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If you’re ready to try a plant-based diet this Veganuary, one of these Joburg eateries is sure to hit the spot.

Leafy Greens Café (Muldersdrift)

This quaint cafe is based on the philosophy of eating real food, mostly plants, and not too much. The menu includes both Mediterranean and Asian flavours with rice paper springrolls, chickpea curries, falafels and vegan pizzas on offer, not to mention the Beyond Burger and vegan pastas. This vegan haven also prides itself on its famous juices and homemade smoothies, using the best quality fruits, nuts and organic superfoods, all locally sourced. 

 

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Kaylee’s Eatery (Bedfordview)

Kaylee’s is a must-try plant-based eatery in Bedfordview. They use only fresh, healthy and seasonal ingredients to create flavourful and full-of-goodness meals. Kaylee’s has successfully adapted everyday favourites like rib burgers, nachos, mac & cheese and spaghetti Bolognese into delicious plant-based variations that even meat lovers would enjoy. They offer a hearty list of Beyond Burgers, bowls and all-day breakfasts. The delectable dessert menu is also a must-try, with traditional American apple pie, vegan ice cream and even a lemon meringue on the menu. 

 

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Lexi’s Healthy Eatery (Rosebank, Sandton, Modderfontein, Hazelwood)

Arguably one of the first mainstream vegan brands, Lexi’s Eatery now has four stores across Johannesburg. This trendy bohemian-inspired eatery lives by the philosophy “Eat More Plants”. Lexi’s Healthy Eatery is a mostly vegan, whole-food restaurant, but have recently introduced free-range meat and fish options to their menu to accommodate the flexitarians out there. Try the warrior hemp burger with a green patty of peas, spinach, butter beans and hemp hearts topped with guacamole, caramelised onion, garlic mayo, sliced tomato and mixed leaves. The beetroot falafel bowl is also a winner: carrot hummus or smashed avocado, grated carrots, sliced tomato, red onion, cucumber and mixed leaves with a tahini dressing. 

 

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Let’s Veg (The Parks and Fourways)

Let’s Veg is a plant-based, junk food-style takeaway joint. This healthy alternative to fast food is now available to order on UberEats in The Parks and Fourways areas. The brand new take-out eatery offers vegan burritos, tacos, curries, bobotie and a range of tasty Beyond Burgers. 

 

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The Fussy Vegan (Greenside, Blairgowrie, City Rock)

This strictly vegan café serves up a smorgasbord of colourful plant-based dishes. Try the poké bowl, which is filled with avocado, activated cashews, pickled ginger and edamame on a bed of sushi rice with their secret teriyaki soya sauce; the impressive range of vegan burgers; or the new Texan cheesesteak sub with smoked seitan steak, chipotle peppers, melted vegan mozzarella and peppers on a wholewheat sub. There are also vegan ice cream sandwiches from Mylk and chickpea fudge for those with a sweet tooth.

 

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Jackson’s Real Food Market (Bryanston and Kyalami)

While Jackson’s is not a vegan-specific restaurant, they have a range of vegan and vegetarian options on their menu, like sarmies, vegan almond croissants, scrambled tofu breakfasts and green bowls. Jackson’s Real Food Market is a small family-run business that showcases local farmers and producers, with fruit and vegetables free from pesticides and chemicals. They also have an impressive smoothie and juice bar.

 

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Lekker Vegan (Kyalami)

This recently opened gourmet vegan junk food store offers plant-based comfort foods with the best meat, cheese and dairy alternatives, so you won’t feel like you are missing out. The Insta-worthy gatsby range can feed up to five people and is a huge sandwich filled with vegan meat strips, grated vegan cheddar, hot crispy chips, red onion and jalapeños. There are also a variety of Beyond Burgers, bowls and wraps on the menu. Dessert poses options of CBD-infused ice cream, avocado chocolate coconut cheesecake and 100% vegan apple crumble pie. 

 

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The Jozi Green Eatery (Sandton)

This plant-based eatery tucked away in Broadacres offers a range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, prepared fresh with raw and wholesome ingredients. Try the tropical pink bowl with 100% dragon fruit, coconut water, almond butter, banana, granola and seasonal fruit. If you’re feeling hungry, tuck into the Beyond Burger served on a sourdough bun with vegan white cheddar, rocket, sautéed onions and a homemade spicy mayo, served with veggie chips. There is also a wide range of pressed juices smoothies, teas and shots to quench your thirst. 

 

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Fruits and Roots (Bryanston)

Fruits and Roots is a natural and organic foods store with a specialised vegan/vegetarian restaurant attached to it. They offer an extensive range of products promoting a healthier and greener lifestyle, such as supplements, nutraceuticals, groceries and household products. 

The food menu offers homemade sandwiches, burgers, curries and wraps. You can also grab a range of smoothies, shakes, and fruit and vegetable juices. 

 

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Ready to try plant-based eating? Read the Fry Family Food Co.’s guide to eating out.