Shoreditch‘s Vegan Vanguard: The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Street Food & Cafes
Shoreditch pulses with an undeniable energy – a captivating blend of vibrant street art, cutting-edge fashion, independent boutiques, and, crucially, an electrifying food scene. In recent years, a powerful green wave has swept through its streets, making veganism not just a dietary choice, but a celebrated part of the area’s culinary identity. Finding incredible plant-based eats here is easier and more exciting than ever. This guide is your curated passport to the very best vegan street food stalls and welcoming cafes nestled within this dynamic East London neighbourhood. Forget scouring endless menus; we’ve handpicked standout spots that champion flavour, creativity, and the sheer joy of plant-based dining. Expect innovative takes on global street food classics, comforting cafe staples reimagined, nourishing raw delights, and the perfect brew stops. Join us as we navigate the bustling streets and hidden corners to uncover your next favourite plant-powered pitstop in the heart of Shoreditch.
PlantXology
Location: Unit 28 Boxpark Shoreditch, 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6GY
Website: Visit Website
Price: ££ – Mid-range
Booking: Walk-ins welcome, typical for Boxpark vendors.
Nestled within the iconic container setup of Boxpark Shoreditch, PlantXology is a shining example of vibrant, modern vegan street food. Perfectly capturing the energetic spirit of its location, this 100% plant-based vendor serves up a delightful array of globally-inspired dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Think satisfying wraps packed with flavour, colourful nourish bowls, and inventive plant-based creations designed for eating on the go. It’s an absolutely ideal spot for grabbing a quick, flavourful, and entirely vegan lunch while exploring the unique shops of Boxpark or simply soaking up the bustling Shoreditch atmosphere. Their commitment to fresh ingredients and exciting taste combinations makes PlantXology a standout choice for anyone seeking convenient yet high-quality vegan fare right in the epicentre of Shoreditch’s street food action.
Transitioning from the fast-paced energy of Boxpark, our next stop offers a more relaxed, Scandinavian-inspired vibe just a short stroll away.
Dauns
Location: 71 Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
Website: Visit Website
Price: ££ – Mid-range
Booking: Walk-ins welcome.
Tucked away on the charming Columbia Road (famous for its Sunday flower market), Dauns brings a touch of Swedish warmth and simplicity to the Shoreditch fringe. This delightful cafe focuses on plant-based food inspired by Scandinavian flavours and traditions. While not strictly street food, its casual atmosphere and delicious vegan offerings make it a perfect cafe stop. Expect comforting open sandwiches (smørrebrød) on rye bread, flavourful soups, excellent coffee, and delectable vegan pastries, often featuring classic Nordic ingredients like dill, beetroot, and pickles. Dauns provides a calm, cosy retreat from the Shoreditch hustle, ideal for a leisurely weekend brunch, a coffee catch-up, or a wholesome lunch. Their unique focus on Scandinavian plant-based cuisine makes them a truly special find in the area, offering a different but equally delicious take on vegan cafe culture.
Moving back towards the main thoroughfare, we find a coffee shop known for its community feel and excellent brews.
Claudia’s
Location: 103 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JN
Website: Visit Website
Price: ££ – Mid-range
Booking: Walk-ins welcome.
Right on the bustling Shoreditch High Street, Claudia’s Coffee Shop is a welcoming haven for coffee lovers and those seeking simple, well-made cafe fare with great vegan options. While primarily a coffee shop, its friendly vibe and selection of plant-based bites earn it a spot on our list. They consistently offer vegan milk alternatives for their expertly brewed coffee, alongside a tempting selection of vegan cakes, pastries, and often sandwiches or light lunch items. It’s the quintessential neighbourhood cafe – unpretentious, warm, and reliable. Perfect for grabbing your morning caffeine fix, meeting a friend, or taking a moment to recharge while exploring Shoreditch. Claudia’s demonstrates how easily vegan choices can be integrated into the daily cafe ritual, making plant-based accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
For those seeking something entirely different and exceptionally healthy, our next highlight focuses on the art of raw vegan cuisine.
Rawlala – Raw M*akery
Location: Check website for current delivery/pop-up details relevant to Shoreditch.
Website: Visit Website
Price: ££-£££ – Specialist
Booking: Primarily focused on delivery, catering, and potentially market stalls – check website for ordering.
Rawlala – Raw M\*akery brings a unique and health-conscious dimension to Shoreditch’s vegan offerings. Specialising in the art of raw vegan food, they craft intricate and flavourful dishes without any cooking, preserving nutrients and showcasing the natural vibrancy of plants. Think stunningly colourful raw ‘maki’ rolls filled with fresh vegetables and creative fillings, nourishing salads, and decadent-tasting yet guilt-free raw desserts. While perhaps not a traditional walk-in cafe or street stall in the typical sense (often focusing on delivery, catering, or market appearances – check their website for current availability in the Shoreditch area), Rawlala represents the cutting edge of innovative vegan cuisine. It’s an excellent choice for a light, energising meal, a healthy office lunch delivery, or sourcing beautifully crafted raw vegan platters for events. Their dedication to raw food principles offers a sophisticated and distinct plant-based experience.
Our final stop brings us to a charming spot known for its coffee and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a quieter moment.
Charista
Location: 27 Charlotte Rd, London EC2A 3PB
Website: Visit Website
Price: ££ – Mid-range
Booking: Walk-ins welcome.
Nestled on the slightly quieter, yet still central, Charlotte Road, Charista offers a chic and tranquil escape. This speciality coffee shop and cafe prides itself on expertly brewed coffee and provides a welcoming space with a good selection of vegan-friendly options. Alongside top-notch espresso and filter coffee (with plant milk readily available), you can typically find delicious vegan cakes, pastries, and often light savoury items like toasties or sandwiches suitable for vegans. Charista fits perfectly into the ‘vegan cafe’ theme, providing a sophisticated yet relaxed environment ideal for working remotely, enjoying a quiet read, or having a thoughtful conversation over excellent coffee and a plant-based treat. It’s a testament to Shoreditch’s diverse scene, offering a more serene counterpoint to the high-energy street food vendors, while still championing quality vegan choices.
Your Plant-Powered Shoreditch Adventure Awaits
Shoreditch truly is a playground for plant-based food lovers. From the quick, flavour-packed bites served from bustling street food containers to the laid-back ambiance and comforting brews of neighbourhood cafes, the area offers a dazzling spectrum of choices for both the committed vegan and the plant-curious explorer. The innovation is palpable, with chefs and baristas constantly finding new ways to showcase the versatility and deliciousness of vegan ingredients, drawing inspiration from global cuisines and local, seasonal produce. This compilation offers just a glimpse into the incredible vegan scene thriving in this dynamic pocket of East London. Consider it your curated starting point, a launchpad for discovering the diverse range of stalls and cafes putting plants centre stage. We hope it inspires you to step out, explore the vibrant streets, and perhaps find your new favourite vegan haunt. So grab your reusable cutlery, embrace the creative energy, and prepare to feast your way through Shoreditch’s exceptional plant-powered offerings! Happy eating!
