The rise of veganism in the UK has been nothing short of meteoric, with more and more of us getting behind Veganuary every year.
For many people, a plant-based diet is something that’s becoming more important this year than ever – and for the long term, too, not just for one month.
If you’re looking for some new dishes to add into your meat-free meal plans, we’ve got just the place.
Inventive vegan restaurant Bhaji Pala, not far from Stockport in the suburb of Gatley, has become known for doing some of the best Indian food in the region.
It’s not just us, or its legion of loyal fans who think so, either.
Last month, the restaurant was awarded the title of Best Vegetarian Restaurant in the whole of the north at the Asian Restaurant Awards.
Bhaji-Pala is a Marathi word, which translates roughly into green veggies and herbs that are the heart of western Indian vegetarian cooking.
The award-winning kitchen team manage to maintain authenticity while adapting the southern Indian dishes for vegan palates.
Starters include tender juicy pieces of pineapple grilled with a tangy, spicy marinade, while hot street food style bites feature spiced potato patties served on a bed of green masala peas, and walnut and corn cakes with tamarind chutney.
Crispy rice and lentil dosa pancakes are filled with tofu, masala or vegan cheese and spinach, while an Indo-Chinese dish is adaptation of gobi manchurian, made with broccoli and topped with spring onions.
Hearty mains include dry beetroot curry tempered with green chillies, curry leaves and whole spices, egg plant stuffed with peanuts and spices, and delicious stuffed potatoes cooked in rich Goan sauce, as well as the Bhaji Pala special: fresh mixed vegetables cooked in a smooth creamy spinach gravy.
And if you’re looking for something lighter, there are two brand new wraps to try, just launched today and running until the end of January.
There’s a choice of the Tik Tok tofu chilli wrap, or the Insta Reel spicy soya spinach wrap, both just £6.99.
Even better, there’s currently 30% off all food for collection and delivery (within a five mile radius), when you order through their website – so there’s really no better time to try the best vegan food in the north.
Bhaji Pala is open from 4pm – 9pm every day at 2 Old Hall Rd, Gatley, Cheadle SK8 4BE.