Veganuary is a challenge run annually by a non profit organisation based in the UK. The concept is to promote and educate people about veganism, encouraging them to follow a vegan lifestyle for the duration of the month of January. It’s the newest trend of 2022, to begin a new month of resolutions and start the year off with a healthy bang.

Switching to a plant-based diet for a month can reduce the risk of numerous health problems including diabetes and heart disease. And of course, the environmental benefits are endless. So here’s some of the restaurants in and around Leeds you can visit if you’re participating in Veganuary this month, or just simply looking for somewhere new to try…

Grantley Hall – 5 star hotel Grantley Hall based in Ripon are participating in Veganuary this year through their eight course vegan tasting menu, which also runs all year round. Set in their pan-Asian EightyEight restaurant and bar, whet your appetite with their vegan tasting menu which includes chilli and sesame crusted tofu, tea smoked crown prince pumpkin dumplings and braised celeriac in masterstock. Splash out and treat yourself throughout the challenge this January.

FINT – Scandinavian restaurant FINT based on Great George St serves up seasonal and organic dishes to their customers all year around. With menu options for all meat lovers, vegans and gluten free diets, FINT has got you covered. Book a table here during Veganuary (or any other month) and indulge yourself in meat-free deliciousness including cauliflower and almond soup, vegan bubble and squeak or Jerusalem artichoke gnocchi.

Bundobust – Well loved Indian restaurant Bundobust are known for their flavoursome and tasty dishes, most of which are vegan. For several months, the team at Bundobust have been curating an exclusive vegan menu which launched on January 7th for a limited time only. Book yourself in and try their newest collaboration with plant-based company, Meatless Farm. Their new exclusive menu includes meat alternatives for dishes such as butter chicken, shami kebabs and keema mattar. Yum.

Doner Summer – Trendy vegan restaurant, Doner Summer, is the perfect place to visit during Veganuary if you’re on the lookout for some proper vegan junk food. With everything from kebabs, teller trays and fried chick’n, you’ll be in complete vegan heaven. Some of their popular dishes include their garlic tater tots, customised buttermylk fried chick’n and the chick’n parm teller. Then all you have to do is wash it down with some of their fun cocktails.

Meat is Dead – Meat is Dead in Kirkstall is an entirely plant-based eatery and bar that was only established in June 2021. Whether you pop in for a light lunch or a traditional Sunday roast, you can find some truly tasty vegan delights inside. Their menu boasts of deliciousness including jackfruit pancakes, butternut gnocchi, nutty carvery, beet wellington and aubergine steaks.

Falafel Guys – If you’re looking for something quick and easy, yet still super tasty, pay the team at Falafel Guys a visit at their food truck on Briggate or in Assembly Underground. Homemade falafel and fresh ingredients makes for the perfect lunch, so try out some of their best sellers including the chicken shawarma and halloumi cheese or the special doner wrap. You’ll eventually be using Veganuary as an excuse to visit them every week.

Images: EightyEight at Grantley Hall, FINT, Bundobust, Doner Summer