Dining Out in London - Food for Thought

Spinach Cauliflower Dal with Brown Rice & Potato Salad with Garden Salad
Food for Thought

Dinner Crowd at Food for Thought

I'll keep this one short and sweet, because sadly Food for Thought will be closed by the end of June after more than 40 years in business. It happened to be my favorite vegan food in London and the most conveniently located, close to both my office and my hotel, in Soho. Tucked away on a small cobblestone street, it always attracted a crowd in the early evening. People just like me enjoyed their delicious savory, hearty meals. It tasted like home cooked food and the servings were always generous. Not everything they served was vegan, but they had a few vegan entrees to choose from every night and for a combo meal adding a daily salad option was easy as all of them were vegan. 

One of my favorite entrees was the Spinach Cauliflower Dal with Brown Rice. I ordered salad to go with it and got a mix of vegan potato salad and garden salad with a yummy tomato dressing. The Dal dish was creamy, perfectly seasoned and fresh. On other visits, I also tried the Stir-Fried Vegetables with Brown Rice, the Pickled Vegetables, an Avocado, Corn and Black Bean Salad. One more stand out was the dessert I tried on my last visit. The Apple Pear Crumble was jam-packed with fruit and deliciously cinnamon-spiced. Every meal I enjoyed was takeout, but as shown in the photo they do have a few tables to dine in for a small price increase.

Stir-Fried Vegetables with Brown Rice
Food for Thought

The limited, constantly changing menu might frustrate people, especially when you find a favorite, but considering how good the various options were, I enjoyed the surprise and variety! It was cash only, but this is far more common in London than back in the states so I was used to it. If only a place like this existed in New York, where you could get a vegan meal that tastes like home and satisfies you like no other! 

Butterbean Pie - Food for Thought

Taste the Rainbow!

Food for Thought

31 Neal Street

Covent Garden

London, UK WC2H 9PR

Food for Thought Website

Dining Out in London - Manna

Sticky Toffee Pudding - Manna

Manna is an all vegan restaurant located in Primrose Hill, a pricey more residential part of London compared to busier parts like Soho and Bloomsbury. I loved walking in this sleepy, quaint neighborhood with white townhouses and boutique shops. I met with a friend from the US who moved to London over a year ago, her vegan friend joined us for dinner. From my research I knew this historical (celebrating 47 years!) restaurant offered some of the traditional British fare, things I had never tried before even in non-vegan versions, like Bangers and Mash and Sticky Toffee Pudding, but even with the unknowns I was excited for a sit-down meal with good company. Manna is a small restaurant and although I called and couldn't get the reservation I wanted, there were empty tables throughout our dinner (a bit frustrating). 

Manna Mezze - Manna

Manna Mezze, Arancini - Manna

Baja California Plate - Manna

We started with the Manna Mezze to taste a variety of appetizers. I got to try the Arancini, Vegetable Tempura and Indian Pizza. All of them were delicious, though the Arancini and Indian Pizza were more unique and exciting. I enjoyed the sauces paired with each one. Though their menu changes often, the Organic Bangers and Mash is a constant. I ordered this dish for my entree, again I didn't have much to compare it to because I'd never tried the non-vegan version before. Sadly I wasn't in love with my dish, but it was good. It contained organic fennel and pumpkin seed sausages, on a parsnip and carrot mash with a red wine leek and thyme jus with onion rings. The vegan sausage had lots of seasoning and flavor, but the texture was a little too grainy. I of course loved the fried onion rings that topped the dish! My dining companions both ordered the Baja California Plate (sadly no longer on the menu) and really enjoyed it. Their meals were slightly more fresh and colorful than mine. Although already full, for dessert I had to get my hands on the Sticky Toffee Pudding. Luckily I was able to share it with my friend. It was presented beautifully with a flavor that was decadent and very sweet, certainly happy with this choice to end the meal!

Overall I enjoyed the appetizers and dessert the most. For this more relaxing, quiet dining experience compared to what I experienced in the city center, I would return here. The quality of food was high and service, despite being slow, was decent. In comparison to US prices, this wasn't a cheap meal, but I didn't feel like I was overpaying.

Organic Bangers and Mash - Manna

Manna

4 Erksine Road

Primrose Hill

London, United Kingdom NW3 3AJ

Manna Website

Dining Out in London - Tibits

A Mix of Delicious Vegan Dishes - Tibits

I learned about Tibits from Chef Chloe Coscarelli's list of "must dine at" places in London. I was out and about on the Bank Holiday (May 4) enjoying the beautiful weather when I came across the lovely alley, known as Heddon Street with a handful of restaurants that had plentiful outdoor seating. Tidbits founded by three Swiss men is a vegetarian buffet-style restaurant that is pay-by-weight. I'll admit, this turned me off a bit before going. You might assume (like I did) when the kitchen tries to create so many dishes, 40 in total, and keeps them out for everybody to pick at, that the quality suffers. It did not, let me tell you! I enjoyed my meal so much that I cleared my large plate then went back for takeout on both dinner and desserts. I think I shocked the cashier when I downed so much food! I made sure to come back for another visit later in my trip, too.

The rare find, a vegan creamy dressing!

Tibits offers a ton of vegan and gluten-free options, everything is labeled and it seemed at least 90% of the options were vegan. You'll find a mix of hot and cold sides and entrees. Some of the highlights on my plate were the Swiss Chard Lasagna, Orcchiette Pasta with Tofu, Japanese Noodle Salad, Creamy Herb Dressing, Gnocchi, Falafel, Red Pepper Hummus. For dessert I was already thrilled to have more than one vegan option so I took a whole box home with me of Sticky Toffee Pudding, Chocolate Chai Cream, Rhubarb and Apple Crumble and Victoria Sponge Cake. I also ordered a fruit juice that sounded appealing, named Tutti Frutti, with orange, kiwi, apple, pear, banana, and sea buckthorn syrup (what's this? I didn't know either, it's an herb with many health benefits including vitamin C)!

Tutti Frutti Juice - Tibits

I could eat here almost everyday, but cost-wise, it can get expensive if you're not careful, my first plate cost about $15 USD. There is so much variety, so much to choose from, and everything I tried was delicious. Buffets can be overwhelming, so given more time I would soon discover my favorite items, until next time... or maybe a trip to Switzerland?

Tibits

12-14 Heddon Street

London, England W1B 4DA

Tibits Website

Tibits on Heddon Street in London

Dining In - Indian Buffet Trio - Saag Aloo, Chana Masala, Vegetable Biryani & Garlic Naan

Indian Buffet Trio - Saag Aloo, Chana Masala & Vegetable Biryani - Chloe's Kitchen

This dinner was a labor of love. I was feeling ambitious and decided to try a four-part recipe from Chloe's Kitchen. In retrospect I should have made this for a dinner party or a larger group, since I had tons of leftovers after my boyfriend and I enjoyed the meal. 

Indian food is generally veg-friendly, but you do have to make sure the food isn't prepared with yogurt or "ghee" which is clarified butter. For these recipes, canola oil makes a good substitute. I had never prepared Indian food before, but it wasn't too difficult. Many of the ingredients are repeated throughout the dishes - onions, curry powder, cumin, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper. The rice dish, called Vegetable Biryani, was the favored one of the meal. 

I have to admit the garlic naan was a bit of a failure. I used store-bought whole wheat pizza dough instead of creating it from scratch. It didn't have the chewiness or softness that traditional naan does. Better luck next time. You can find this recipe and others in Chloe's Kitchen (buy your copy here).

Saag Aloo
1 large russet potato, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
5 oz. baby spinach, ripped or chopped into bite-sized pieces
3 garlic cloves, minced
Sea salt
Ground black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste

Chana Masala
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
Sea salt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 large pinch cayenne pepper
15 oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup water
Ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Vegetable Biryani
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 1/2 cups basmati rice (I used jasmine rice and it worked out fine)
1 tomato, chopped
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

Garlic Naan
8 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. pizza dough
Flour
2 tablespoons Earth Balance margarine

To Prepare Saag Aloo:

Boil potatoes until fork tender

Cook potatoes in salted water in a small saucepan. Bring water to a boil and then let cook until potatoes are fork tender. Drain water, set cooked potatoes aside. 

Boil cashews in a small saucepan with enough water to cover them for 10 minutes, then drain. Put cashews and water in a blender and process until very smooth. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add ginger, curry powder, cumin, and coriander. Cook a few minutes, while stirring. Add in spinach, garlic, cashew mixture, and potatoes. Let cook a few minutes, season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, add in tomato paste and stir. Taste test it and add more seasonings if needed. Serve warm. 

Saag Aloo - Chloe's Kitchen

To Prepare Channa Masala:

Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat, add in onions. Season with salt and cook until softened and browned, 5-8 minutes. 

Add garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, cloves, and cayenne. Cook for a couple more minutes. Add in the chickpeas, tomatoes, and water. Season again with salt and pepper. 

Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes, uncovered. Add in cilantro, brown sugar, and lemon juice, stir to blend together. Serve warm. 

Channa Masala - Chloe's Kitchen

To Prepare Vegetable Biryani:

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat and cook onions until softened. Add in garlic, cumin ginger, curry powder, cinnamon and salt. Cook for a few minutes. 

Stir in dry rice, tomatoes, frozen vegetables, and raisins. Let cook for another minutes (it may seem odd to cook when rice is dry, but it works out by the end). 

Add in water and broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for about 10 minutes or until rice is cooked and most of the excess liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let the pan sit, covered for about 15 minutes. 


To Prepare Garlic Naan:

Preheat oven to broil and have a baking sheet ready.

Knead the minced garlic into your prepared dough until it's evenly distributed, do this gently and slowly otherwise the garlic pieces will pop out as you stretch the dough. 

Split dough into 6 pieces, roll each into a ball, then roll out until flat and very thin (this is the part I struggled with, my dough kept bounces back and became too thick).  

Place flattened circles onto baking sheet and brush with melted margarine. Broil for 2-3 minutes then flip, brush more margarine on other side and broil again for 2 minutes. You should see some brown spots and hear some sizzling. 

Garlic Naan - Chloe's Kitchen

Congrats, you're done! Serve the three dishes together with the naan on the side. 

Dining In - Tasty Bite Channa Masala

Channa Masala - Tasty Bite

I enjoy Indian food on occasion. My favorite, before going vegan, was Chicken Tikka Masala, mildly spiced, with lots of flavor. The difficulty with Indian food and a vegan diet is use of clarified butter in most dishes. I haven't actively sought out a vegan Indian meal yet, but this ready-made packaged meal does the trick. I taste-tested the brand Tasty Bite at the Boston Vegetarian Food Festival and bought it for the first time soon after. I went with the Channa Masala, chickpeas slow-simmered with onions, tomatoes, and spice. It's filling and has the right amount of mild spices and flavor with tender chickpeas. The entire packet has two servings but if you found yourself consuming the whole thing, no worries, it only has 360 calories. It's also labeled vegan!

The prep couldn't be easier. Tear the pouch and microwave for 90 seconds. To make it a complete meal, pair with brown rice. I used Trader Joe's frozen brown rice pouches, which only take 3 minutes in the microwave. Talk about a lazy meal! The outcome is still delicious and healthful though. 

Trader Joe's Brown Rice & Tasty Bite Channa Masala

Give it a try! You can usually find the Tasty Bite products in the ethnic food section of your local grocery store.