Their dedicated vegan menu is a treasure trove of flavour
The start of the year means Veganuary and Manchester boasts a treasure trove of plant-based eateries.
As January gets underway, many make a conscious effort to embrace change – whether it be hitting the gym, drinking less, or eating healthier.
And for those choosing to swap their regular meals for plant-based alternatives, Veganuary has grown into a popular challenge, inspiring people to go vegan for the entire month of January.
The rise of veganism has made it easier than ever to find delicious, plant-based options, with many restaurants, bars, and pubs already catering to this demand.
In fact, several venues are even offering exclusive specials to mark the occasion.
Whether you’re committing to Veganuary 2025 or just looking to explore more plant-based dishes, we’ve rounded up the best spots in Manchester to enjoy vibrant, mouthwatering vegan meals.
Indian Affair
Indian Affair, the family-run gem with locations in Chorlton and Ancoats, is putting vegan cuisine in the spotlight this Veganuary.
Their dedicated vegan menu is a treasure trove of flavour, offering a variety of small plates and mains that are sure to impress.
Highlights include the aromatic jackfruit biryani, made with fragrant basmati rice and infused with rose water, the aloo tikki and the standout palak chaat, featuring crispy spinach fritters topped with tangy tamarind and fresh pomegranate.
To make Veganuary even more special, diners can enjoy 25% off the entire food menu when dining in from Sunday to Thursday, between January 5 and 30.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore these plant-based delights!
Purezza
Looking for a vegan pizza experience that’s second to none this Veganuary?
Look no further than Purezza, the trailblazing pizzeria that has earned acclaim as one of the best pizza spots in the country and has been crowned among the UK’s ‘best of the best’ by TripAdvisor.
Purezza’s sourdough pizzas are made with organic wholegrain flour, offering a healthier twist without compromising on flavour.
Must-try options include the bold BBQ Bourbon and the award-winning Parmigiana Party Pizza, crowned National Pizza of the Year.
For those embracing Veganuary, the menu also features cheeseless pizzas, as well as gluten-free and coeliac-friendly bases to suit all dietary preferences.
Purezza proves that pizza can be indulgent, inclusive, and entirely plant-based—making it a perfect pick for this Veganuary!
Little Aladdin
Little Aladdin has been serving customers in Manchester city centre since 1997 and its fully vegan menu is a feast for the senses.
The daily selection features six delicious curries, including options like daal, spinach, cabbage, and a variety of fresh vegetables, all served with rice.
In addition to their curries, you’ll find tasty choices like falafel wraps, biryanis, samosa chaat, and vegan burgers, making it the ultimate destination for vegan comfort food.
Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a takeaway, Little Aladdin is your go-to spot for satisfying vegan fare!
Maray
Start 2025 right with Green January at Maray, the beloved Middle Eastern-inspired eatery located on Manchester’s Brazennose Street.
Celebrating vegan and vegetarian foods, the menu is brimming with classics like falafel and hummus as well as the flavorful oyster mushroom shawarma.
But the showstopper is the ‘Disco Cauliflower’, a dish bursting with chermoula, harissa, tahini, and pomegranate.
As part of Veganuary 2025, diners can enjoy 50% off vegetarian and vegan dishes from Monday to Thursday throughout January (for tables of up to seven).
Dishoom
Located in Spinningfields, Dishoom offers a wealth of vibrant vegan options perfect for any time of day.
Start your morning with the hearty Vegan Bombay Breakfast, featuring tofu akuri, vegan sausages, vegan black pudding, grilled field mushrooms, masala beans, grilled tomato, and vegan buns.
For a satisfying lunch or snack, the menu boasts favourites like vegetable samosas, okra fries, vegan sausage naan rolls, Chole Chawal chickpea curry, and the signature house chaat, with golden-fried sweet potato, oat yoghurt, pomegranate, beetroot, radish, and carrot.
Dishoom makes vegan dining a delectable adventure!
Hip Hop Chip Shop
Craving a classic chippy experience during Veganuary?
Look no further than Ancoats’ Hip Hop Chip Shop, the go-to spot for plant-based twists on traditional favourites.
Their menu boasts vegan delights like the Plant-Tast-Tic Vegan Fish, crafted from banana blossom marinated in seaweed for that authentic fishy flavour.
Another option is the VEGANGSTARR, which is a battered red pepper and chickpea vegan sausage.
Whether dining in on Blossom Street, opting for delivery, or picking up from their hub at the Carlton Club in Whalley Range, Hip Hop Chip Shop has your Veganuary cravings covered in style!
Herbivorous
Nestled on Wilmslow Road in Withington, Herbivorous brings the bold flavours of American road trips to life with a plant-based twist.
With additional locations in Sheffield and York, Herbivorous serves a menu packed with fresh dishes.
This includes hearty burgers, creamy mac and cheese, indulgent cheesesteaks, and smoky BBQ ribs made from the meat substitute seitan.
Don’t forget to leave room for dessert—their rich and decadent Mississippi Mud Pie is the perfect sweet ending to your meal should you visit Manchester this Veganuary.
The Eighth Day Shop & Cafe
Those walking down Manchester’s Oxford Road would likely have walked past the Eighth Day health food shop, but did you know there’s a cosy café tucked away downstairs?
This hidden gem serves up a delicious array of dishes made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Expect comforting classics like vegan pies and pasta, vibrant salad bowls, hearty soups, and sandwiches, plus a tempting selection of specials and sweet treats.
The cafe is open from 11 am to 3 pm, Monday to Saturday (closed on Bank Holidays) – perfect for a midday Veganuary treat!
Banh Vi
Nestled in the corner of New Century’s food hall, Banh Vi brings the vibrant flavours of Thailand and Vietnam to life with creative plant-based twists on classic street food.
Living up to their slogan, ‘In plants we trust’, the menu showcases delights like the banh mi sandwich, featuring a crisp baguette filled with 24-hour marinated tofu, pickled cucumber, herb mayo, and a kick of chilli.
Other must-tries include the savoury mushroom wings and indulgent loaded tater tots, topped with herb mayo, spring onions, and chilli.
If you are in Manchester, Banh Vi promises a delicious Veganuary experience.
Lotus Plant Based Kitchen
Renowned as one of Manchester’s best vegan destinations, Lotus Plant Based Kitchen regularly earns its place on ‘best of’ lists.
The large menu offers a mouthwatering selection of vegetarian and vegan Chinese dishes.
Some popular options include popcorn tofu, salt and pepper aubergine, Hainanese ‘chicken’ rice, vegan duck chow mein, and mixed vegetables with cashew nuts.
With so many delightful options, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
It’s a must-visit for an unforgettable Veganuary feast!
The Allotment
Nestled in Cathedral Gardens, The Allotment is a haven for fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced plant-based cuisine.
Their tempting tapas menu offers delights like chargrilled cabbage, satay tofu skewers, Tex-Mex jackfruit bao buns, and pesto courgette, with deals starting at three dishes for £18 or five for £30.
For those craving heartier fare, larger plates include the miso and maple hasselback squash potato cake and the vibrant lentil jalfrezi.
Perfect for a Veganuary treat, The Allotment in Manchester serves up sustainability with style!
Rola Wala
Rola Wala is a cult Indian street food haunt in Deansgate and to mark Veganuary, it is debuting the mouthwatering Bhaji-loaded Naan Roll.
Priced at £5.95, this limited-edition vegan delight is freshly fried to order and features crispy golden onion bhajis wrapped in a soft, pillowy vegan naan.
It’s packed with vibrant veggies, fresh herbs, pickles, and your choice of house-made chutneys – whether you prefer the sweet and zesty Mango and Ginger or the fiery Tomato and Naga Chili.
In addition, you can customise your meal with vegan spice bowls, plant-based Rola rings, and indulgent masala fries.
As Veganuary 2025 kicks off, Manchester is ready to serve up a diverse and exciting range of plant-based dishes that will make sticking to a vegan lifestyle both easy and delicious.
From innovative street food to hearty comfort meals, the city’s restaurant scene has something to satisfy every craving.
Whether you’re fully committing to a month of vegan dining or just exploring new, healthy options, these 12 spots are the perfect places to kickstart your Veganuary journey.