The Hot Hip and Holy Vegan

Mykonos in Port Elizabeth

Yes, I was in PE this weekend and finding something to eat on Sunday just before flying back to Johannesburg was not easy. Most things were closed but we did manage to find a Greek restaurant called Mykonos in the suburb of Walmer. Usually we can find something to put together in a Greek restaurant, but this one totally exceeded expecations by virtue of the quality of food. It's a small, family run spot which has only been open for a few weeks. The owner was only too happy to help us with something Vegan to eat. No strange looks etc,, just a smiling and very helpful disposition. He made us an open Pita with loads of veggies and hummus which you may think is very simple, and it was, but the flavours were really something special. He really understood that we wanted some good food and he managed to infuse that super tasty, Greek flavour into the whole dish. He served this with some potato wedges on the side which rounded off nicely what was a simple yet delicious meal and totally unexpcted especially in PE. We had the most delicious Baklava to end which he told us is a recipe handed down from his mother-in-law from Greece which his wife now makes to perfection.. and I would definitely agree (I've had some in my time, and this was truly something special). So, if you find yourself in PE..

stop by this very Vegan friendly, family run Greek Joint.

Cape Town Fish Market

Yes, there are so many wrong words in the name of this restaurant. Firstly, it's in Johannesburg and the word Fish doesn't exactly fair well on a Vegan blog, but despite how wrong it sounds, they do have a few things very right at their incredible sushi bar which has tonnes of veggie options. Edamame is served in nice size portions (the first and only place I've eaten this in Joziville), Tofu and Wakame, super fresh and delicious Maki, and a Japanese Salad with unidentifiable mushrooms and other veggies in a sweet and sour sauce. - really yummy.
The way they serve Green Tea is also so delightful, (For those of you who know me, you will understand my small cup fetish - it just tastes nicer!)
So, if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being in Sandton City, and you are hungry, the Cape Town Fish Market is actually a hidden treasure of lots of vegan delights.
Enjoy.

The Leafy Green

This place has been going for quite awhile now, but I wasn't sure it was going to last. It's out Magalies way on the same premises as Casalinga. I went there last week Sunday and found it booming! It's really grown into a happening spot with tables spilling out onto the pathway. The setting is tranquil in typical country style and the food is truly spectacular. Situated on the organic farm where most of the food comes from and pitched as a raw vegan restaurant (although there are plenty of cooked options too), this is a true green restaurant boasting delicious, fresh and organic food. The food is buffet style and your plates are weighed which makes it a pricey option but for pure goodness on your plate, it is well worth every cent. Best part is the very yummy desserts. We ordered a taste of everything but what won the day was the raw, strawberry cheese cake. Very decadent and truly delicious.
Here is a link to their site.
http://www.lgcafe.org/

Greenside Cafe

So, it's taken me awhile to mention Greenside Cafe, because my main aim was to demonstrate how you can go to non-vegetarian restaurants and still find something delicious to eat, but I felt that it was time to revisit this progressive restaurant and talk about their entire menu.

Everything on their menu, and i have had almost everything, is super fresh and very tasty. This is a stricltly vegetarian and vegan restaurant. They are open during the day Tuesday to Sunday and Friday and Saturday nights, but they don't serve any alcohol so if you've in the mood for some festivity in that way, don't expect any wine to be served, nor do you have the option to bring your own. Apart from that, the food is excellent, and well worth the trip. I have taken many meat eaters there who have all had a good experience. My favourite is of course their Yogi Pizza, which is made from scratch with a sour dough base, and lots of fresh toppings, simply delicious and very very filling. Another favourite is the tofu ribbons, which is kind of like a pasta but made with tofu in a mustard sauce, you really must try it. The decor is very light and simple with tables outside for that whole 'pavement chic' vibe. The other thing I really appreciate at this place is their Green Salad. For someone who really likes to eat green things, surprisingly few places understand the value in greens. They either skimp on the greens and you end up with a salad of tomatoes, onions and olives, or they view a green salad as something to decorate the plate with. At Greenside, their green salad only has green stuff in it, and LOTS of it, so if you're needing a calcium and roughage boost, this is the salad that will give you that.
I've noticed that they've added a veggie burger to their menu which I will give a try next time I am there.

Also, this is probably the only place in Joziville that you will be able to order vegan desserts which is such a pleasure. Their raw mango tart is heavenly, but make sure you've left enough space for it as it's super filling. Their vegan cup cakes are almost a must as is their crumble of the day.

The biggest complaint I get from friends I've taken there, is about the high price of the fruit juices, but given that they don't serve alcohol and that a restaurant like this actually exists in this town, I urge you to spend the extra as a way of supporting them in their efforts to keep this delicious as well as compassionate restaurant alive and open.

Five stars to Dimitri and his team for giving vegans a real option.

Visit their website for details

http://www.thegreensidecafe.co.za/

Spiceburg

A south Indian restaurant in Greenside making supremely delicious Marsala Dosas amongst other things. Best of all, they actually have a Vegan Menu! Ask for it. They've taken all the vegan options off their main menu and created a special menu for us Vegans. (yes, because I asked them to). Seriously the most delicious Indian food outside of Fordsburg. The atmosphere is a little sparse (and they often put the TV on which I am not a fan of), but the food is great and the prices are reasonable. You HAVE to try a Dosa, it's the bomb.
They also have a Sunday buffet every week offering Veggie Sundays..

Check out all their details here
http://www.dining-out.co.za/member_details-MemberID-3265.html

The Darkie Cafe

A surprising spot in the center of town - Marshalltown to be exact and open on Mondays, which is as you will know, quite difficult to find in Jozi town.
We were there for lunch, but it;s open for dinner as well with super stylish decor and a real Jozi feel. There were tofu sandwiches, veg samoosas and other super delicious vegan options.
The highlight,, homemade ginger beer,, truly yummy.
For a real Jozi feel with some style and options for vegans, I give this a 7 out of 10 on the Veganometer.
There website is still under construction, but you can get hold of them here
+27 (0)72 626 6074. Email: sandi@darkiecafe.co.za.

Vanilla (coffee shop and restaurant in Rosebank mall)

If you find yourself at Rosebank Mall over lunch time Vanilla (Opposite Nino's) has great veggie burgers and their salads are nice and fresh too.
With very friendly and knowledgeable waiters you'll definitely find something on the menu to eat. No soy milk though so take your own if you're planning on having coffee.

http://www.themallofrosebank.co.za/shop.htm?shopMGID=4975

The Abyssinian Restaurant

So, we ventured East to Kensington this weekend, to 'The Abyssinian Restaurant'. The food and everything about this place is Ethiopian with it's traditional dishes, decor, music and beer. We were dining with a guy who lived in Ethiopia for a year and is fluent in the language, so we really had the advantage of ordering totally vegan (leaving out all things cooked with meat and dairy). The dish we ordered was a platter for us all to share which consisted of a bread called injera and sauces made from lentils, tomato, onion, and all kinds of yummy veggies. The flavours were an exotic blend of spices, not all hot, but all tasty. The dish was served in a communal stainless steel plate and we all shared eating with our hands. We all left with very full bellies having enjoyed the Ethiopian live band and a unique evening out. I would highly recommend this for something different and super accommodating to vegans.

Here are their details
http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/abyssinian_restaurant/

Days at Sea (South Coast)

Ok, so it's not Jozi, but I spent new years at a small, boutique hotel called Days at Sea in Trafalgar (South Coast)
The Chef made such a massive effort for our vegan needs. Every meal was carefully thought out and supremely delicious.
Amongst the best were exotic mushrooms done in a white wine sauce with a polenta triangle,, amazing!
She also managed to get hold of Vegan cheese (yes people, in Margate!) which she made a Caprese salad with.
Lunch was also interesting - a fresh salad served with potato croquettes.
It's the first time we've gone away and been so taken care of and served gourmet vegan food.
A special thanks to Katja at Days at Sea for making our stay so exceptional.

Hodges in Craighall Park

Really, this is such a little gem of a place at the Colony in Craighall Park.
I went there recently for breakfast and discovered veggie sausages, potato wedges, mushrooms, tomatoes and all sorts of deilcious things for a good breakfast.
You can basically make up your own breakfast and the biggest gift of all,,, SOY MILK!
Atmosphere light and personal.
Very unexpected but very pleased to know it's there.

http://www.hodges.co.za/