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Like in lots of European cities, the number of vegan choices in Athens is steadily rising. Not solely are there loads of vegan-friendly eateries with plant-based variations of conventional Greek dishes however there are additionally quite a few eating places providing international-inspired vegan fare.
Town’s culinary panorama has modified fairly a bit between my first go to and the start of my Athens meals excursions. Up to now, vegan choices had been few and much between in only a handful of eating places, however now, so many spots are solely devoted to serving high quality vegan meals.
In case you’re vegan, Athens has some unimaginable foodie spots you could strive!
Bamboo Vegan
Picture credit score: Bamboo Vegan
Bamboo Vegan is a quaint vegan cafe close to the Akadimia space that shares a hefty collection of delectable plant-based grocery retailer gadgets.
There’s only a small cluster of tables inside this darkish inexperienced, plant-filled eatery, all of which had been full after I bought right here. Nonetheless, I’d been instructed all about their unimaginable sandwiches, so I used to be pleased to get one for takeaway.
I went for the tofu ciabatta and couldn’t resist choosing up one of many spinach pies I noticed close to the counter. This was the sandwich of goals, because the smoky flavors of the agency tofu and clean mayonnaise countered the zesty tomato slices and tart arugula.
Though I got here right here particularly for the sandwiches, I used to be equally keen on the pie. It was full of delicate chopped spinach and a beneficiant quantity of crumbly vegan cheese. The perfect half was the pastry, which was as flaky as a croissant however with delicate savory notes.
Bamboo Vegan (€) – Zoodochou Pigis 36, Athina 106 81, Greece – Open each Monday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to five:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, closed each Sunday.
Vegan Beat Athens
Picture credit score: Vegan Beat Athens
Having been instructed this place was the most effective vegan eating places in Athens, I, in fact, needed to come and test it out for myself. Vegan Beat Athens is a fast stroll from Syntagma Sq. and boasts some savory avenue food-style dishes.
This can be a informal, no-frills spot with restricted seating inside and outside, however let me let you know, it’s price visiting whether or not you handle to discover a desk or not. The brilliant inexperienced and white-colored indoor space is easy and understated, and the heat of the employees provides it a welcoming, vibrant ambiance.
On the menu had been vegan variations of basic Greek dishes and Mediterranean favorites. I considered going for the Greek salad with vegan feta or a kebab however seeing as their vegan gyros are their best-loved merchandise, it felt incorrect to not strive them on my first go to.
It consisted of the entire key parts of a typical gyro, together with fluffy pita bread, crunchy cabbage, contemporary tomatoes, and funky tzatziki. On this occasion, the meat was switched to tender mushrooms, which added loads of umami and woody flavors.
Vegan Beat Athens (€) – Perikleous 56, Athina 105 60, Greece – Open each day from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Mama Tierra
Mama Tierra is an enthralling vegan hang-out in Akadimia. They’ve bought one other location close to the Acropolis, however this department tends to be a bit extra chilled-out.
The decor decisions are harking back to old-school Greek kinds, however the guys right here have given the normal blue-and-white aesthetic a contemporary edge. On the similar time, the array of terracotta-colored plates and wood finishes maintain it basic.
Between veggie-packed soups and tempting plates of hummus and falafel, the intensive collection of vegan dishes right here was improbable. After I requested the server for some recommendations, she advisable the vegan moussaka with out hesitation.
I used to be not sure whether or not it will pack the identical punch with out the meat and béchamel sauce, however the meaty black beans and coconut milk greater than made up for it. These substitutions complemented the layers of buttery potato, zingy tomato sauce, and candy eggplant.
Mama Tierra (€€) – Greece, Akadimias 84, Athina 106 78, Greece – Open each day from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Winners Vegan
Picture credit score: Winners Vegan
Set contained in the Niki Athens Resort in Plaka is Winners Vegan, a plant-based spot with a pleasant menu of worldwide dishes.
The inside was a mixture of subtle furnishings and a comfortable brown shade scheme however with quirky touches like brilliant pink signage and classy hanging lights. Between the decor, pleasant employees, and tremendous cool vibe, I used to be already fairly impressed with this place.
I used to be principally drawn to the Asian fusion choices on the menu, notably the tempeh and quinoa protein bowl and the pad Thai. As a lover of Thai meals, I couldn’t look previous the prospect of silky noodles, contemporary herbs, and shredded greens.
There was a lot happening with this dish! A hearty serving of earthy buckwheat noodles was on the underside, contrasting the cashew’s creaminess and the crispy carrots and zucchinis. As for the sauce, it was a yummy mix of bitter lemon, bitter tahini, and scorching cayenne pepper.
Winners Vegan (€€) – Nikis 27, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open each Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, closed each Sunday.
Joyful Blender
Picture credit score: Joyful Blender
Joyful Blender is among the many most buzzing brunch eateries in Monastiraki. After spending the morning on the close by Acropolis Museum, I swung by to check out one in every of their smoothies or juices.
I’d deliberate to get my order to go however had a peak on the brilliant, tropical-inspired eating space and determined to drag up a seat. I took a fast have a look at the meals menu and immediately knew I needed to strive one thing.
This place is a dream for veggies and vegans, from the lentil and chickpea burgers to the dairy-free ice cream. My candy tooth was turning into troublesome to disregard, and I stored going again to the pancakes and waffles. Finally, I selected peanut butter, strawberry, and banana pancakes.
Beginning with a refreshing and spicy apple, carrot, and ginger juice made me really feel a bit higher concerning the feast I used to be about to have! To my shock, the pancakes had been gentle and ethereal, that means I might savor every chunk of aromatic strawberries, creamy bananas, and wealthy peanut butter!
Joyful Blender (€€) – Ifestou 39, Athina 105 55, Greece – Open each day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Veganaki
Picture credit score: Veganaki
Veganaki lies close to the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus beside the Makriyanni district, making it conveniently situated however much less crowded than the marginally extra central spots.
It’s the proper place to get some refuge from the busy streets or, in my case, after I visited, the unrelenting warmth! Whereas it appears comparatively modest from the skin, the inside is made up of tall ceilings, daring, color-block wallpaper, and ample seating.
Not solely is the menu totally vegan, but it surely’s additionally bought a wonderful line-up of gluten-free choices. I used to be in search of one thing that was on the lighter aspect, so I opted for the avocado pita.
Regardless of being listed as an appetizer, it made for an excellent lunch. The heat pita tasted freshly baked, whereas the within was packed stuffed with clean avocado slices, lemony hummus, crisp cucumber, and a touch of tangy candy chili sauce.
Veganaki (€€) – Athanasiou Diakou 38 (38, Athina 117 43, Greece – Open each day from 9:15 am to 11:45 pm.
Conclusion
Whilst somebody who doesn’t sometimes observe a plant-based food regimen, I’ve to confess the vegan eating places in Athens, Greece, critically impressed me. In actual fact, it’d simply be essentially the most underrated spot in Europe for animal-free eats.
