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Veganuary in Newcastle: The 13 best vegan menus to try

We’ve rounded up our favourite plant-based menus that Eldon Square has to offer.

Written by Rachael Nichol
Published 05.01.2023

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After over-indulging at Christmas, more of us than ever are trying plant-based food this New Year.

Our very own Beth gave Veganuary a go last year and saw so many benefits, from an increase in energy to reduced bloating and a clearer complexion. So, we don’t blame the hundreds of thousands of you who take part every year.

We’re sure you’re all Googling ‘vegan restaurants Newcastle’ right now to find the best vegan menus out there. But there’s no need to eat just at specifically vegan places as we’re blessed with plenty of restaurants that serve vegan alternatives right on our doorstep. Enter Eldon Square.

Whether you’re after a pit stop from shopping to refuel for some more retail therapy or fancy an evening of wining and dining, Eldon Square is home to a wide range of restaurants serving cuisines from across the world just waiting for you to explore.

The good news is many of them offer plenty of vegan options. So, worry no more about finding somewhere to eat out with your non-vegan friends this month, you’re still able to eat at your favourite foodie spots in town. And we guarantee their vegan dishes don’t lack any flavour with many combinations bringing some new taste sensations to the table.

From Teriyaki Vegan ‘Chicken’ Ramen to Spiced Chickpea Burgers and Vegan Brownies and Cream Crepes,we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up some of the tastiest plant-based menus that Eldon Square has to offer.

THE EXCHANGE, NEWCASTLE 

Behind the façade of a red ‘telephone box’ lies The Exchange which serves us classic Italian/American cuisine with a creative twist.  For starters tuck into some Cauliflower Fritters before trying a Vegan Slinger taco for the main event. And if you’ve got any room left make sure you indulge in a Chocolate and Caramel Vegan Cake.

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STARBUCKS, NEWCASTLE  

Start your day off the right way with a delicious vegan breakfast at Starbucks. From Apple and Blackberry Overnight Oats to Beyond Meat Breakfast Sandwich filled with pea protein patty, tofu turmeric egg and council oil-based ‘cheese’, paired with Pink Coconut Starbucks Refresha Drink, there’s no need to miss out on your daily visit to Starbucks this Veganuary.

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PIZZA EXPRESS, NEWCASTLE  

If you’re a cheese and carb lover and dreading the thought of going without pizza Veganuary, then look no further. With Chimichurri Dough Balls ready to spice things up for starters, American Jack – smoky vegan jackfruit ‘pepperoni’, topped with vegan ‘mozzarella’ – for the main event and finish off with Ginger and Pumpkin Cake.

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FUEGO, FENWICK, NEWCASTLE

After shopping at Fenwick make sure to stop off at tapas restaurant and wine bar, Fuego, where you can enjoy authentic Mediterranean-inspired tapas, charcuterie and Napoli-style pizzas. We’re talking Falafel, Pickled Cucumber and Mojo Picon, Charred Broccoli, Tahini and Dukkah and Beetroot Hummus with Lemon and Flatbread.

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CHAOPRAYA, NEWCASTLE

Feast your tastebuds on authentic, fresh and vibrant Thai food this Veganuary. On top of our list is the Mushroom and Coconut Milk Soup, Thai Red Curry with butternut squash, spinach and sweet Thai basil and Vegan Chicken Sweet and Sour with Dragon Fruit Stir-fry.

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CAFFÉ NERO, NEWCASTLE

If you’re looking to grab a quick lunch somewhere, Caffé Nero is your go-to spot this Veganuary. From a Tomato and ‘Mozzarella’ Tostati to Vegan Raspberry Croissant and a Vegan Vegetable Sausage Roll washed down a refreshing Iced Pistachio Latte, you can still enjoy all of your Caffé Nero favourites this month.

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UMAI MI, NEWCASTLE

With a whole vegan menu to explore you’re really spoilt for a choice of vegan alternatives to all your Asian favourites at Umai. From Spicy Miso Soup to Salt and Pepper Tofu and Veg Tofu Gyocza to Avocado Maki Roll Sushi to Wakame Poke Bowl and Eggplant and Veg with Nudo Noodles, spice things up this Veganuary.

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THE REAL GREEK, NEWCASTLE 

Get the taste of the Mediterranean at one of Eldon Square’s newest openings – The Real Greek. Start your evening off the right way with Greek Flatbread, then tuck into a Souvlaki Wrap filled with a choice of jackfruit, falafel or vegan meatballs alongside chips, fresh tomatoes, red onion and sweet paprika. Before finishing things off with a Luxury Lemon Sorbet to refresh your pallet.

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WAGAMAMA, NEWCASTLE 

Did you know that 50% of Wagamama’s menu is plant-based? We’re talking Spicy Teriyaki Vegan ‘Chicken’ Buns, Vegan Chilli ‘Squid’ and Teriyaki Vegan ‘Chicken’ Ramen. We can guarantee that when you tuck into these delicious vegan dishes you won’t be able to tell the difference.

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ORI CAFFÉ, JOHN LEWIS, NEWCASTLE

With a healthy menu boasting authentic fresh flavours, Ori Caffé inside John Lewis serves a variety of fresh artisan sandwiches, salads and vegan sweet treats which are delivered fresh from the bakers every morning. You have to try their Open Vegan Shicken Tikka Wrap served with red cabbage salad, cucumber, red onion and a fresh minty sauce and why not wash that down with Vegan Hot Chocolate.

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NANDO’S, NEWCASTLE

So, we bet you thought you’d have to go without a cheeky Nando’s this month? Well, that’s not the case, make sure you try Nando’s delicious juicy plant-based menu. We’re talking a Spiced Chickpea Burger, The Great Imitator Wrap and Rainbow Bowl complete with all your favourite Nando sides.

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CHIQUITO, NEWCASTLE

Experience all the flavours of Mexico by starting things off with Crispy Tacos Jackfruit Pibil. Then, tuck into a Fajita Fiesta filled with vegan ‘meat’, sizzling peppers and onions, vegan grated cheese, sour cream, salsa, guac and unlimited tortillas. Before sweetening things up with a Passionfruit Vegan Cheesecake to calm all those scrumptious spicy sensations in your mouth.

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CREPAFFAIRE, NEWCASTLE

Satisfy your sugary cravings with Crepaffarire’s indulgent vegan menu. From Vegan Love You Lotus with indulgent Biscoff spread to Vegan Brownies & Cream and Vegan The Whole Shebang complete with strawberries and bananas, this is the perfect spot right in the heart of Eldon Square’s Food Hall for those of you who have a sweet tooth.

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