January is the time to celebrate – and try – Vegan food. Take part in Veganuary this month by browsing (and eating) the fabulous foods being served up by our favourite vegan restaurants across the Quarter. As Bite your Brum has found out, there is no truth to the myth that a plant-based diet has to be bland. Here is her lowdown on the best vegan eats in the JQ!
Nestled between Jewellery Quarter and St Paul’s Square, Otto smashes out some of the best pizza you’ll find this side of the city. There are toppings to suit all, but their vegan options are absolutely delicious and the crust is divine dipped in extra virgin olive oil. Must try: the number 9 with olives, capers, garlic and basil. Even if you’re not vegan you’ll enjoy this beauty.
This neighbourhood Mexican restaurant is now open seven days a week and serves up tasty tacos as well as a host of sides and their famous frozen margaritas. There’s a rotating selection of vegan dishes, with many being much more interesting than the usual taco offering you’ll find elsewhere. Must try: grab some of the charred padron peppers to start and the tofu wrapped seaweed is a must. Oh yes.
Tierra, Frederick Street
People often forget about this Brum staple, but there’s plenty to like about the family-run Lebanese restaurant. Offering traditional Syrian food in a relaxed setting, you can enjoy plenty of plant-based options including mezze platters to share. Must try: order lots of dips to share – the hummus and baba ganoush are particularly good and they’ll give you lots of flatbreads to scoop them up.
As well as the natural wines and vast beer selection, at this award-winning bar you’ll also find some epic small plates and Sunday lunches come the weekend. There’s a plant-based alternative and it’s a lovely place to enjoy a lazy weekend. Must try: the vegetable wellington is made with maple roasted squash, pine nuts and beetroot – so much more than your average vegan roast dinner. Hit the side plates for an epic two course meal.
Serving up beautiful Indian food in an attractive, spacious restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of plant-based options from a broad menu. There’s also a happy hour available so you can enjoy two for one cocktails at the same time. Must try: the tarka dhal can be made vegan and makes a delicious main or side dish. Add on the gol gappa for extra joy.
Itihaas, Fleet Street
Vegan Society
Did you know the Jewellery Quarter is home to The Vegan Society? The initiative, which has been going from strength to strength since 1944, is committed to promoting vegan lifestyles for the benefits of people, animals and the environment.
Francine Jordan, of The Vegan Society talks about the fantastic plant-based alternatives available in the JQ: “We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to the number of delicious vegan options available in the JQ.
As well as having plenty of places to pick from when it comes to lunch breaks or a bite to eat after work, it also further proves that veganism has become easy and accessible for everyone! It’s a great place for vegans, and those looking to cut back on meat and dairy, alike!”
This article has been adapted from the latest (Winter 2021) JQ Life magazine. Read the full issue online here.
