7 fresh plant-based dishes that Cork vegans rave about (and where to find them)

It’s a good time to try something new.
And whether you’re a longtime vegan or you’re simply dipping a toe into plant-based eating as part of a New Year health kick, eating more veggies is a no-brainer when it comes to feeling better generally.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to bore yourself silly to give it a shot. Cork is now a place that is positively teeming with top-notch meat-free meals.
We asked our nearest vegans for their tips:
1. The Hot Buddha Bowl at 021Soulfood
Ideal for the chilly days of January, this comforting combo of brown rice and red lentils in a mildly spicy South Indian coconut and lemon sauce is served with sauteed spinach, cherry tomatoes, and roasted sweet potatoes (feta cheese optional).
View this post on Instagram
2. The Polenta Bites at Arthur Maynes
A delicious new addition to the menu at Arthur Mayne’s on Pembroke Street, the polenta bites (€7.50) are served on a bed of kale pesto, topped with a dollop of olive tapenade.
View this post on Instagram
3. The Burek at Coffee Scape
Organic tofu is one of the main ingredients the CoffeeScape crew use in their vegan ricotta burek filling, so as well as a delicious slice of Balkan comfort food, you also actually get a decent serving of protein, calcium, fibre, magnesium, and iron.
Drop in to try it at 31 Popes Quay, Cork.
View this post on Instagram
4. The Nutcase Nutburger at Mahon Farmer’s Market
The Nutcase Food Company’s handmade, high protein, vegan Nutburgers are on the sizzle at Mahon Point and Douglas Farmer’s Markets.
Served on fresh crusty bread and slathered in a variety of zingy sauces and toppings, you won’t find a more moreish plant-based bite.
View this post on Instagram
5. The Baba Ghanoush at Umi
One of our favourite spots for vegan food on the go, Umi Falafel on Academy Street makes a mean Baba Ghanoush (smoked aubergine dip) that’s perfect for dipping into with a fresh pita if you’re dining al desk-o.
View this post on Instagram
6. The Unfiltered Sriracha at My Goodness
They reopen on January 9th, 2023, so pencil in the date and make a beeline for My Goodness to pick up a jar of their Unfiltered Sriracha. Made from 100 percent fermented Cork-grown chilies, this stuff packs a major punch and it’ll jazz up your January lunches like nobody’s business.
View this post on Instagram
7. The flatbread at Naturally Nourished
Available to eat-in or take away, the Naturally Nourished vegan flatbread involves house vegan miso mayo, sautéed mushrooms, pickled cabbage, and micro greens on their handmade flatties.
An excellent reason to get the steps in and stroll over to Penrose Dock.
View this post on Instagram