African cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavours that offers an abundance of plant-based options, making it a perfect choice for vegans and vegetarians in the UK. Whether you’re an African food enthusiast or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, these dishes showcase the rich diversity of African cooking while keeping things completely plant-based.
West African Delights
Jollof Rice
The crown jewel of West African cuisine, vegan jollof rice is a fragrant, tomato-based rice dish that’s become increasingly popular in the UK’s African restaurants. Made with rich tomato sauce, onions, and a blend of spices including scotch bonnets, this dish proves you don’t need meat to create something spectacular. Look for it at Nigerian and Ghanaian restaurants across London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Red Red
This Ghanaian black-eyed pea stew is naturally vegan and packed with protein. Cooked with red palm oil (available in African shops across the UK) and ripe plantains, it’s a hearty dish that showcases how African cuisine masterfully combines beans with deep, rich flavours. Many Ghanaian establishments in Peckham and Brixton serve excellent versions of this dish.
East African Favourites
Misir Wat
This Ethiopian red lentil stew is a staple at the growing number of Ethiopian restaurants in major UK cities. Seasoned with berbere (a complex spice blend available at specialty stores), it’s served with injera, a sourdough flatbread that’s naturally vegan. London’s Ethiopian restaurants in Finsbury Park and Tufnell Park are particularly known for their excellent misir wat.
Irio
A Kenyan dish of mashed peas, potatoes, and corn, irio is comfort food at its finest. This naturally vegetarian dish can easily be made vegan by omitting the traditional butter. Several East African restaurants in cities like Leeds and Birmingham have begun offering this nutritious dish to cater to growing plant-based demands.
North African Classics
Moroccan Vegetable Tagine
Found in numerous Moroccan restaurants across the UK, vegetable tagines combine seasonal vegetables, dried fruits, and aromatic spices. The slow-cooking process in a traditional tagine pot creates an intensely flavourful dish that’s naturally vegan. Many restaurants serve it with fluffy couscous and harissa on the side.
Shakshuka (Vegan Version)
While traditionally made with eggs, many North African restaurants now offer vegan versions using tofu or chickpeas. This tomato-based dish, spiced with cumin and paprika, is particularly popular for weekend brunches in trendy areas of London and Manchester.
Tips for Finding These Dishes
- Many African restaurants in the UK now clearly mark vegan and vegetarian options on their menus
- Don’t hesitate to ask for dishes to be made vegan – many establishments are happy to accommodate
- Look for African supper clubs and pop-ups, which often feature innovative vegan takes on traditional dishes
- Visit African grocery stores to find ingredients like berbere, palm oil, and plantains to try making these dishes at home
Where to Find Ingredients
African ingredients are increasingly available in the UK through:
- Specialist African grocery stores in areas like Peckham, Brixton, and Dalston in London
- Online retailers specialising in African ingredients
- Larger supermarket chains, which are expanding their world food sections
- Local markets in areas with significant African communities
Modern Adaptations
The UK’s African food scene is evolving, with many chefs creating innovative plant-based versions of traditional dishes. You’ll find creative offerings like:
- Cassava-based versions of traditional meat dishes
- Mushroom suya (traditionally meat skewers)
- Plantain-based protein alternatives
- Vegan egusi soup using ground pumpkin seeds and vegetable stock
Whether you’re a committed vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to explore the incredible variety of African cuisine, these dishes offer a perfect introduction to the continent’s rich culinary heritage. As the UK’s African food scene continues to grow, expect to see even more creative plant-based adaptations of traditional favourites appearing on menus across the country.