In a world where health-conscious eating is gaining momentum. We’re thrilled to share with you a collection of our favourite vegan meals and recipes that we’ve discovered online. These vegan meals are not only delicious and nutritious, but also a testament to the vibrant and diverse world of plant-based cuisine. For those days when the winter chill has you feeling lazy to cook, remember that you can also order online from our website for delivery in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or seeking convenience, we’ve got you covered. Let’s embark on a plant based culinary adventure together!
Our favourite online vegan meals and their recipes:
Chickpea and Spinach Curry: A comforting blend of chickpeas, spinach, and aromatic spices, this curry is a hearty meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers: Bursting with protein and fiber, these vibrant stuffed bell peppers are a colorful addition to any vegan meal.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in the creamy richness of this classic Italian dish, made entirely plant-based for a guilt-free indulgence.
Thai Peanut Noodles: Tangy, spicy, and utterly addictive, these peanut noodles are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl: Loaded with roasted veggies, grains, and a drizzle of tahini dressing. This Buddha bowl is a satisfying vegan meal in a bowl.
Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: A comforting twist on a traditional favourite. This shepherd’s pie is loaded with hearty lentils and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Mango Avocado Salsa Tacos: Fresh, fruity, and bursting with flavour. These tacos are a delightful fusion of sweet and savoury.
Vegan Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, homemade vegan Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons. All come together to create a refreshing and satisfying salad.
Spicy Black Bean Soup: Warm up with a bowl of this spicy black bean soup, packed with protein and flavour to keep you satisfied.
Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Muffins: Start your day on a sweet note with these wholesome blueberry oatmeal muffins. Perfect for breakfast on the go.
Whether you’re looking for quick and easy meals or hearty dishes to impress your guests, these vegan recipes won’t disappoint. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Transitioning to a vegan diet and lifestyle may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right approach and a positive mindset, it can become a rewarding and fulfilling journey. At The Fussy Vegan we are all about bringing awareness to the vegan lifestyle. Whether you’re motivated by health reasons, environmental concerns, or compassion for animals, our step-by-step guide will help you make a smooth and successful transition to a vegan way of life.
10 Easy Steps to Going Vegan:
Step 1: Educate Yourself Start by learning about veganism and its principles. Understand the reasons behind your decision to go vegan, whether it’s for health, ethics, or the environment. Read books, watch documentaries, and explore reputable online resources to gain knowledge and insights about plant-based nutrition and the benefits of vegan living. We have written a post about the benefits of the vegan lifestyle here.
Step 2: Set Realistic Goals Decide on the pace of your transition. For some, going cold turkey works best, while others prefer a gradual approach. Set realistic goals based on your current lifestyle and comfort level. You could begin by adopting a vegan diet for a few days a week and gradually increasing the frequency as you feel more confident.
Step 3: Clean Out Your Kitchen Clear your pantry and fridge of non-vegan items. Donate or give away any animal-based products to friends or family members, ensuring you start with a clean slate. Replace them with delicious and nutritious plant-based alternatives, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Step 4: Plan Your Meals Meal planning is essential when transitioning to a vegan diet. Explore vegan recipes and create a weekly meal plan to ensure you have balanced and enjoyable meals. Include a variety of plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and diverse fruits and vegetables to meet your nutritional needs.
Step 5: Explore Vegan Products Discover the wide array of vegan products available in grocery stores and online. Look for plant-based milk, vegan cheese, mock meats, and other alternatives to your favorite non-vegan foods. Experiment with different brands and flavors to find your favorites.
Step 6: Seek Support and Community Join vegan forums, social media groups, or local vegan meetups to connect with like-minded individuals. Having a support system can be invaluable during your transition journey, as you can share experiences, get advice, and find motivation to stay committed.
Step 7: Learn to Read Labels Familiarize yourself with ingredients commonly derived from animals, as they may appear in unexpected places. Reading labels becomes crucial in avoiding hidden animal products. Look out for ingredients like gelatin, whey, casein, and carmine, among others. This being said, it is not always possible to be perfect. You should always consider your health and not abstain from eating whilst transitioning to a vegan diet. If you are unable to find 100% vegan products whilst in the process of learning, it is okay to eat what you’re able to find.
Step 8: Find Vegan Alternatives for Dining Out Research vegan-friendly restaurants in your area or explore vegan options on the menus of your favorite eateries. Many restaurants now offer plant-based choices, making dining out more enjoyable and stress-free for vegans.
Step 9: Stay Open-Minded and Forgiving Remember that transitioning to a vegan lifestyle is a process and that it’s okay to make mistakes or slip up occasionally. Be forgiving of yourself and stay open-minded throughout the journey. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate each step you take towards a more compassionate lifestyle.
Step 10: Continue Learning and Growing As you embrace veganism, your knowledge and understanding will continue to evolve. Stay curious and keep learning about vegan nutrition, cooking techniques, and sustainable living practices. Embrace the joy of discovering new foods, recipes, and ways to make a positive impact on the world.
By following this simple guide, you can make a successful and rewarding transition to a vegan diet and lifestyle. Embrace the opportunity to create positive change in your life, the lives of animals, and the health of the planet with each compassionate choice you make.
For info about vegan products in SA visit Proveg or VeganSA. To order vegan food for delivery or take-away visit our home page.
Veganism is a growing movement and lifestyle choice and has gained significant traction in recent years as people across the globe seek more sustainable and ethical ways of living. At its core, veganism is a philosophy that extends far beyond dietary choices. It is a conscious commitment to compassion, environmental responsibility, and personal well-being. In this post we explore the benefits of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle
In essence, a vegan lifestyle involves abstaining from the consumption of all animal products. This includes meat, dairy, eggs and honey, and opting for plant-based alternatives instead. Additionally, it may extend to avoiding products made from animal-derived ingredients. Examples of these are leather, wool, and silk, to align with a cruelty-free and eco-conscious approach.
Benefits of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle are profound and multi-faceted, encompassing areas that range from personal health to global impact. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous advantages of choosing a vegan way of life and how it positively impacts individuals, animals, and the planet.
7 Benefits of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle:
Improved Health: Scientific studies have shown that well-planned vegan diets can provide all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. Veganism is associated with reduced risks of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. It also tends to promote healthy weight management, lower cholesterol levels and better overall vitality.
Compassion for Animals: One of the main principles of veganism is the ethical stance against animal exploitation. By choosing plant-based foods, vegans refrain from supporting industries that subject animals to inhumane treatment, such as factory farming and animal testing. Instead, they actively contribute to the promotion of kindness and respect towards all living beings.
Environmental Sustainability: The environmental impact of veganism is undeniable. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. By embracing a plant-based diet, individuals significantly reduce their ecological footprint, helping combat climate change and preserve precious natural resources.
Enhanced Digestion: Often one of the most welcomed benefits of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. Plant-based diets are typically rich in fiber, which aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system. High-fiber foods promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support gut health.
Increased Energy and Vitality: Many vegans report feeling more energetic and vibrant after transitioning to a plant-based diet. The abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in plant foods can nourish the body and provide sustainable energy throughout the day.
Ethical Consumerism: Veganism extends beyond food choices; it encompasses ethical consumerism. By opting for cruelty-free and vegan products in various aspects of life, individuals can make a positive impact on industries and support companies committed to sustainable and humane practices.
Culinary Adventure: Embracing veganism opens the door to a diverse and exciting world of culinary exploration. From delectable plant-based dishes inspired by global cuisines to innovative vegan alternatives to familiar favorites, there are so many delicious options to indulge in.
So…
In conclusion, veganism is more than just a dietary choice. It is a lifestyle that embodies compassion, health, and environmental consciousness. By adopting a vegan way of life, individuals contribute to the well-being of animals, the planet, and themselves. Throughout this blog series, we will delve deeper into the various aspects of veganism. Offering practical tips, inspiring stories, and mouthwatering recipes to support your journey toward a more compassionate and sustainable existence. The Fussy Vegan exists to make veganism more accessible and to make people aware of the benefits of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. We look forward to joining you on this journey.
For info about vegan products in SA visit Proveg or VeganSA
We love to bring you all the delicious vegan treats that make you happy. We have recently introduced a few new treats to our ever growing selection of yummies at TFV. Whether you are looking for dairy free snacks of gluten and sugar free biscuits, we have your back!
Vegan Cookies and fudge treats
Mama Bongi’s is a definite fan favourite at TFV. These delicious choc chip cookies are made with love and are available in regular and mini sizes for the ultimate vegan treats.
Naked Bakes are a delicious Sugar Free and Gluten Free biscuit with a chewy texture and incredible flavour profile. We stock them in Tahini and Peanut Butter flavours and recommend these as a healthy snack on the go.
Yum Baker walnut fudge squares are exactly what you would expect from a delicious chocolate fudge. Yum Baker is a small vegan startup that is now also supplying select Checkers stores!
Fudge it is a Gluten Free Chickpea fudge that is sweetened with coconut sugar. These morish fudge blocks have been a staple vegan treat at TFV since the start.
Vegan chocolate
We absolutely love local products that shake up the market and RRRAW chocolate bars definitely fit that description! Our Joburg stores stock their vegan dairy free white chocolate in out of this world flavour profiles and is definitely one of our favourite vegan treats!
We have recently brought in Cadbury’s Plant Bars in regular almond and Salted Caramel flavours. These are a special import product and are not widely available in South Africa. We sell them at TFV Blairgowrie, CityROCK and Greenside.
Ice Cream, Cheese Cake and Meringues
We have recently introduced the new Fairview plantbased range of ice creams in delicious flavours such as mint choc chip, coffee choc swirl, tin roof and chocolate salted caramel. We are happy to see that the quality is still what we have come to love from the old Mylk range and that the price point is now even more accessible!
Our stores stock a selection of sugar and gluten free cheesecake tubs at our Joburg and Cape Town stores. These really hit the spot and serve as a healthy guilt free treat. They are cashew based and come in a variety of delicious flavours.
Gabriel’s vegan meringues most certainly deserve an honorable mention. These delicious treats are well loved by our customers and if you have not tried them we can highly recommend that you give them a go.
Where can I get The Fussy Vegan takeaways near me?
Are you always looking for a vegan restaurant near you? We know that it’s not always easy to find plant based food at restaurants or via food delivery services. Did you know that we offer a few ways to order vegan takeaway for delivery online? Our aim is to make vegan food more accessible in the areas surrounding our stores. Let’s break down some of the food delivery and pick up options that we offer.
In-house takeaway delivery via The Fussy Vegan website
Definitely the most affordable option. We offer in in-house delivery and pick up options via our TFV website with a convenient ordering system available. Unlike third party services, there is no commission charge so you are paying in store prices for your meal.
The Fussy Vegan delivery times range from 30 to 75 minutes as we do not have large networks of drivers. We however only make your order as the driver is at the store. This ensures that your order is fresh and warm upon arrival. Our delivery range is substantially larger than that of other services. This means you can likely get vegan food delivery in your area. Who said there wasn’t a vegan restaurant near you?
Each store has it’s one home page which allows you to access the menu and order from your favourite store. We have 4 locations which all accept delivery and pick up orders. To order from a specific store you could even save these links directly to your browser or home sceen for quick access to order vegan takeaway for delivery:
If you order takeaways via The Fussy Vegan website, you will also earn loyalty points exactly the same is when in store. The earning rate is 5% of your cart total and you can redeem up to R50 of saved points per visit. How cool is that!?
Food delivery via UberEats and MrD
To ensure vegan food delivery to as many people as possible we also have a presence on UberEats and MrD. Please note that these services charge a large commission on our in-store prices and therefore some customers feel that the value for money via these services are is not the same as when ordering directly from a restaurant. The benefit however is a large network of drivers so you will receive your food delivery within 30 to 45 minutes. We do run Promotions on these platforms to make sure that our offering is still accessible. Keep an eye out for our weekly discounted promo’s, we often discount popular meals by 20%. In general however we recommend ordering directly with the store of your choice via our website for the best possible pricing.
Have you ever wondered about our stores and their vibes? The Fussy Vegan has 3 vegan takeaway restaurants in Johannesburg, South Africa. Serving up vegan meals for sit down or takeaway. Let’s dive deeper into each location so you can pick your favorite TFV experience. Don’t forget to follow us on instagram to share your experience with us!
The Fussy Vegan Blairgowrie is located at the Astron Energy sevice station close to Vega. This is the store where it all began in January of 2018. The first of The Fussy Vegan locations. From a dream of bringing awareness around delicious vegan food and advocating for animal welfare. Our aim has always been to get people to Try New! This is where we gathered a following of like minded individuals who we call our Fussy Family.
It’s a perfect for pick-up for grab and go or you can have a seat and enjoy your meal while you get your car washed at the Caltex. It’s also close to Delta park for those weekend treats after your cycle or run! Our Blairgowrie store has reached a sort of hidden gem status and we love our Blairgowrie community that have supported us from day one.
Our main focus at Blairgowrie is as a takeaway and delivery hub for the northern suburbs like Sandton, Morningside, Hyde park and Hurlingham. We operate as a Food Truck style sit down and although we do have some seating available, we would recommend the Greenside store for larger groups and in door seating.
Serving our community as a vegan takeaway store, our doors are open 7 days a week and we operate on public holidays except for Christmas day, boxing day and New Years day. We aim to please and depend on your feedback to attract new customers and constantly improve on what we do.
[Edit] Our CityROCK branch has relocated to Fourways.
The Fussy Vegan CityROCK is located inside the CityROCK Johannesburg rock climbing gym, this store has a really cool setting! CityROCK is truly a gem in Joburg and has basically become a second home to many Joburg city dwelling outdoor enthusiasts.
There are some shared tables available where you can watch the adventurous climbers do their thing. It’s also the perfect store to pick-up your order if you’re in the Randburg, Fontainebleau, Boskruin or Cresta areas. Our menu is available online and you are welcome to pre order your vegan takeaway for collection or delivery.
You do not need a CityROCK membership in order to collect your takeaways from us. If you would like to sit down inside the gym, a standard waiver form can be filled in online or at the tablets in the foyer. As a CityROCK member, you can grab your TFV treats before and after your rock climbing or yoga session! If you are looking to entertain a larger group we always recommend our Greenside store which has more indoor seating.
If you’ve never been to CityROCK before and are new to rock climbing, you’re in for a treat! They do whatever they can to ensure you have the best possible experience. Climbing is a challenging sport, both mentally and physically. They offer beginners classes and some basic instructions that can help your first time climbing to be on-point. They do offer equipment rental for those new to the sport.
The Fussy Vegan Greenside is a space gather with friends. This is the largest of our Fussy Vegan stores and offers ample seating and larger tables. We see this store as a manifestation of everything we had built in the early years of small beginnings. Wanting to offer a larger space to our community that was just for them. We have indoor and outdoor seating available at our Greenside store for those vegan feasts, events and Bday celebrations! There is also additional parking available across the road at the bike shop should the on street parking bays be occupied.
At the Greenside location, our dream of a food truck style sit down came to be a reality and we pride ourselves in being one of the first establishments to successfully merge the food truck and restaurant experience. Orders are placed and paid for at the counter and our restaurant quality meals are brought out to the table for your enjoyment. Our menu is available online and you can order and pay online for collection or in-house delivery. Did anyone say vegan takeaways?
This location is puppy friendly so you are more than welcome to bring your furry friend along when you visit (Please make sure to remember your leash). Our store is very close to the Emmarentia botanical garden which has a huge dog friendly section so you can walk off your meal with your partner in crime.
Other attractions near to us include the Pirates paddle club and Zoo Lake.
SnapscanInterview with Werner – The owner & Founder of The Fussy Vegan
Tell us about your business journey. What led to you opening the first branch of The Fussy Vegan?
The Fussy Vegan was born out of my love for animals and nature. I wanted to contribute to an ever growing landscape of Vegan businesses that have shaped the food industry as you see it now. My aim was to create a safe space for all that would allow people to enjoy vegan meals that were delicious and left them craving for more. A way to show people that they could easily incorporate veganism in to their lifestyle. A way to challenge an industry that is currently contributing to environmental destruction and extreme violence against animals.
Why did you choose to name the restaurant The Fussy Vegan?
Our name is completely tongue in cheek. It’s a way for us to bridge the gap between vegan and non vegan. A name that resonates with everyone. Something that just felt absolutely right.
The variety of dishes on your menu proves that vegan food doesn’t have to be boring. Where do you get the inspiration for your menu?
I have always absolutely loved food. Sometimes a little too much. When making the change to Vegan I was amazed at by the fact that there are so many different varieties of plant based ingredient available. It eventually became a celebration of taste, texture and wanting to provide our customers with well rounded, nutritious and yummy meals that would allow them to realise how good and comforting plant based food can be without being unhealthy.
How has The Fussy Vegan evolved since you first opened your doors?
We have just turned 4 and we have certainly evolved in terms of our amazingly loyal community that has evolved around the brand. A brand is but nothing without it’s customers. We get to feed some pretty amazing people.
What would you say are The Fussy Vegan’s core values, and how do these play out in the restaurant’s day-to-day operations?
Community and Consistency. We love to welcome new customers to our store. What we love more is getting to know them and do our very best to provide a consistent product that they are able to rely on. We realise that each meal we make allows us to have the privilege of being in business. We value all our customers equally.
What would you say enabled you to scale your business?
Looking back at the journey I would definitely say learning the importance of admin. Checking the data, making informed decisions, and learning how to remain motivated. The seriousness of the cause also serves as a massive motivation. We are here for the animals that do not have voices to speak for themselves. We are giving our customers what they want, a shift away from animal products. Vegan is the future.
What were some of the things you had to consider before opening up the additional branches?
At first we were forced to expand as we had reached capacity at our first location. It is important to be ready to grow with your business and scale as you grow. Becoming a multi store operation meant we had to ensure consistency across all of our stores. More stores also mean more work, it is very important to have the right staff to populate your business, people that can grow with the business should truly be cherished and empowered.
The past two years have been particularly tough for restaurants. What were some of the tactics you implemented to keep the restaurants going?
Covid has been so tough for the food industry. After the first lockdown we decided to shift away from retail and focus only on our warm meals. We simplified what we did and made sure that we were great at that.
What was one piece of advice you wish you had when starting out?
That finding the balance between work and meaningful life experiences is essential.
What has been the biggest highlight of your business?
Definitely being Voted the Best Vegan Restaurant in Joburg 2021 is right up there.
Why did you decide to incorporate SnapScan into your business?
Snapscan is such an innovative offering that I thought was amazing since the first time I saw it. I also lived the fact that it really empowers small businesses to receive payments.
How have you incorporated SnapScan into your business?
We have actually linked our snapcode on our website for each store. We have a snapcode for online and one for in store so we know which payment is from which platform. It’s really so reliable and often when the card machines bomb out due to network, software or load shedding issues, Snapscan serves as a reliable way to receive payment.
What’s next for The Fussy Vegan?
Being in Joburg and Cape Town we are now a national brand. We would love to expand to more cities and allow more people to try new.
Do you have any tips for someone who wants to move into veganism?
Tip 1: Start small. Swap out your dairy for a plant based alternative that you enjoy. Oat milks is by far the most sustainable option and personally I think it’s my favourite type of plant milk. The local vegan cheese market has also exploded and most of the big retailers now stock vegan cheese as well.
Tip 2: Find a few recipes that you enjoy making. It helps to build up a repertoire of some easy recipes that are nutritionally balanced and delicious
Tip3: Be kind to yourself. It’s not about being perfect but rather about creating a sustainable lifestyle that you are able to maintain.
We have been voted the Best Vegan Restaurant in Joburg 2021 & 2022 by Best Of Joburg. Voted for by you, our incredible Fussy Family! Thank you @bestofjoburg
TFV started more than 5 years ago with the mission of educating people about veganism and dedicating this brand to speaking up about what it means to be vegan for the animals.
We can’t help but look around us lately and feel so proud that veganism has reached the heights it has in South Africa, from fast food to grocery stores, veganism is becoming more and more accessible. We are so proud to be a part of the story of veganism in this Beautiful diverse country.
Whether you’re vegan, plant-based, vegetarian, flexitarian or hate labels, try to make atleast one meal a day plant based, do it for the animals, the planet, do it for yourself!
Remember y’all, good food is good – TRY NEW! and come order at the Best Vegan Restaurant in Joburg
Thank you @sherilea_gaspar for allowing us to share your beautiful photo 📸
Fussy Family did you know that we have a TFV Loyalty program? It’s our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers. Our rewards system is available for all in store purchases.
Our loyalty program allows you get 5% back from every purchase! That means when you buy vegan biltong, ice cream or meals, you can save up those points to get a discount towards your meal or splurge on that treat you’ve been wanting to try. Have a look at our online menu to order and start earning some loyalty points.
Point’s are linked to your customer profile and 1 point equals R1! Your points don’t expire and you can spend them on anything in store at a rate of up to R50 per visit at any one of our stores across South Africa!
