Photo: Helen Alfvegren/ Flickr.
Photo: Helen Alfvegren/ Flickr.

For any vegans out there, it’s safe to say that we could all use a little inspiration in the kitchen. Eliz Salih is here to provide you with some fresh ideas.

Many of my fellow students seem to think that I’m missing out on something when I tell them I’m vegan. On the contrary, I actually feel 100% happy with my decision. Here are some of the benefits of veganism:

  • You’re no longer contributing to animal agriculture, one of the leading causes of global warming and rainforest deforestation,
  • You are not supporting the killing of another being,
  • You eat LOADS of fruits, vegetables and carbs (yay!) in order to satisfy your body

As a student, eating vegan has never been easier because my family are all meat-eaters, so cooking for myself takes a burden off them. When it comes to the weekly shop, I wish my trolley could be filled with all the fresh fruit and vegetables the store stocks, however on a student budget this isn’t always possible. Instead, it’s a good idea to stock up on bags of frozen veg and fruit, as they keep longer, are more convenient, and are cheaper. If you need help thinking of vegan recipes,websites such as BBC Good Food and Vegan Society have lots of tips and tricks ready for you to use.

When it comes to eating out, Lincoln has a lot more to offer than you might think. Here are my top 5 favourite places to eat out:

Zizzi’s
Situated on the waterfront, Zizzi’s is extremely catering to vegans, as it provides a special menu with starters, mains and desserts to choose from, including a delicious pizza with vegan cheese on it.

Handmade Burger Co.
Again, Handmade Burger Co. gives you multiple choices of vegan burgers on their menu and their vegan options are printed clearly. My favourite is the Thai Vegetable Burger with a side of Sweet Potato Fries. Also on weekdays, get 10% off with your student card – bonus!

Cafe Shanti
Café Shanti is a Nepalese-themed vegetarian and vegan café. They serve a variety of dishes including falafel, dahl, and curry as well as vegan cake! Overall, it’s a lovely café with lots of choice and delicious food.

Pimento Tea Rooms
Located on Steep Hill, Pimento Tea Rooms is a cute café that serves amazing homemade vegan hot meals, cakes, drinks, sandwiches and more! It’s an amazing little place and perfect if you want lovely, homely food.

Tequilas
You can’t go wrong with a Mexican, and Tequilas is a beautiful restaurant up Steep Hill. It may not have its own vegan menu, but it does make delicious authentic Mexican food. And, with a few requests when you order such as no cheese or sour cream, you can enjoy amazing vegan Mexican food.