With veganism and the animal-friendly food industry growing exponentially around the world over the last decade, it was inevitable that Manchester—as a blossoming global food city itself—would not only keep pace but lead the way.

More recently, vegan chefs have begun to move away from vibrant superfood bowls, instead remixing the sort of classic junk food dishes which were traditionally known as a carnivore’s paradise.

From greasy kebabs to mac ‘n’ cheese, here are the best vegan comfort food spots around the city.

Herbivorous | Withington

Inspired by a quintessential American road trip, Robyn and Damian of Herbivorous have enjoyed a meteoric rise in the blink of an eye; after setting up at a food festival and winging it, so to speak, they sold out within two hours and went on to supply vegan comfort food to damp revellers at festivals nationwide. Today, whilst flipping loaded burgers and tossing buffalo wings in their Hatch unit, they offer the same menu at their newly-opened second branch in Withington.

445 Wilmslow Rd, Withington, Manchester M20 4AN, Tel: 07519 887677
Wholesome Junkies | Mirabel Street

Beginning as a series of beloved pop-ups around the city centre, cult favourites Wholesome Junkies has become a wildly popular vegan junk food joint on the edge of town, with their permanent home under the Red Bank arches usually packed with giddy herbivores. Vegan foodies can expect irresistible takes on world cuisine, including ‘duck’ bao buns, curly fries, stacked burgers and more.

Nell's Pizza | Kampus, Common & The Beagle

Already an established local legend, Nell’s offers an exhaustive array of 22″ New York-style pizzas with a staggering variety of toppings and a dedicated vegan menu at the core of their range.

Options include the classic Marinara, the mushroom, cashew cream and Forza Win sauce-topped Veganic and the ‘vegan’duja’-flecked Vegan Deluxe.

20 Minshull St, Kampus M1 3EF / 39 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HW / 456-458 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 0BQ
Mon 16 May - Sun 22 May
Words:
Wolf McFarlane
Published on:
Tue 17 May 2022