As a decade-long vegetarian who’s now making the move to a fully plant-based diet, I’m always on the lookout for exciting vegan food in Birmingham. Thankfully, this is one of those cities where eating vegan never feels like you’re settling or missing out. Whether it’s an English breakfast, fine dining, or flavour-packed street food, Birmingham’s food scene proves that plant-based eating can be every bit as indulgent as it is sustainable.
What I love most is that so many of the city’s best vegan dishes aren’t coming from exclusively vegan restaurants. Independent cafés, family-run restaurants, and neighbourhood takeaways are all embracing plant-based cooking in their own way, making Birmingham one of the easiest places to eat vegan in the UK.
Cherry Reds – City Centre
Cherry Reds has been a Birmingham staple for years, and it’s one of those places I always end up recommending when someone asks where to get a good vegan brunch. Tucked just off New Street, it’s cosy, independent, and always buzzing. As well as hosting fabulous comedy and jazz nights, Cherry Reds is known for their greasy spoon classics, many of which can be made vegan-friendly. Their ‘Hearty Vegan’ English-style breakfast is exactly what a full English should be: a generous fry-up guaranteed to keep you full until dinner. Scrambled turmeric tofu, vegan sausages, and hash browns make this plate every bit as indulgent as a traditional full English. However, if you’re after something a little bit different, try the plant-based breakfast wrap stuffed with falafel, vegan feta, tomato salsa, mushrooms, and spinach. They also offer plant-based pancakes, burgers, milkshakes, and so much more.
The Hive Café & Bakery – Jewellery Quarter
If you find yourself wandering around the Jewellery Quarter in need of coffee or an affordable lunch, The Hive is well worth seeking out. Housed inside a beautifully restored Victorian jewellery factory, this community café serves fresh, seasonal dishes – all of which are vegetarian or vegan. The Hive takes sustainability seriously and has won awards for its environmentally conscious approach. The menu changes regularly, but there’s always a decent selection of vegan options available. Besides delicious dishes, The Hive also regularly runs craft workshops and events, so it’s always worth popping in if you’re in the area.
Indian Café Racer – Gay Village
Indian Café Racer is one of those hidden gems that deserves far more attention than it gets. The restaurant is housed inside The Wellington Hotel & Pub and serves authentic Indian food packed with flavour. There are many vegan dishes on offer, although the golgappa are an absolute must-order. These crisp little shells filled with potatoes, chickpeas, and spicy mint water are messy but so worth it – just be sure to eat them in one bite. I’m equally obsessed with the bhindi – a mix of fresh okra and potatoes coated in warming spices.
Land – City Centre
Land is an independent restaurant hidden away inside the beautiful Great Western Arcade. It has quickly become one of Birmingham’s most exciting fine dining destinations, with head chefs Adrian Luck and Tony Cridland creating elegant tasting menus that celebrate seasonal produce in inventive ways. The restaurant describes itself as “plant-focused” rather than vegan, so do check what dishes are currently on offer before making a reservation. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply fancy treating yourself, Land proves that fine dining doesn’t have to revolve around meat.
BA-HA at The Rainbow Pub – Digbeth
Anyone who thinks vegan food has to be healthy clearly hasn’t been to BA-HA. Sometimes you just want an outrageously good burger, loaded fries, or Kentucky “wings”. Operating out of The Rainbow Pub in Digbeth, BA-HA has become one of Birmingham’s best-loved vegan kitchens for good reason. The vegan smash burgers are brilliantly messy, piled high with vegan cheese, sauce, and toppings. If you visit on a Sunday, be sure to check out their vegan roast (with all the trimmings) – it has built something of a cult following among plant-based Brummies. BA-HA is the sort of place that happily convinces even the most sceptical of meat eaters.
Eat Vietnam – Stirchley
Stirchley has quickly become one of Birmingham’s best neighbourhoods for independent food. Eat Vietnam serves fresh, vibrant Vietnamese cooking which is known for its wide array of naturally vegan dishes. I love the intimate atmosphere of this little restaurant, where the smell of authentic Vietnamese cooking greets you as soon as you walk through the door. The Sa Tê aubergine is simply brilliant and the tofu curry is packed with flavour.
Barsana – Harborne
Barsana definitely deserves a place on this list. It is an entirely vegetarian restaurant inspired by age-old recipes from Barsana village in India. The menu caters well to both vegetarians and vegans, with all dishes clearly labelled. The soya shaslik is a personal favourite of mine, as is the mushroom biryani. All dishes are beautifully spiced, and you’ll inevitably end up ordering far more than you intended because everything sounds so good.
BRIG Café – Digbeth
No guide to Birmingham’s vegan food scene would feel complete without mentioning BRIG café, formerly known as the Warehouse Café. This place has been serving plant-based food for over 30 years and also functions as a cultural and intellectual hub for discussions about climate justice and sustainability. The menu changes regularly, but you’ll always find hearty vegan mains alongside homemade soups, salads, and some seriously tempting cakes – the vegan peanut butter brownies are a must-try.
Miss Li’s Kitchen – Edgbaston
Whenever I can’t decide what to order for a takeaway, I always end up at Miss Li’s Kitchen. Their vegan menu is one of the best I’ve come across for Chinese food. My go-to order has become the mock duck pancakes – served with cucumber, spring onion, and hoisin sauce, they’re every bit as satisfying as the original. I also recommend the salt and pepper tofu and mini spring rolls.
Lekker Café – Jewellery Quarter
Lekker is inspired by the café culture of the Netherlands. The name is derived from the Dutch word for ‘tasty’, and their food certainly lives up to that expectation. Strictly speaking, Lekker only has one dedicated vegan dish on the menu, but it’s so good that I couldn’t leave it off this list. ‘The Vegan’s Touch’ is a generous brunch plate featuring falafel, sautéed spinach and mushrooms, beautifully seasoned potatoes, hash browns, baked beans, and sourdough. The falafel is such a welcome addition, adding plenty of flavour and texture. Pair it with one of Lekker’s excellent oat milk coffees and you’ve got one of my favourite brunches in Birmingham. At around £10 for such a generous portion, it’s also fantastic value for money.
Mr Singh’s – Handsworth Wood
Mr Sing’s has built a reputation for putting an Indian twist on pizzas – controversial? Perhaps. But don’t knock it until you try it. The full menu is vegetarian, and most dishes can be made vegan on request. The Tandoori pizza is mouthwateringly good, and the spicy soya sticks make the perfect side if you’re feeling particularly hungry. It’s proper Friday-night comfort food, and proof that going vegan doesn’t have to mean giving up guilty pleasures.
