Back to London. Back to the routine. 6 a.m. wake-ups. 6:35 a.m. waits outside the neighborhood coffee shop, aka Nola, until it opens, so I can order an oat latte and start typing, reading, cruising through articles, because mornings are the ultimate time in a crowded city to catch the creative jujus. 11 a.m. revisions. 11:05 a.m. sentence and paragraph extractions. 11:23 a.m. website constructions—because I’ve finally decided it’s time to put all the content on thevegangazette.com to make it more accessible. Noon laydowns, yoga sessions, breathwork. Falafel shawarma wrap lunches. 

Afternoon walks through streets, commons, parks, and marshes, searching for spaces where the laptop can be settled and the eyes can wander. A new discovery: Mare Street Market at Coal Drops Yard. 3:45 p.m. layovers in gardens and squares under the sun. 5 p.m. marble or lemon cake snacks. 6:12 p.m. Pale Ale o’clock, preferably by the canal, maybe Hackney Wick that day, at Grow or Crate.

6:45 p.m. kimchi plates. 7:12 p.m. sesame yuzu salad and smacked cucumber introductions. 7:42 p.m. crunchy tofu bao treats. 9:12 p.m. nu-jazz concerts, doundoun rhythms at Mu, accompanied by Negronis. 11:00 p.m. last calls. 11:52 p.m. last Overground—excuse me, Windrush Line—back home.

Back to London, where language is unified through rhythms, flavors, and scents. Back to London, where I’m spoiled, accepted, and even valued at times being a vegan.

The Place: Every SE Londoner’s Neighborhood Nook: En Root.
The News: Anti-Dairy Ad to Be Screened at Cinemas in ‘UK First’.
The Destination: Once a Family Home, Now La Botanica.
The Recipe: Borani Bademjan, Reshteh Polo, Adasi and More Plates from Persian Cuisine.

If you’re just joining us, here’s a link to our previous issues. Send me your questions about veganism at [email protected] so I can research, dig deeper, and come up with some mind-opening thoughts.

Hazal

Every SE Londoner’s Neighborhood Nook

Words by: Hazal Yılmaz

A couple of days ago, a friend invited me to a night out in Brixton, and by that, he meant: Let’s see a picture at The Ritzy, either The Complete Unknown or The Real Pain, and after that, we would go out for a drink or two at The Shrub and Shutter. He specifically mentioned to come hungry because he had a beloved local spot in store that I absolutely needed to try, and he was unquestionably, thoroughly, without a doubt certain that I would like it there. Me, the ever-curious mind that loves to discover new places, had only an apple around noon and was craving that anonymous treasure I was about to discover. Meet me in front of the movie theater, he texted. I got off the bus, headed toward The Ritzy. He greeted me with a big smile and declared: We are going inside. The moment he said inside, I knew we were headed to En Root.

I didn’t tell him about my vast knowledge of this Indian fusion spot, nor my love for falafel shawarma wraps. This is my neighborhood gem, he said ecstatically. Mine as well, I thought, as the Peckham branch was literally in front of my flat, looking out the window to make sure they were open, kind of distance. No need to spoil a fellow food enthusiast who wants to take me to a plant-powered eatery where mango and apple chutneys keep company to garlic coriander naans.

My assistant, aka ChatGPT, describes a neighborhood gem as follows: A neighborhood gem refers to a local business, restaurant, café, or spot that is beloved by the people in the area but may not be widely known beyond the community. These places often have a special charm, excellent service, or unique offerings that make them stand out, even if they aren’t flashy or famous.

En Root covers all the criteria and more. Born and raised in South London, co-founders Nish and Harsh created a menu inspired by their roots in Gujarat, referred as the vegetarian state of India. They opened the first shop in 2016 in Herne Hill. The food truck joined the family in 2017 and is still in demand for events, music festivals, film productions, and private parties. In 2019, the HQ was established in Clapham, followed by the Peckham branch in 2021 and the Ritzy collaboration in 2022.

I believe that even as they expand the number of shops, never leaving where they come from makes En Root a neighborhood nook like no other. I go there with my laptop or one of the latest books in hand, ordering a Masala Dosa if it’s early and I need a breakfast-type plate, or a Falafel Shawarma Kebab or En Root Platter if I’m hungry. I stay for hours, unless someone is waiting for a table, finishing all the work I couldn’t do for the last couple of days, while checking out what other Peckham neighbors are reading and ordering or overhearing conversations about the new items joining the menu soon. I go there at night for a quick bite when I have no inspiration to cook at home, or I get takeout when guests are visiting from the northern part of town. Sometimes I go there on Mondays, craving a veg samosa with mango chutney, only to remember that’s the one day they are closed. No bao or taco can satisfy my hunger.

A couple of days ago, another SE friend suggested a change of scenery: a walk in Clapham Common toward Battersea Park to check out the latest exhibition at Studio Voltaire. They suggested we grab something from Clapham Common to eat in the park. Anything you crave? they asked. Shroom Rogan Josh with rice and salad, I said. If there’s an En Root in any neighborhood, the decision is obvious.

What to Get: I’m pretty obsessive in my choices when it comes to places I frequent often, so I would suggest a Falafel Shawarma Wrap. This is falafel like no other.

Must Try: En Root produces Raja Bonnet hot sauce. It goes with anything—not just what they make. I put it on sandwiches, potatoes, pasta, even hummus at home.

Adress(es): Peckham: 28 Peckham Rye, London SE15 4JR. Clapham: 5 Ascot Parade, Clapham Park Rd, London SW4 7EY. Brixton: Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Ln, London SW2 1JG.

Once a family home, now La Botanica

Why go? The Botanica used to be Sylvia’s family home. After studying art, Sylvia, the owner and creator, trained and worked as a sommelier before transitioning into the film industry as a set designer. This experience eventually led her to restaurant and hotel design, culminating in the creation of The Dreamcatcher. After moving on from The Dreamcatcher, she established La Botánica Hotel and Finca Victoria, realizing that every step in her journey had shaped her current path. Discovering Ayurvedic teachings brought a profound sense of connection, influencing how she approached design, cooking, and creating experiences. For her, La Botánica Hotel is more than just a wellness retreat—this is  a reflection of a lifelong journey toward nature, trust, and inner beauty.

Not to miss: The Chef’s Choice vegan breakfast, often inspired by Caribbean cuisine, paired with local coffee infused with cinnamon and cardamom. The shop offers a variety of arts, crafts, souvenirs, jewelry, and organic skincare products. Daily yoga classes take place at 8 a.m.

Where? 1808 McLeary Ave, San Juan, 00911, Puerto Rico 

Borani Bademjan, Reshteh Polo, Adasi, and more Persian cuisine

Mana, a young woman from the Iranian diaspora based in London, has been creating veganized versions of traditional Iranian dishes. We’ve been following and cooking her recipes from The Iranian Vegan not only because they are delicious but also because they come with storytelling and history, serving a greater purpose—introducing Iranian culture through food.

This is one of our favorites: Kookoo Sabzi, perfect on its own or as a sandwich patty. For various Persian dishes such as Borani, Adasi, Khoresht, Koofte Berenji. 

For more recipes make sure you follow Mana.