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Like in lots of European cities, the number of vegan choices in Athens is steadily rising. Not solely are there loads of vegan-friendly eateries with plant-based variations of conventional Greek dishes however there are additionally quite a few eating places providing international-inspired vegan fare.

Town’s culinary panorama has modified fairly a bit between my first go to and the start of my Athens meals excursions. Prior to now, vegan choices had been few and much between in only a handful of eating places, however now, so many spots are solely devoted to serving high quality vegan meals.

When you’re vegan, Athens has some unimaginable foodie spots it’s essential strive!

Bamboo Vegan

Photograph credit score: Bamboo Vegan

Bamboo Vegan is a quaint vegan cafe close to the Akadimia space that shares a hefty choice of delectable plant-based grocery retailer objects.

There’s only a small cluster of tables inside this darkish inexperienced, plant-filled eatery, all of which had been full once I obtained right here. Nevertheless, I’d been instructed all about their unimaginable sandwiches, so I used to be comfortable to get one for takeaway.

I went for the tofu ciabatta and couldn’t resist selecting up one of many spinach pies I noticed close to the counter. This was the sandwich of goals, because the smoky flavors of the agency tofu and easy mayonnaise countered the zesty tomato slices and tart arugula.

Though I got here right here particularly for the sandwiches, I used to be equally keen on the pie. It was stuffed with delicate chopped spinach and a beneficiant quantity of crumbly vegan cheese. One of the best half was the pastry, which was as flaky as a croissant however with refined savory notes.

Bamboo Vegan (€) – Zoodochou Pigis 36, Athina 106 81, Greece – Open each Monday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to five:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, closed each Sunday.

Vegan Beat Athens

Photograph credit score: Vegan Beat Athens

Having been instructed this place was the most effective vegan eating places in Athens, I, after all, needed to come and test it out for myself. Vegan Beat Athens is a fast stroll from Syntagma Sq. and boasts some savory avenue food-style dishes.

This can be a informal, no-frills spot with restricted seating in and out, however let me let you know, it’s price visiting whether or not you handle to discover a desk or not. The vivid inexperienced and white-colored indoor space is easy and understated, and the heat of the workers provides it a welcoming, vibrant environment.

On the menu had been vegan variations of traditional Greek dishes and Mediterranean favorites. I considered going for the Greek salad with vegan feta or a kebab however seeing as their vegan gyros are their best-loved merchandise, it felt mistaken to not strive them on my first go to.

It consisted of the entire key elements of an ordinary gyro, together with fluffy pita bread, crunchy cabbage, recent tomatoes, and funky tzatziki. On this occasion, the meat was switched to tender mushrooms, which added loads of umami and woody flavors.

Vegan Beat Athens (€) – Perikleous 56, Athina 105 60, Greece – Open day by day from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Mama Tierra

Mama Tierra is a captivating vegan hang-out in Akadimia. They’ve obtained one other location close to the Acropolis, however this department tends to be a bit extra chilled-out.

The decor decisions are harking back to old-school Greek types, however the guys right here have given the standard blue-and-white aesthetic a contemporary edge. On the identical time, the array of terracotta-colored plates and wood finishes hold it traditional.

Between veggie-packed soups and tempting plates of hummus and falafel, the in depth choice of vegan dishes right here was unbelievable. Once I requested the server for some recommendations, she advisable the vegan moussaka with out hesitation.

I used to be uncertain whether or not it will pack the identical punch with out the meat and béchamel sauce, however the meaty black beans and coconut milk greater than made up for it. These substitutions complemented the layers of buttery potato, zingy tomato sauce, and candy eggplant.

Mama Tierra (€€) – Greece, Akadimias 84, Athina 106 78, Greece – Open day by day from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Winners Vegan

Photograph credit score: Winners Vegan

Set contained in the Niki Athens Resort in Plaka is Winners Vegan, a plant-based spot with a pleasant menu of worldwide dishes. 

The inside was a mixture of refined furnishings and a mushy brown colour scheme however with quirky touches like vivid pink signage and classy hanging lights. Between the decor, pleasant workers, and tremendous cool vibe, I used to be already fairly impressed with this place.

I used to be principally drawn to the Asian fusion choices on the menu, significantly the tempeh and quinoa protein bowl and the pad Thai. As a lover of Thai meals, I couldn’t look previous the prospect of silky noodles, recent herbs, and shredded greens.

There was a lot happening with this dish! A hearty serving of earthy buckwheat noodles was on the underside, contrasting the cashew’s creaminess and the crispy carrots and zucchinis. As for the sauce, it was a yummy mix of bitter lemon, bitter tahini, and scorching cayenne pepper.

Winners Vegan (€€) – Nikis 27, Athina 105 57, Greece – Open each Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, closed each Sunday.

Completely happy Blender

Photograph credit score: Completely happy Blender

Completely happy Blender is among the many most buzzing brunch eateries in Monastiraki. After spending the morning on the close by Acropolis Museum, I swung by to check out one in all their smoothies or juices.

I’d deliberate to get my order to go however had a peak on the vivid, tropical-inspired eating space and determined to drag up a seat. I took a fast take a look at the meals menu and immediately knew I needed to strive one thing. 

This place is a dream for veggies and vegans, from the lentil and chickpea burgers to the dairy-free ice cream. My candy tooth was turning into troublesome to disregard, and I stored going again to the pancakes and waffles. In the end, I selected peanut butter, strawberry, and banana pancakes.

Beginning with a refreshing and spicy apple, carrot, and ginger juice made me really feel a bit higher in regards to the feast I used to be about to have! To my shock, the pancakes had been mild and ethereal, that means I may savor every chunk of aromatic strawberries, creamy bananas, and wealthy peanut butter!

Completely happy Blender (€€) – Ifestou 39, Athina 105 55, Greece – Open day by day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Veganaki

Photograph credit score: Veganaki

Veganaki lies close to the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus beside the Makriyanni district, making it conveniently positioned however much less crowded than the marginally extra central spots.

It’s the right place to get some refuge from the busy streets or, in my case, once I visited, the unrelenting warmth! Whereas it appears to be like comparatively modest from the skin, the inside is made up of tall ceilings, daring, color-block wallpaper, and ample seating.

Not solely is the menu fully vegan, however it’s additionally obtained a wonderful line-up of gluten-free choices. I used to be on the lookout for one thing that was on the lighter facet, so I opted for the avocado pita.

Regardless of being listed as an appetizer, it made for an excellent lunch. The heat pita tasted freshly baked, whereas the within was packed stuffed with easy avocado slices, lemony hummus, crisp cucumber, and a touch of tangy candy chili sauce.

Veganaki (€€) – Athanasiou Diakou 38 (38, Athina 117 43, Greece – Open day by day from 9:15 am to 11:45 pm.

Conclusion

At the same time as somebody who doesn’t usually comply with a plant-based food plan, I’ve to confess the vegan eating places in Athens, Greece, severely impressed me. In reality, it’d simply be essentially the most underrated spot in Europe for animal-free eats.