Eating All-vegan food has set the bar high

PUNKS have been renowned for all sorts of things since emerging in the 70s: loud, anarchic rock, a can-do DIY ethos and a rejection of the norm.

But food? That’s a new one on me. Rad Apples is determined to give it a go all the same.

The Meadowside cafe, bar and restaurant – formerly Conroy’s Bar – has emerged from the minds behind collective Make That A Take Records, a prolific staple of Dundee’s music scene.

Its ethos is simple – an all-vegan range of food, coffee and cakes, a laidback setting and an excellent soundtrack – and all without breaking the bank.

Inside, the venue has been given a fresh, airy makeover with a bright paint job, and at the time we dined one Saturday was hosting people of all ages – from young punks to the grizzled anarchists probably there when the scene kicked off.

But don’t let the idea of sitting among punks worry you – the crew members at Rad Apples are a friendly bunch, extremely welcoming, and know how to throw together a good meal for peanuts.

The menu is crowdpleasing staples – overflowing bowls of ramen, cheese and bacon subs and a plethora of meatinspired, plant-based burgers that aim to cater to all.

We opted for the Cowpunk burger (£7.50)

– a homemade cheeseburger made with seitan (wheat gluten) to be authentically meaty – and the Mac N Cheese burger (£8.50), with creamy pasta on the top.

I’m already making plans to go back to try the Captain Ahab burger (£7.50) – deep fried tofu wrapped in seaweed.

The burgers come with fries, making them top value for the price – and one set was swapped for sweet potato fries without issue.

Plates were dished up within around 10 minutes of ordering – and while it could have been served a tad warmer, the burgers were authentically meaty.

A plate of fried pickles (£3) on the side helped to break up the burger and fries but the highlight of