Veganuary 2022: Nine places to get great vegan food in Manchester

Veganuary 2022 is now in full swing - and fortunately for Mancunians taking part Manchester is known for its amazing choice of plant-based eateries.

The challenge of cutting out all animal and dairy products from diets for the 31 days of January is now extremely popular, with more than half a million people signing up to take part in 2021.

Supermarkets and restaurants have been responding to the increased demand with an array of new plant-based products appearing on the shelves.

Manchester has been known for a while now for the variety of choice it offers those on a plant-based diet.

So, here are nine gems in and around the city where vegans or those trying it out for a month can munch to their hearts’ content this Veganuary.

V-Rev

A well-established vegan diner on the edge of the Northern Quarter, V-Rev’s menu offers a plant-based American-influenced treat.

There are burgers, hot dogs and other filling options on the menu such as loaded fries and tempting desserts (if you’ve still got any room left by then!)

The names of the dishes, with plenty of good vegan and plant-based puns, are sure to raise a smile as well.

Bundobust

Vegans are extremely well catered for at this Indian street food and craft beer eatery on Piccadilly.

There are loads of small dishes to pick from, including an Indian burger, paratha flatbreads, dahls, bhajis and classic street snacks like the Mumbai dish Bhel Puri.

There is also a vegan combo for two for those struggling to make their minds up what to have.

Vertigo

Vertigo is one of the newer names on the vegan scene, having become established in 2019.

It has already made its mark, though, and now has three sites across the city, with the original Cross Street site near the Royal Exchange Theatre joined by sites on First Street near the HOME arts venue and at MediaCity.

It’s open from breakfast until dinnertime and has a varied menu offering plates to start the day the right way, brunch and lunch options and an evening menu.

Expect everything from pancake stacks to bagels and mac ‘n’ cheeze through to chillis, pies, curries and burgers.

Herbivorous

Inspired by the American explosion in vegan cooking in recent years, Herbivorous is offering vegan street food at Hatch on Oxford Road and its site in Withington.

The business says it dishes up plant-based comfort food.

The menu contains the likes of wings, loaded fries, burgers and a selection of delicious dairy-less desserts.

Little Aladdin

Little Aladdin is well known for its warm welcome, tasty but super-cheap curries and meal deals and friendly atmosphere.

An all-vegan Indian place, diners can find a place in the small seating area and tuck into their choice of around half a dozen curries each day, which are served with rice, vegan naans and rotis.

There are also a few other options including wraps and burgers.

It can be found on the edge of the Northern Quarter on High Street.

Lotus

Lotus started out in life in 2014 as a vegetarian Chinese restaurant, but has now become a plant-based eatery.

It is inspired by the owners’ travels throughout Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and Japan and they have been putting their ingenuity to work to create vegan versions of a range of classic Asian dishes.

There’s a large selection of dim sum, hot pots and a selection of meat substitutes, vegetables and tofu in various sauces and an array of rice and noodles.

There are also sharing platters for those who want to make the meal more sociable.

Wholesome Junkies

Wholesome Junkies is another vegan business which has its roots in the thriving street food and festivals scenes, and has now put down roots in Manchester after getting established by travelling to events the length and breadth of the country.

The business’ name gives a clue as to what it will be dishing up at its locations in Ardwick and in the Arndale Market.

Expect burgers loaded up with toppings and sauces, and classics like mac ‘n’ cheese.

Sanskruti

Located on Mauldeth Road in south Manchester, Sanskruti is an Indian restaurant that serves no meat and has a mouth-watering selection of vegan dishes to try.

Diners can tuck into everything from street food and starters to South Indian sambhars and dosas through to main courses from Punjab and Gujarati.

Many of the dishes are vegan to start with and a number of vegetarian options can also be made fully vegan on request.

The Allotment

This Lloyd Street eatery brings casual fine dining to the vegan scene with an emphasis on locally-grown and sustainable produce.

Small plates include roasted butternut squash and aubergine with harissa, before the large plates go on a journey around the world from vegan ramen to jackfruit tacos and Buddha bowls (there’s also a sharing option).

The meal can then be rounded off with a selection of desserts.