Jan 29, 20193 min read

Plant-based Map of London I

Research has shown that what we eat is intrinsically linked to how we feel. Our gut is always talking to our brain, whether hungry, stressed or feeling unsafe. Think about when you feel satisfied after a light and fresh meal—that is probably because you have taken care of the microbes in your gut so that they're sending healthy signals to your brain. Given that food is such a central part of everyone's daily life and of society, I can't help but wonder: when it comes to food, have we thought about navigating ourselves?

This reminds me of another story. Some days ago, a friend visited London for the first time. She said she found it relatively easy to travel around with the map and GPS. However, when wandering along the busy streets, she recalled that someone once asked her, 'The world map may guide you around the world; but have you found the map that guides your heart?'

If you have ever asked for directions, you probably know that sometimes you may come across newcomers like yourself. In that case, "Sorry, I don't know either" would be a standard answer; if the people you run into are familiar with the place, they would tell you to walk down Street A or get in Bus B. Besides that, they also pass you reassurance and calmness through their worlds. It is with the calm and reassuring feeling that one does not feel lost anymore.

Now that maps and GPS need to be kept updated, the map of one's inner world also needs to upgrade. From what we eat and where we live to what we do and how we feel, when the internal map becomes more and more apparent, one would always have the light that guides their way forward.

As the saying goes, 'You are what you eat.' Being able to fuel yourself with healthy and wholesome food is an achievement. So here, I'd like to recommend five plant-based restaurants in London that offer different cuisines. If you're looking for good places to dine out or happen to be nearby, make sure to check them out. :’)

1 · Tibits ·

currently closed

The name tibits is derived from the English word "tidbit", meaning "a small, tasty piece of food". This vegetarian restaurant has been my top choice whenever I need to eat out with my friends simply because of its variety of selections and the lovely atmosphere. So far, all my friends there have spoken highly of it!

Pros

offering a buffet of various cuisines as well as desserts and drinks
allergen information labelled for every dish
elegant and cosy environment
moderate price

Cons

limited choices of warm dishes

Address:

12-14 Heddon Street (off Regent Street), London, W1B 4DA
132 Southwark St, London SE1 0SW

Website: www.tibits.co.uk/en/

2 · Redemption ·

currently closed

Redemption has three branches in London, but I like this one the most. When the staff learnt that I don't eat any allium vegetables, they told me to let them know beforehand, and they would prepare a particular version of their best-selling vegan burger for me.

Pros

offering warm dishes
friendly staff
comfortable environment
particular dietary preferences can be satisfied if requested in advance

Cons

poor lighting

Address: 6 Chepstow Road, London, W2 5BH

Website: www.redemptionbar.co.uk/

3 · Deliciously Ella ·

(renamed to plants)

click here for updates

Apart from the fact that it locates in such a quiet neighbourhood near Oxford Street, Deliciously Ella's deli also has a very calm and chill interior design—an ideal place for chatting and relaxing.

Pros

locating in a quiet neighbourhood near Oxford Street
offering delicious food, healthy drinks and gluten-free, vegan desserts
cosy environment

Cons

mostly cold salads
high price

Address: 18-20 Weighhouse Street, London, W1K 5LU

Website: deliciouslyella.com/

4 · Vantra ·

(Soho)

If you're a fan of raw, fermented and steamed food, Vantra may be your kind of place.

Pros

offering a buffet of primarily vegan and allium-free food with delicious sauces and desserts
friendly staff

Cons

mainly oil-free stews and salads with strong flavours
unpleasant atmosphere

Address: 5 Wardour St, London W1D 6PB

Website: www.vantra.co.uk/

5 · Sagar ·

(West End & more)

About a 10-min walk from UCL, I had my first experience of southern Indian food in Sagar and was so impressed by the rich spices used in their cooking!

Pros