Vegan value
We all know that including plenty of fresh fruit and veggies in your daily diet is good for your health. Vegetarianism is widely practiced but more recently, there’s been a growing movement of people taking that next step and going vegan. This movement could be attributed to many elements, notably the health and environmental benefits which are becoming more and more important in our busy daily lives.
Lea McBride, herself a vegan for the past seven years and a vegetarian since 1991, runs Vegan Festival Adelaide and has been thrilled to witness the local vegan movement gaining momentum.
An annual event, this year’s Vegan Festival Adelaide will happen on 26 and 27 October in Rundle Park / Kadlitpina.
The Vegan Festival has been implementing various environmentally friendly practices over the years and in 2018 the festival was announced a recipient of funding support through the City of Adelaide’s Sustainable Events Innovation Fund. Financial assistance provided through this fund to eligible groups and organisations was offered to help deliver environmentally sustainable events and festivals* that support the outcomes of the City of Adelaide Strategic Plan 2016-2020.
With Council’s support, the 2018 Vegan Festival was able to implement
positive sustainability measures like three bin waste separation to maximise
recycling, a solar phone charging station for festival-goers and ensuring all
stallholders used compostable, reusable or recyclable packaging. These actions
were supported by talks by prominent members of the community, highlighting the
importance of environmental stewardship and how we can support the health of
the ecosystems that support us.
Fine fare at the 2018 Vegan Festival.
Vegan Festival Adelaide is just one of many activities on Lea’s work calendar. She also organises fine dining dinners and holds vegan cooking demonstrations twice yearly at the Adelaide Central Market.
“Adelaide was recently named the world’s 12th most popular vegan city** which is fantastic for our small city! Not only are there dedicated vegan cafés and restaurants in the CBD, but most venues now either offer vegan options or have specific vegan menus,” said Lea.
“Today we find fast food vegan-only takeaway joints, bakeries, classic ‘American Diner-style’ food alongside some fabulously healthy plant-based juice and salad bars which have taken food flavour and expectations of a vegan diet to a whole new culinary level."
As Lea sees it, the benefits of adopting a vegan lifestyle radiate well beyond the individual making the lifestyle choice.
“With more and more options available in the market, vegan diners are expecting a higher standard of food than ever before and we expect this to reflect in local venues.”
"This is a plant based Asian fusion eatery, with a great following."
"The Food Court in Southern Cross is home to Vegetarian Delight with some of the yummiest bahn mi, hot dishes and laksa's in Adelaide for lunch."
"The demand for all things vegan means that we now have a fully vegan fine dining venue right in the city. Allegra serves some of the most amazing flavours, gorgeous stylish decor and impeccable service in town."
“Fresh creative flavours have seen this venue expand due to popularity with vegans and non-vegans alike. Started by the team from the iconic Veggie Velo burger food cart, they offer a range of juices, hot dishes, wraps and the best cakes and desserts.”
“Veganism is now so main-stream that we needed a fast food joint in Hindley Street. This place serves the delicious Beyond Burger range and is a popular addition to the city for vegans enjoying a night out on the town.”
“A super cool spot set in the stunning upstairs area of Adelaide Arcade, Two Bit Villains has also gone through an expansion serving diner style burgers, shakes, house made soft drinks, vegan mac’n’cheese and Caesar salads. Frequented by both vegans and not-yet-vegans - who continue to come long after their vego buddies have introduced them.”
“I’ve been going here since they opened a tiny venue in Gaye’s Arcade. Thea’s is a welcome tranquil escape in the middle of the busy city, with interesting flavours and sauces and amazing teas.”
Pure Vegetarian
“A Central Market classic – mock meat curies, tasty eggplant dishes and cheap market foods.”
“An institution on the veg scene, upstairs looking over Rundle Street. An eclectic venue with tasty whole food dishes.”
*If you run an event in the city or a business that provides event services, read the City of Adelaide’s Sustainable Event Guidelines, which provide clear guidance on practical measures to make events more sustainable and promote sustainability achievements. For assistance, please contact: