a week, café from 10am, lunch and dinner
22 Tombland, Nr31RF / 01603733834
https://www.erpinghamhouse.com
Namaste–
Offers tasty south Indian vegetarian foods like paneer curry, masalas, dosa pancakes and street food classics like Pani Puri
Closed Mondays, Tue, Wed & Thur diner only, lunch and dinner Fri, Sat and Sunday.
Namaste Village – 131-139 Queens Road, NR13PN / 01603466466
Namaste India – 2a Opie Street, Nr23DN / 01603662016
http://www.namasteindiannorwich.com/namastevillage/#
Wild Thyme–
A lovely loft vegetarian restaurant with beams and rustic charm. With a smart menu to match like beetroot risotto, Korean BBQ jackfruit, black garlic, truffle & celeriac ragu. Proper breakfast from 9am including a full vegetarian English, stuff on toast, granola or porridge – plus cakes.
Closed Sundays, Mon – Wed breakfast & lunch, Thur to Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner.
3 Old Fire Starion Stables, Labour in Vein Yard, NR21JD / 01603 765562
Moorish–
An eat in or takeaway falafel bar served in wraps, or burgers including jack fruit, beyond meat or fake chicken. Plus, salads, cakes, dolmas, pickles and more.
Open from 11am for lunch and early dinner 6 dyas a week, closed Sundays.
17 Lower Goat Lane, NR21EL / 01603 622250
https://www.moorishfalafel.com
Falafel & Friends–
Norwich Markets vegetarian stall offering all sorts from torpedo potato with chilli sauce, to all sorts of burgers like the Black garlic & mushrooms, the Aubergine Snitzel or the Satan fried chicken. OR grab a Korean rice dish with vegan egg & homemade kimchi.
Opens 7 days a week from 11am – 4pm
40 – 41 Market Place, NR21ND
Lucys Chips–
Lucy’s also on the market offer a second side to their stall where they dedicated the fryers to vegan friendly food. Choose from ‘Vish’ (fake fish made with banana blossom), tofu battered sausages & burgers or fish steaks plus toons of chips.
Open 7 days a week 10-4pm except Sundays 11-3pm
114 Market Place, Nr21ND / 01603 622055
Kinda Kafe–
A friendly community café, offering free meals and work experience to people who need it plus community meeting space.
Vegetarian Wraps, jackets and curry’s plus humus and stuff on toast plus cakes and bakes.
Mon – sat 10am – 5pm, closed Sundays
21-23 Castle Meadow, NR13DH / 01603 850309
Loving Hut–
A little café at the back of the castle serving an Asian style help yourself buffet plate, mainly takeaway.
Closed Mondays – Open 11.45 – 4.15pm
28 Cattle Market Street, Nr13DY / 07845 282127
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loving-Hut/121699884588543
Tofurei–
A small café mainly for takeaway with a couple of tables. SOON to expand. Offering vegan treats and bakes. Tofurei have got their own soya factory in Norfolk making their own soya based products like tofu with local soya beans ((this is gonna get massive)).
Monday to Saturday 10-6pm
12Potter Gate / 01603 627717
Ancestors Coffee–
A day time café offering coffees and teas along with rice milk shakes, bakes and cakes with stuff on toast and a few toasties like the Kimchi-cheese.
7 days a week from 10am until late afternoon
27 Magdalene Street / 07975 628706
So what a wonderful array of deliciousness all in one magnificent city – no wonder we’ve been awarded the best city for Vegan food in the UK.
By Zena Leech-Calton (c)
www.lovenorwichfood.co.uk