EMMA HARRISON: Life as a vegan or tourist in Inverness
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Over the past few years, veganism seems to be on the rise, or at least in more of the public spotlight.
On a recent trip to Estonia, I was amazed at how many of the street food, restaurants, and cafés were all completely vegan. It’s slowly becoming a whole lot easier to maintain a vegan diet in some areas of Europe, so will a similar transition take place in the Highlands?
With so many more alternatives to meat and a whole larder of amazing local produce on offer, it’s most certainly easier than ever before to bypass meat on our plates. With the local supermarkets stocking purely vegan products on specialist aisles, it appears the public is more open to the idea of vegan meals, and it would be interesting to know just how many have been taking part in a vegan Christmas dinner this year too.
Labelled as being a healthy way of life, veganism is hugely popular and if you’ve had the chance to visit Culture Café and Deli, in Chapel Street, you’ll know that it’s home to the most delicious lunches, cakes and in my humble opinion, the best chai latte going! Around the town, you may be surprised at the amount of vegan options we have here, including the wonderful Velocity Café catering for both vegetarians and vegans for breakfast, lunch, and the occasional special tapas dinners that have been rated as absolutely superb. This initiative is of particular interest as they also push the health aspect with biking – great food and great biking is a super combination!
It is interesting now that alternatives to cow’s milk in our drinks and snacks have quickly become the norm, with businesses using oat milk, soya milk, almond milk, and coconut milk offering us all a great range of choices. I happen to be a lover of oat milk in my hot drinks purely for the taste. Though a small cost is attached, it’s great to be able to welcome vegans to the city and have plenty for them to eat and drink when they arrive.
Of course, the same applies to our residents, ensuring we are an inclusive city.
Many other businesses are offering a vegan alternative in menus, including the Mustard Seed which provides a three-course menu and the brand new menu over at the Drumossie Hotel for vegans looks divine.
Examples of the menu include parsnip pannacotta, miso roast cauliflower steak, potato and sage gnocchi, and a delightful-sounding dark chocolate and coconut ganache. There have been some perfect offerings over at Ness Walk and Kingsmills too, who also have a specific vegan wine list.
Their menu includes a cucumber terrine, herb-crusted cauliflower, and a spiced pear desert. The Clansman Hotel, near Drumnadrochit, also offers a Harrisa spiced cauliflower steak – there’s a theme here, perhaps we need a cauliflower steak off!
Sounds good? It doesn’t just stop at restaurants and cafes, the infamous Salt N Fire in the Victorian Market has been shouted about on numerous occasions, even if just about the gorgeous portions of homemade hummus. Its popularity has led to it moving into the centre of the Victorian Market’s food court, and you must go and try this for yourself!
I bet not many people know about Blaeberry House, in Ardross Street, which boasts itself on being the first solely vegan B&B in the city offering guests breakfasts such as traditional Scottish fridge oats, Pan con Tomate with oven-baked crackers, and a vegan full breakfast. With such cheerful, caring owners, this is a must for visitors looking for a comfortable getaway.
Local produce such as Left Coast Culture cheese is produced in the region, made by the lovely Ella over at Culture Café and Deli. Some of those cheeses are wonderful, especially with wine, and it’s hard to tell the difference between milk cheese and some of these. Pair some of the cheese with some red wine from Woodwinters and that’s a festive holiday evening sorted already, for me anyway! The Health Food Shop and Highland Wholefoods both stock plenty of vegan delights and even had vegan-specific advent calendars.
If you look out for vegan options, you will find more than you might think and it’s no longer just the token gesture at the bottom of menus. Even Perk doughnuts offers a vegan choice, so there’s no missing out on sweet treats. Becoming a vegan is always a sensitive topic, with pros and cons, and many choose this solely on health grounds. Whatever your choice is, Inverness and its surrounding areas seem to have it covered and who knows, there may be even more vegan-specific cafés and restaurants on their way to our inclusive city.
Sponsored by Visit Inverness Loch Ness.
