The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Go vegan in Highlands
The food and drink scene is changing as more people seek a meat-free option. Karla Sinclair finds out more
Catering for vegan clientele has improved significantly in recent years at restaurants and cafes. This does not have to involve transforming whole menus or business concepts but making a few tweaks here and there. “We try to offer as many vegan options as non-vegan, and always look for a vegan option where possible,” says Gemma Taylor, owner and manager of Blend in Inverness.
Pancakes, waffles and soups are among the offering for those adhering to a vegan diet at Blend.
But while the business owner believes “there is a big appetite” for vegan grub in the city, she does not want to deter an entire food group – meat eaters – from visiting her cafe.
“I’ve noticed a lot of our vegan customers tend to visit with groups, friends or family who are not vegan,” Gemma added.
“Perhaps some non-veggie or vegan people are less likely to visit a solely vegan place than somewhere that caters to both.”
A quick Google search for vegan food in Inverness will display a list of establishments catering to both vegans and non-vegans alike, like Blend.
They include: The Mustard Seed Restaurant, Velocity Cafe & Bicycle Workshop, Mangrove, Cafe One and The Kitchen Brasserie.
GROWING APPETITE
Gemma and Lara Elsayed, co-owner of Inverness takeaway Salt N Fire, agree there is a big appetite for it in the city.
Gemma said: “We have always had a big vegan customer base, even now that more fast food/supermarket options are available.
“There are lots of people as well who try to eat veggie or vegan just occasionally, so it’s good for them to have regular places to go.”
Lara added: “I do believe there is a growing appetite for this type of cuisine as the food we offer is not only healthy but tasty and interesting.
“Our customer base is not only vegan, it is a broad segment of the community.”
Referring back to the list of venues with vegan options in Inverness, a small amount offers solely vegan grub. Salt N Fire is among them.
The business is aiming to break the stigma that the cuisine is dull and launched in the Victorian Market less than three months ago.
“There was a gap in the market and I hope we have gone some way to fill it,” says Lara.
“The general impression that people seem to have of vegan food is of lentils and lettuce, and in reality, vegan food is so much more than that.
“I have found that people are interested in the healthy nutritious food we’re offering. However, I have to emphasise that if it wasn’t tasty, it would not sell.”
MORE LOCAL VEGAN FOOD
Gemma said: “I’d always like to see more places offering vegan cuisine, especially different varieties of food.
“We’ve had a good relationship with other businesses offering vegan food, it’s always good to have somewhere to direct customers if you don’t offer the particular thing they’re looking for.”
Lara added: “I think Inverness is expanding and will need more quality food outlets to serve both a local community and the tourists.
“I am always in favour of competition as this drives us all to improve our performance, ultimately benefiting the consumer and pushing up the general standard.”
The owner of the MNM’s Cafes in Nairn and Elgin, Megan Mclean, also feels Nairn and Elgin would benefit from having more options on the table.
She says it’s important to offer vegan menu items to “encourage inclusivity”.
“There is an increasing demand for this cuisine in our area,” Megan added.
“We have vegan savoury breakfast and lunch options in both our cafes. We get our vegan cakes from a local vegan baker – Pure Bakery. They’re great!”
I’D ALWAYS LIKE TO SEE MORE PLACES OFFERING VEGAN CUISINE, ESPECIALLY DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF FOOD
VICTORIAN MARKET
Gemma and Lara agreed that the opening of the Victorian Market marks the start of a new chapter for the food and drink scene in Inverness.
Gemma said: “I’d like to see more high-quality street food/fast food options, though hopefully, the new food court in the Victorian Market will grow to incorporate more of that.”
Lara added: “The market is a historical sight and has huge potential for small and local businesses and I hope that all businesses flourish and have success while meeting customers’ demands.”