Veganuary, and a well designed dish
As we embark into the new year, many of us will be thinking of ways to reset, make healthier choices, and live better lives. Whether it’s implementing a new workout routine, eating healthier, making more sustainable choices, or kicking bad habits, it’s a time when resolutions are often made (and a handful are kept). If you’re looking to take better care of yourself, make a positive impact on the world around you, or simply want to try something new, then Veganuary is a great way to start the year with purpose and inspiration.
What is Veganuary?
Launched in 2014, Veganuary is an event that encourages you to consume only plant based foods and use vegan products for the month of January. The event started as a way to encourage people to try the vegan lifestyle by making it a month-long challenge. I personally became a vegan in 2002 by saying I’d “do it for a week”, and 23 years later, here I am.
Studies have found that anyone who chooses a vegan diet can improve their long-term health in two months, with the most change seen in the first month. And in a more recent study from this year, it was found that eating a vegan diet for just 8 weeks slows your biological aging. As a designer, I am certainly not a qualified medical advisor. I am simply sharing these facts to bolster that the four weeks of Veganurary can make a significant impact on your health and how you look and feel. I personally credit it as the only feasible reason I don’t yet have wrinkles at my age.
Vegan recipes are plentiful online (some of my favorite sources linked below), but what if you don’t want to put the time into learning new recipes and techniques? Going vegan for a month doesn't mean you have to go out foraging and spend hours cooking. Perhaps you’d like a well designed dish served to you here in Philly. I have compiled my go to spots below, with a focus on aesthetics as well as the cravable factor. Surprise (!), there is only one plant based restaurant, the rest are omni, proving that going vegan for a month doesn't mean you have to rethink your entire life.
Pietramala
614 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Named “One of Philadephia’s Top 10 Restaurants by the Philly Inquirer and “Best Vegan Restaurant” by Philadelphia Magazine My hands down favorite plant based restaurant in Philly.
Kalaya
4 W Palmer St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Kalaya has vegan options across the menu including dumplings, appetizers, a laab hed salad that will rock your socks ( beware to the spice intolerant) and a slightly less spicy red curry tofu.
Little Walters
2049 E Hagert St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Ok, there aren’t a ton of vegan options at Little Walter’s, but the hubbard squash, roasted lacinato, and horsey sauce pierogies are so good that I had to include them on the list. A pickletini is always vegan and their rye toast is crazy good.
Suraya
1528 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Suraya is a Fishtown staple and probably somewhere you’ve already been and eaten vegan dishes without realizing. They have a rotating main vegan dish and the mezza menu is full of vegan dishes. Pictured above is the Batata Harra, Baba Ganoush, and the Arnabeet Mekle.
Sor Ynez
1800 N American St Unit G, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Located in an admittedly odd location, you may not realize Sor Ynez is tucked away in between a salvage store and workshop on North American street. However, once you find your way inside you’ll find vegan options across the menu from appetizers to dessert.
Tomo
228 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
A vegan haven for years, Tomo serves just as many plant based sushi and ramen options as they do omni.
1138 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Self proclaimed “ Vegetable forward” Kiddo makes eating vegan easy as they can modify most of their vegetarian dishes (which includes homemade pasta) to be vegan.
There are countless more options for vegan food here in Philadelphia, including several all plant based restaurants, these are simply my favs. Once you start looking you’ll notice vegan dishes on nearly any menu. I encourage you to go explore! :)
