Think You Hate Tofu? These 10 London Restaurants Will Change Your Mind
Tofu lovers used to be rare to come by. And we agree tofu definitely is an ingredient you either love or you hate. Granted, whenever the word fermented comes into play, we all usually turn our noses up at it – unless it involves cheese. Tofu is known for being incredibly bland, mushy and lacking any real flavour but in Asia it’s a staple in their daily diets. Rich in protein, and all nine essential amino acids, all of which are needed for a well balanced diet, it’s slowly becoming a staple in Western diets too.
Mixed with the right spices and marinade, or even a little bit of chip-shop batter and you’ve got yourself a delicious protein packed meal. Long gone are the days of Tofu being made fun of, here’s our guide to the best places to locate tofu around the city…
Farmer J
Tofuing their way around across London is Farmer J, priding themselves with their varied veggie options. Serving up field trays of goodness, you get a get a choice of grain, protein and two veggies. One protein option being their famous charred tofu steak. Topped with miso crispy leeks and coated in sesame seeds, it’s totally to die for when you’re in need of a protein hit. It’s a great alternative to a steak without the price tag!
Where: Three locations around London
Website: www.farmerj.com
Mr Bao
Bao, oh bao! With bao in their name, you’d expect Mr Bao to be outstanding. And you wouldn’t be wrong. Their bao’s are insanely soft, light and fluffy – making them the ultimate Asian snack to feast upon. Mr Bao will take you to tofu heaven and back with their ginger braised tofu bao topped with their house-special kimchi and crispy onions. Pair it with their sweet potato chips and wasabi mayo and you’re onto a winner!
Where: 293 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4UA
Website: www.mrbao.co.uk
Mildreds
Adding a punch to their signature tofu dish is Mildreds, delivering Caribbean jerk tofu, rum and guava glaze tofu, served up with mango slaw and traditional rice n peas. They’re super gooey but even more super delish! If you close your eyes you’ll even think you’re tucking into a rack of ribs, but these ones will be guilt-free and animal-free. Make sure you check their specials because a tofu dish usually knocking around somewhere!
Where: Various London locations
Website: www.mildreds.co.uk
Kin + Deum
Inspired by the local appetite of Bangkok, Kin + Deum serve up fresh and wholesome dishes with a spicy kick. Whether you’re after a tom yum soup or a slow-cooked massaman curry with chunky tatties and cashews, there are tonnes of tofu options whether you’re veggie or not!
Where: 2 Crucifix Lane, SE1 3JW
Website: www.kindeum.com
Ethos
If you’re looking for a healthy salad hit, then Ethos certainly has you covered. Using a pay-by-weight concept and specialising in dishes from all around the world, they serve up fast and delicious veggie alternatives – a lot using tofu!
Head down on a Sunday and try their shakshuka with tofu and their tofu and sweet potato hash, that’s sautéed with all the dreamy spices. The balance of textures from the crunchy kale and sweet potato against the silky tofu is totally to die for!
Where: 48 Eastcastle Street, W1W 8DW
Website: www.ethosfoods.com
Brasserie Max
Nestled in the heart of the theatre district, you’ll find Brasserie Max at Covent Garden Hotel, you’ll find the vegan breakfast of all vegan breakfasts. You’ll find them serving up crispy tofu alongside spinach, sautéed potatoes, field mushrooms and chilli baked beans. At weekends, you can even upgrade for a glass of pop or a Bloody Mary if you’re feeling a little worse for wear…
Where: 10 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9HB
Website: www.firmdalehotels.com
Black Cat
Grabbing inspiration from chefs and restaurants across the world, Black Cat is known for their innovative style of vegan cooking, especially when it comes to incorporating tofu. Whether you’re after their BBQ tofu sarnie, blue corn crusted tofu with mole sauce or their corn crusts ‘chicken’, pesto and melted cheese sarnie, you’re in for a treat.
Where: 76A Clarence Road, Hackney, E5 8HB
Website: www.blackcatcafe.co.uk
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