It’s estimated that over 1.2 million people living in the UK have adopted a vegetarian diet, and it’s no secret that the vegan lifestyle is on the rise. According to The Vegan Society, at least 542,000 people in Britain are now following a vegan diet, seeing a 360% increase in the last decade.
What is a vegan?
A vegan is a person who chooses to live a life without the use of animal products. This means they do not consume foods and drink containing animal, and they do not use anything that has animal in. It is thought that there are three main types of vegan:
| Plant based vegan | Plant based vegans live off a diet of foods that originate from the ground, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, legumes, etc. |
| Ethical vegan | An ethical vegan is a person who has chosen to become vegan in order to live life without injuring animals and protesting the exploitation of animals. Environmental factors may also contribute to this. |
| Raw vegan | Raw vegans are individuals who don’t consume any animal by-products, as well as anything cooked above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, as they believe the food loses nutritional value if heated above this. |
What is a vegetarian?
A vegetarian is a person who chooses a diet without any meat or fish. The difference between a vegetarian and vegan is that vegetarians also eat dairy product and eggs. There are four different types of vegetarian:
| Lacto-ovo vegetarians | Lacto-ovo is the most common type of vegetarian. They eat both eggs and dairy. |
| Lacto vegetarians | Lacto vegetarians consume dairy but not eggs |
| Ovo vegetarians | Ovo vegetarians do not eat dairy, but they do eat eggs. |
| Pescatarian | Pescatarians eat fish. |
The Top Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Birmingham
Birmingham has a plethora of places to eat, and many restaurants, cafes and eateries cater to a vegan and vegetarian lifestyle. Just check out our list below!
Not Dogs
L14 Link Street, Bullring
If you’re after a vegetarian or vegan fast food fix that you can trust, then Not Dogs is the perfect place for you. Founded by a meat reducer and a vegetarian – Katie and Jane travelled round the UK in a purple zig-zag food truck, with the aim of providing food lovers with a fun, delectable and quality menu to excite and amaze. If you’re wondering how these lovely ladies mimic the meat, their vegetarian Not Dogs are made with Quorn Bratwurst, and the vegan Not Dog is made from seitan. This place is great if you’re just passing through and looking for a quick bite before you explore Britain’s second city!
Favourite Vegan option: The Vegan Dog with Loaded Ticklish Tikka Waffle Fries.
Favourite Vegetarian option: Hello Humous Not Dog with Not Dogs Nuggets.
1847
26 Great Western Arcade
1847 is a modern vegetarian and vegan restaurant, located in Birmingham’s Victorian arcade. Surrounded by a number of independent businesses, 1847 is the place to go if you really want to treat yourself. The restaurant’s name derives from the year the Vegetarian Society formed, in 1847. What makes 1847 so spectacular is the fact that it has evolved from just the head chef and the owner, Damien, running it. Whether you’ve got an anniversary, birthday or something to celebrate, then this luxury vegetarian and vegan restaurant in the heart of Birmingham is the place to go.
Favourite Vegan option: The chickpea flatbread with sweetcorn puree, and rice donuts with coconut malabi.
Favourite Vegetarian option: The battered halloumi and chips, followed by cheese crackers.
Toppoki
1C Hurst Street
Korean food is taking the UK by a storm, and if you’re after an authentic experience when it comes to Korean dining, then look no further than Toppoki. This restaurant is one of the most popular places in Birmingham, and never disappoints. The sleek surroundings, quick service and tantalising flavours will leave you feeling full, but desperate for another delicious bite! What makes this place so great is the fact that you can get a delicious high quality meal that you don’t have to wait long for. The menu is full of tofu, soy and vegetable options – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Favourite Vegan option: Vegetable Yakisoba with a side of edamame beans
Favourite Vegetarian option: Salad Bibimbap with Kimchi and a portion of rice.
1565 Bar & Terrace @ Park Regis
Park Regis Broad Street
Park Regis’ 1565 restaurant, bar and terrace provides delicious food from the grill. Whether you’re after breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can chose from the buffet, salad bar and menu. As well as dining, 1565 offers a brunch that is simply to die for! Oh, and don’t forget the afternoon tea. Everything on the menu is made from the freshest ingredients, by the best chefs in Brum!
Favourite Vegan option: Roast sweetcorn & coconut soup and Red Pepper Reduction, Sweet potato & Coconut Polenta, Shitake Mushroom , Pak choy & soy reduction
Favourite Vegetarian option: Roast Pumpkin & Burnt onion salad and Heritage Beetroot Salad with Goat’s curd
3 Thress
Martineau Place Birmingham City Centre
3 Threes offers a delicious selection of vegetarian and vegan coffees, cakes, sandwiches and nachos. Whether you’re in Birmingham for a light lunch, or meeting a friend for coffee, you can visit 3 Threes in Hockley, Jewellery Quarter, or in Birmingham City Centre. With a selection of loose leaf teas, vegan oreo cake and ice creams, every vegan and vegetarian will find something to satisfy their sweet tooth. Coffee, hot dogs and cakes. Could you think of anything better?
Favourite Vegan option: Jamaican jerk style chicken wrap with nachos and Oreo chocolate cake
Favourite Vegetarian option: Hot dog with all the toppings, nachos and a red velvet cupcake.
For more ideas and tips on what to do whilst in Birmingham view our Birmingham City Guide and our guides to the best places to eat and brunch in Birmingham.
