By Prashirwin Naidu

Finding a hearty, guilt-free meal as a vegan can be tricky, especially when many places don’t fully understand veganism. But don’t worry, fellow vegans—Xplore has you covered, and so does The Jozi Vegan. A vegan doesn’t eat animal-derived food and typically avoids other animal products. In Johannesburg, a city with a history of meat-heavy cuisine, the Jozi Vegan movement marks a significant shift towards plant-based living. As more people embrace veganism for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, Jozi Vegan has become a leading force in the local food scene. For me, it started as an experiment. As a former meat lover, I still crave it occasionally, but I noticed my body struggling to digest it. A plant-based diet has helped heal my skin, and my severe eczema has faded.

But back to The Jozi Vegan. What began as a small movement with passionate people and businesses offering plant-based alternatives has grown into a thriving community. Through pop-up events and collaborations with local restaurants, Jozi Vegan has made it easier for Johannesburg residents to enjoy tasty food. Today, the city offers an impressive range of vegan-friendly eateries and markets to suit all tastes and preferences.

The Jozi Vegan remains at the forefront as Johannesburg embraces the benefits of a plant- based diet. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just curious to try something new, they have you covered. Jozi Vegan shows what’s possible when compassion and sustainability are prioritised in our daily choices.

Recently, I returned to this popular spot for a delicious and simple mushroom burger. With rich sauces and crisp textures, it’s sure to impress. At R90, it’s a satisfying meal that ticks all the right boxes.

That day, feeling ravenous, I couldn’t resist ordering more. I started with a portion of
hummus (R65), a light snack that I took home to enjoy with bread. Next, I tried the
deep-fried crumbed mushrooms (R75) – salty, rich, and perfectly crispy. It’s not quite
like Chicken Licken wings, but it hits the spot. To finish, I had some lightly salted fries
(R30). Each dish complemented the others, making for a satisfying meal from start to finish.

My meal at The Jozi Vegan came to R260 – a fair price for a satisfying, fairly healthy
feast. I left feeling content, knowing there’s a place where I can indulge while making healthier choices. But those Chicken Licken wings can still be tempting!