Food is a HUGE aspect of travel. When we travel, we want to explore new cuisines and understand the food culture in the places we visit. However, for us vegetarians, things are not too straightforward as we might face many inhibitions along the course of journeying thanks to our dietary restrictions. Luckily, vegetarianism is becoming more and more popular these days with most restaurants offering vegetarian options or entire restaurants serving only vegetarian food. Dublin has no dearth of options for vegetarians. You can get vegetarian food of almost every cuisine if you looked well enough. I've made a list of eateries to make things easier for vegetarians who are coming to Dublin:
Indian food - Govinda's
Good news is, there are loads and loads of Indian restaurants in the city, and probably all of them have a vegetarian menu. But if you are looking for an all-vegetarian restaurant, Govinda's should be your to-go place. Govinda's is run by Dublin's ISKCON temple and is situated right at the heart of the city at Abbey St, right along O'Connell Street. It is the second-oldest vegetarian establishment in the city after Cornucopia and is one the most famous ones. Govinda's is adjacent to Eason's bookstore - the restaurant is on the ground floor and the temple on the top floor of the building. Here, you pay for your food according to your plate size. Usually, I go for the small plate which costs €7 (€5 if you're doing a takeaway) because the portions are HUGE. Trust me. One small plate keeps me full for hours. You can get rice, dal, 2-3 sabjis as well as a side dish like roast potatoes or lasagne all in one small plate meal. The prices here are incredibly affordable, considering that in most other Indian restaurants in the city, one vegetarian sabji by itself costs around €9.90. As of the time of writing this post, Govinda's is undergoing some food safety checks and is temporarily closed. But they should be reopening soon.
Indian food - Govinda's
Good news is, there are loads and loads of Indian restaurants in the city, and probably all of them have a vegetarian menu. But if you are looking for an all-vegetarian restaurant, Govinda's should be your to-go place. Govinda's is run by Dublin's ISKCON temple and is situated right at the heart of the city at Abbey St, right along O'Connell Street. It is the second-oldest vegetarian establishment in the city after Cornucopia and is one the most famous ones. Govinda's is adjacent to Eason's bookstore - the restaurant is on the ground floor and the temple on the top floor of the building. Here, you pay for your food according to your plate size. Usually, I go for the small plate which costs €7 (€5 if you're doing a takeaway) because the portions are HUGE. Trust me. One small plate keeps me full for hours. You can get rice, dal, 2-3 sabjis as well as a side dish like roast potatoes or lasagne all in one small plate meal. The prices here are incredibly affordable, considering that in most other Indian restaurants in the city, one vegetarian sabji by itself costs around €9.90. As of the time of writing this post, Govinda's is undergoing some food safety checks and is temporarily closed. But they should be reopening soon.
Photo credits:https://www.happycow.net/reviews/govindas-dublin-9483
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Middle Eastern food - Umi Falafel
For those who think vegetarian Middle Eastern food is a paradoxical phrase, Umi Falafel will prove you wrong. This establishment is one of the most successful vegetarian franchises in Ireland - with outlets in Dublin, Cork and Belfast. In Dublin alone, they have 4 outlets. I usually visit their branch on Dame St (city centre). Their delightful falafel sandwiches, salads and mezze are to die for! Their menu is fully vegetarian with multiple vegan options. Also, the food here is really affordable - you can get a set meal for €8 and individual items for even lower prices. This is a place you should never miss. A link to their website is here: https://www.umifalafel.ie/
For those who think vegetarian Middle Eastern food is a paradoxical phrase, Umi Falafel will prove you wrong. This establishment is one of the most successful vegetarian franchises in Ireland - with outlets in Dublin, Cork and Belfast. In Dublin alone, they have 4 outlets. I usually visit their branch on Dame St (city centre). Their delightful falafel sandwiches, salads and mezze are to die for! Their menu is fully vegetarian with multiple vegan options. Also, the food here is really affordable - you can get a set meal for €8 and individual items for even lower prices. This is a place you should never miss. A link to their website is here: https://www.umifalafel.ie/
Photo credits: Umi Falafel Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UmiFalafel/)
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Fusion cuisine - Cornucopia
No Dublin-based vegetarian food guide can be complete without mention of Cornucopia. It is Dublin's oldest vegetarian establishment, founded in 1986. The cuisines served here are diverse. On any day, there are 5 main items prepared that originate from different cuisines (e.g. lasagne, moussaka, sambhar, stews, etc.). For around €14-15, you would choose 1 main dish and two side salads and this would be your meal. You can also buy a wide range of vegan desserts like muffins, cakes, brownies here. The restaurant has seating areas over 3 floors (you can imagine how popular it is!). Definitely worth a visit, because their food is just lip-smacking. They are located on Wicklow Street in the city centre (https://cornucopia.ie/). Pro tip: if you are a member of UCD Horticulture Society, you get a 10% discount here.
No Dublin-based vegetarian food guide can be complete without mention of Cornucopia. It is Dublin's oldest vegetarian establishment, founded in 1986. The cuisines served here are diverse. On any day, there are 5 main items prepared that originate from different cuisines (e.g. lasagne, moussaka, sambhar, stews, etc.). For around €14-15, you would choose 1 main dish and two side salads and this would be your meal. You can also buy a wide range of vegan desserts like muffins, cakes, brownies here. The restaurant has seating areas over 3 floors (you can imagine how popular it is!). Definitely worth a visit, because their food is just lip-smacking. They are located on Wicklow Street in the city centre (https://cornucopia.ie/). Pro tip: if you are a member of UCD Horticulture Society, you get a 10% discount here.
Photo credits: Cornucopia Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cornucopiadublin/)
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Salad bar - Blazing Salads
This is hands-down my favourite place in Dublin. Located on Drury Street, a stone's throw from Cornucopia, this entirely vegan salad bar is an all-starrer. You can customise and create your own salad box by playing around with a wide range of salads they have on offer (see the photo below - you can take a bit of each of the salads and custom make your own salad concoction). Salads aren't only about vegetables. Here, they have potato/chickpea/pasta/noodle/barley-based salads too to give you your carb fix. Best part is, you pay by weight of your salad box. You can also purchase individually-priced items like spring rolls, soups, samosas, pizza slices, desserts, and so on here. Pro tip: if you are a member of UCD Horticulture Society, you get a 10% discount here. One large salad box filled to the brim costs around €13. Trust me, one large salad box will last you two meals! It's healthy, tasty and pretty affordable. Here's a link to their website: http://www.blazingsalads.com/
This is hands-down my favourite place in Dublin. Located on Drury Street, a stone's throw from Cornucopia, this entirely vegan salad bar is an all-starrer. You can customise and create your own salad box by playing around with a wide range of salads they have on offer (see the photo below - you can take a bit of each of the salads and custom make your own salad concoction). Salads aren't only about vegetables. Here, they have potato/chickpea/pasta/noodle/barley-based salads too to give you your carb fix. Best part is, you pay by weight of your salad box. You can also purchase individually-priced items like spring rolls, soups, samosas, pizza slices, desserts, and so on here. Pro tip: if you are a member of UCD Horticulture Society, you get a 10% discount here. One large salad box filled to the brim costs around €13. Trust me, one large salad box will last you two meals! It's healthy, tasty and pretty affordable. Here's a link to their website: http://www.blazingsalads.com/
Photo credits: Blazing Salads Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Blazing-Salads-133608040018629/)
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Italian - Aperitivo
I haven't met a soul who said they don't enjoy Italian food. However, often in omnivorous Italian restaurants we vegetarians only have the two same old options - margharita pizza and pomodoro pasta. Yay. Enter Aperitivo. This eatery, located on Parliament St., has loads and loads of vegan food. They sell a huge variety of pizzas, in such creative combos you'd never have heard of before. They also sell a range of pastas and vegan desserts, and overall they're pretty affordable!! Definitely worth a visit.
I haven't met a soul who said they don't enjoy Italian food. However, often in omnivorous Italian restaurants we vegetarians only have the two same old options - margharita pizza and pomodoro pasta. Yay. Enter Aperitivo. This eatery, located on Parliament St., has loads and loads of vegan food. They sell a huge variety of pizzas, in such creative combos you'd never have heard of before. They also sell a range of pastas and vegan desserts, and overall they're pretty affordable!! Definitely worth a visit.
Photo credits: Aperitivo Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AperitivoDublin/)
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Burritos - Boojum's
Boojum's might not be an all-vegetarian eatery, but they have vegetarian burritos always on offer. Trust me, you'll never get a better burrito elsewhere. Their burrito's are filling, tasty and cheap! Show your student card and it costs around €7! They have outlets all over the city centre. I've put a map of their branch on Abbey St Lower, but do check out their website for info on their other locations: https://www.boojummex.com/
Boojum's might not be an all-vegetarian eatery, but they have vegetarian burritos always on offer. Trust me, you'll never get a better burrito elsewhere. Their burrito's are filling, tasty and cheap! Show your student card and it costs around €7! They have outlets all over the city centre. I've put a map of their branch on Abbey St Lower, but do check out their website for info on their other locations: https://www.boojummex.com/
Japanese - Takara Ramen and Deli Sushi Bar & Yamamori
I don't know how many of you have tried Japanese food before, but that's the beauty of travelling - you get the opportunity to try food from cuisines you wouldn't have thought of trying. Initially I didn't like Japanese food, but it slowly grew on me. Especially sushi and bento box meals. You can get both at two different Japanese restaurants in Dublin - Yamamori (2 outlets in city centre, one on Ormond Quay Lower and the other on South Great George's St) and Takara Ramen and Deli Sushi Bar (Abbey St Lower). I personally liked the vegan bento box at Takara. A typical vegan bento set comprises of miso soup, rice, 2 sushi pieces, tofu side dish, salad, and in the case of Takara, they also give some gyoza. It's delicious! The only thing to remember is that if you're visiting Takara for their vegan bento, it is available only on weekday afternoons (lunchtime). A vegan bento box meal costs €9-10 in both restaurants. Also, you get vegan sushi at these places!
I don't know how many of you have tried Japanese food before, but that's the beauty of travelling - you get the opportunity to try food from cuisines you wouldn't have thought of trying. Initially I didn't like Japanese food, but it slowly grew on me. Especially sushi and bento box meals. You can get both at two different Japanese restaurants in Dublin - Yamamori (2 outlets in city centre, one on Ormond Quay Lower and the other on South Great George's St) and Takara Ramen and Deli Sushi Bar (Abbey St Lower). I personally liked the vegan bento box at Takara. A typical vegan bento set comprises of miso soup, rice, 2 sushi pieces, tofu side dish, salad, and in the case of Takara, they also give some gyoza. It's delicious! The only thing to remember is that if you're visiting Takara for their vegan bento, it is available only on weekday afternoons (lunchtime). A vegan bento box meal costs €9-10 in both restaurants. Also, you get vegan sushi at these places!
A vegan bento box meal from Takara Ramen and Deli Sushi Bar
Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/veghuns/ |
The Carrot's Tail
A new kid on the block, Carrot's Tail opened their doors only in 2019. They're already making headlines, with people raving about their amazing food! Another highlight about the Carrot's Tail is that they are a zero-waste shop, which means you can get all your dry groceries from them without having to buy stuff in disposable and non-biodegradable carriers. They are located in Rathmines. I've had a delicious "chickon" burger from them (it was so weird saying something with "chickon" while ordering)! And did I mention that they are 100% vegan? Most of the items they sell are brunch-style food like burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pancakes and so on. But they are constantly experimenting and refining recipes so they are definitely worth keeping an eye on!
A new kid on the block, Carrot's Tail opened their doors only in 2019. They're already making headlines, with people raving about their amazing food! Another highlight about the Carrot's Tail is that they are a zero-waste shop, which means you can get all your dry groceries from them without having to buy stuff in disposable and non-biodegradable carriers. They are located in Rathmines. I've had a delicious "chickon" burger from them (it was so weird saying something with "chickon" while ordering)! And did I mention that they are 100% vegan? Most of the items they sell are brunch-style food like burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pancakes and so on. But they are constantly experimenting and refining recipes so they are definitely worth keeping an eye on!
Photo credits: The Carrot's Tail Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/thecarrotstail/)
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European - Sova Vegan Butcher
Another 100% vegan eatery! I haven't been here yet, but I know they sell European-style fare and sometimes include Indian/Asian items too. Personally I think they are a bit more pricey compared to the other places (prices are in the range of Cornucopia's food). Do check them out if you fancy!
Another 100% vegan eatery! I haven't been here yet, but I know they sell European-style fare and sometimes include Indian/Asian items too. Personally I think they are a bit more pricey compared to the other places (prices are in the range of Cornucopia's food). Do check them out if you fancy!
Photo credits: Sova Vegan Butcher Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SovaVeganButcher/)
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Korean - Brothers' Dosirak
These guys aren't a fully vegetarian establishment, but I cannot complete this guide without mention of them, because I am totally in love with their vegetarian bibimbap (Korean-style mixed vegetable rice). They have other vegetarian options as well. This outlet is a space within the Asian grocery store Super Asia Foods, located on Capel St. It is a typical Korean-style tiny food court, with an open kitchen so you can see the chefs cooking. Established by two brothers, you'll be greeted with a nice welcome the moment you enter. Don't let the humble appearance of this outlet fool you - their food is incredible. And the cost is unbelievable - €7 for a huge bowl of bibimbap (don't forget to present your student card!)
These guys aren't a fully vegetarian establishment, but I cannot complete this guide without mention of them, because I am totally in love with their vegetarian bibimbap (Korean-style mixed vegetable rice). They have other vegetarian options as well. This outlet is a space within the Asian grocery store Super Asia Foods, located on Capel St. It is a typical Korean-style tiny food court, with an open kitchen so you can see the chefs cooking. Established by two brothers, you'll be greeted with a nice welcome the moment you enter. Don't let the humble appearance of this outlet fool you - their food is incredible. And the cost is unbelievable - €7 for a huge bowl of bibimbap (don't forget to present your student card!)
Brother's Dosirak eatery
Photo credits: https://www.independent.ie/life/food-drink/restaurant-review-brothers-dosirak-volume-value-37404059.html |
Vegetarianism/veganism is quickly becoming a fashionable trend, so it is not surprising if more vegetarian eateries pop up in the near future! Just keep an eye on the local food scene :)