Seekers of heat, salt and spice: you might not expect it, but you’ll find everything you’re looking for at Tofu Vegan.
Beneath the simple name, there lies inspiring food. Tofu Vegan is located a short walk from the idyllic Camden Passage and Regent’s Canal in Angel, Islington. Go on a sunny Wednesday or Saturday when there’s a market on, and peruse the antique stands and vintage clothes rails, giving a glimpse into a by-gone era of silver and frills. Then head to Tofu Vegan, Angel’s home of crunch, spice and seaweed for healthy, but no less delicious, ingratiation.
The walls are canvases on which China’s culinary history is authentically painted and the shelves are stocked with jars of chillies and herbs. It’s an airy, open and welcoming interior, like an unassuming café, friendly to groups and solo punters alike.
It so happens that, for all the brilliance of the sweet and sour pork dishes that have kept this country rolling, there’s a lot of authentic Chinese food that’s plant-based. Tofu Vegan’s menu boasts an eclectic mix of grains, vegetables and tofu, with delicious fake meat alternatives. Try the Hand-Shredded Oyster Mushrooms and the Dongbei Sweet Potato Sheets in a spicy sesame sauce to start. The Wontons bobbing in the house special sauce are a chef’s speciality and should be the bedrock of your meal.
The ‘fake chicken’ name is somewhat of a misnomer because though ‘chicken-like’, it’s so delicious and textured that it should really have its own title. Chongqing ‘Chicken’ on a bed of fragrant chillies is a spicy treasure trove of deep-fried nuggets.
Unsurprisingly, the Tofu on offer is of the highest quality: deep-fried, golden, and chewy with that mystically inviting hint of crunch. The Deep Fried Tofu with Sichuan Salt & Pepper and the hot and fragrant Tofu with sweet potatoes are particularly good. Too much Tofu?
Nay, too few.
NOTE: Tofu Vegan is open daily for lunch and dinner – they also have a second branch in Golders Green. You can find out more, and book, HERE.
Tofu Vegan Islington | 105 Upper Street, London N1 1QN
While you’re in the area… take a look at these great Islington bars.