Every January since 2014, over half a million people in the UK go vegan for the whole month, trying plant-based diets and cutting out meat, dairy and other animal-derived products. We’re lucky that lots of restaurants around Manchester offer vegan-friendly menus, here’s a round up of just some of best places for Veganuary: 

1. Dishoom

Offering a taste of old Iranian cafes of Bombay, Dishoom is one of Manchester’s best loved restaurants. Located on Bridge Street, choose from a large dedicated vegan menu for either breakfast or dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for samosas, house chaat, vadu pau or gunpowder potatoes, Dishoom’s decadent offerings are perfect for date nights or celebrations this Veganuary.  

2. Maray 

Middle Eastern-inspired Maray are offering a delicious vegan menu to fill those cravings of tapas-style food this Veganuary. With falafel sharers, disco cauliflower and crispy chickpea dopiaza with an abundance of mezze options to add on top, Maray are providing exceptional dining options for everyone trying to eat plant-based, as well as offering non-vegan options for anyone not joining in.  

From the 2nd January, they’re offering 50% off vegetarian and vegan dishes from their main menu, so all the more reason to book in to Maray this month.  

3. Purezza 

If you’re after plant-based small plates and sourdough pizza, then Purezza on the edge of the Northern Quarter is definitely worth a visit. From classic margaritas to their signature parmigiana party pizza, we recommend trying their wood-fired oven pizzas. They don’t just stop a pizza, their small plates like courgetti spaghetti or vegan meatballs are worth a try, and don’t forget to pair them with one of their refreshing vegan cocktails.  

4. Bundobust 

Bundobust is a well-established vegetarian and vegan street food restaurant that has gone from strength to strength since their first opening in Piccadilly Gardens. Their unique mix of plant-powered Indian street food and interchanging beer list has made Bundobust one of the best casual places to eat in the city. They make eating vegan food effortless and tasty and are definitely worth a visit. 

5. Vegan Sting  

Aiming to bring delicious Asian fusion inspired vegan takeaway, Vegan Sting are offering some of tastiest take-away style vegan food in Greater Manchester. Located in Stretford, Vegan Sting offer highly rated vegan meat burgers and kebab boxes, as well as a range of loaded fried and snack boxes. Quickly becoming a stable on any vegan’s takeaway list, if you’re looking to order takeaway in January and want that meat fix without breaking your vegan streak, why not try Vegan Sting.  

6. Vnam 

Established in 2010, Vnam was a pioneer in the popularisation of Vietnamese food in Manchester, with steamy bowls of pho and their fresh summer rolls. It’s since solidified itself as one of the cities favourites, taking over Northern Quarter with their newly opened branch on Edge Street. While it’s not strictly vegan-only, nearly all the menu options have a vegan alternative – with their vegan bun being a family favourite. From salt and pepper ‘chicken’ to vegan beef and chicken Pho, there are plenty of tasty options to try at Vnam. 

7. Desert Island Dumplings  

Starting off in the markets around Stretford and City Centre, Desert Island Dumplings recently opened their first site on the 3rd floor of Affleck’s Palace in the Northern Quarter. Serving up a unique and delectable array of fusion dumplings. With flavours like cheezburger dumplings, or salt and pepper mock chicken dumplings - maybe you’re in the mood for pizza dumplings or want something on the sweeter side and fancy cookie dough dumplings? If you’re looking for something fresh and imaginative, pop in to Desert Island Dumplings.