2017 was exciting in a lot of ways. The Vegan Nigerian popped up a couple of times for a dinner party and a Christmas feast.
I also had the opportunity to cater at a music festival, exhibit at Maidstone Vegan Festival for the second year in a row, and finally take the bold step to exhibit at London VegFest for the first time, bringing the deliciousness of Nigerian snacks to a wider audience on one day and showcasing some of my favourite yam recipes at a cookery demo on another day (more demos to come this year - check the 'Events' page for listings).
My private Airbnb dinners were steady through the year, allowing me to meet and cater to travellers from as far and wide as Canada, Sweden, China, India and the United States!
It was also a good year for travelling as I got to explore the vegan food scenes in Copenhagen and Zurich.
From stuffed plantain cups to vegan bbqs, it was also an amazing year for experimenting with food and further showcasing that this vegan life ain't so bad :)
I want to use this opportunity to thank every single person that has shown and offered their support and kindness along this journey. I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year, and look forward to what 2018 brings!
Love, Tomi x
Let's stay connected. If you're on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube, do follow The Vegan Nigerian for more fun content.
Tuesday, 2 January 2018
Wednesday, 20 December 2017
Top 10 Vegan Christmas Recipes
If you're short on ideas for your vegan spread this Christmas season, here are my top 10 picks of wonderfully festive recipes to try, in no particular order (because let's be real, jollof rice would beat brussels sprouts to the top spot every. single. time.). These are dishes that are already up on the blog so simply click the titles to get to the recipe page!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and New Year in advance! xo
1. Brussels Sprouts
But y'know, properly spiced and seasoned so they don't taste like old socks.
2. Beans and Plantain Canapes
So visually appealing that you'll want to hang them up on your Christmas tree.
3. Nigerian Roasted Vegetables
The result of plantain, yam, sweet potatoes and other root vegetables hanging out together in the oven.
4. Jollof Rice and Plantain
What's a party without jollof? I'm waiting for you to tell me.
5. Plantain Fried Rice
What's a party without fried rice? Still great if there's jollof rice, but why limit yourself...
6. Coconut and Turmeric Roast Potatoes
A fancy schmancy take on roast potatoes for cooks who want to show off this Christmas.
7. Pumpkin Spice Puff Puff
Little bite-sized doughnut puffs of goodness, bursting with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Yes.
8. Christmas Pudding
Want to really really really impress? Make this.
9. Nutty Chocolate Truffles
Picture it. You're snuggled up on the sofa with a Netflix movie on the TV screen. You've got a whole bowl of these. And you refuse to pass them round. They're all yours.
10. Raw Vegan Mince Pies
I'll be the first to admit that this one is right on the border of ridiculous. But look at how cute it is though!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and New Year in advance! xo
1. Brussels Sprouts
But y'know, properly spiced and seasoned so they don't taste like old socks.
2. Beans and Plantain Canapes
So visually appealing that you'll want to hang them up on your Christmas tree.
3. Nigerian Roasted Vegetables
The result of plantain, yam, sweet potatoes and other root vegetables hanging out together in the oven.
4. Jollof Rice and Plantain
What's a party without jollof? I'm waiting for you to tell me.
5. Plantain Fried Rice
What's a party without fried rice? Still great if there's jollof rice, but why limit yourself...
6. Coconut and Turmeric Roast Potatoes
A fancy schmancy take on roast potatoes for cooks who want to show off this Christmas.
7. Pumpkin Spice Puff Puff
Little bite-sized doughnut puffs of goodness, bursting with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Yes.
8. Christmas Pudding
Want to really really really impress? Make this.
9. Nutty Chocolate Truffles
Picture it. You're snuggled up on the sofa with a Netflix movie on the TV screen. You've got a whole bowl of these. And you refuse to pass them round. They're all yours.
10. Raw Vegan Mince Pies
I'll be the first to admit that this one is right on the border of ridiculous. But look at how cute it is though!
Tuesday, 19 December 2017
Vegan Christmas Feast [Pictures and Video]
I love it when a good plan comes to fruition.
A few months ago, my friend Elisabeth and I were catching up over lunch and discussing the possibility of collaborating on a pop-up event. Fast-forward to December 9th and we were hosting a vegan Christmas feast! It was festive, it was fun, the food was insane (in quantity and hopefully in taste!), it was everything we imagined it would be and then some. Thank you to all our guests and to all the wonderful people involved behind the scenes.
Relive the night with us by watching the video and then check out these snaps (photos by Alex Shaw):
Sunday, 3 December 2017
Everything Vegan | Cruelty-Free Apparel
The company, based in California and founded by Aaron Seminoff, prides itself on providing 100% vegan apparel printed with organic water based inks.
I had the opportunity to pick out a few items from the store to try and as you can see from the image above, I went with a cute berry-coloured racerback tank top with the message 'You Had Me At Vegan' (catering to my inner romantic, no doubt) and a grey t-shirt that reads 'Powered by Plants' (an empowering testament to the energy you feel when you follow a healthy plant-based diet). As a final cherry on top, I also selected a couple of vegan stickers: 'Be Kind to Every Kind' and 'Save the Planet, Go Vegan', perfect for adorning my laptop, notebooks and any other surface that I can use to cheekily spread the message.
If you've ever wanted to make a bold statement about your vegan lifestyle (and why the heck not? - it's great!), then shirts like these are perfect, because they do the talking for you and act as conversation starters.
I found the items to be well-made and beautifully designed. Even after several washes, the colours are still bright and fresh. I've worn the t-shirt casually with a nice jacket thrown over the top in the colder weather. And the berry tank top is especially great for the gym.
Beyond t-shirts and stickers, you'll also find sweaters, hats and socks in the online store. You'll no doubt be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting one of the quippy messages, some of my other favourites being: 'I Yam What I Yam' (ha!), 'I Get Plenty of Protein Thanks!' (say it louder!), 'Vegan Vibes' (so chill...), and the more seasonal 'All I Want For Christmas Is For You To Go Vegan' (subtle...).
For these and many more wonderful designs, visit the Everything Vegan website. If you're quick, you can enjoy 30% in their sale using the code: CYBER30.
Sunday, 26 November 2017
Vegan in Zurich, Switzerland | 11 Places to Try [VIDEO]
Took a trip to Zurich to visit an old friend who recently moved to the city and we had a blast exploring and trying out a bunch of vegan places. Below is a list of 11 vegan-friendly restaurants and joints I think you should visit.
Got any recommendations of your own? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below or over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
1. Queen Idia African Restaurant (Badenerstrasse 125)
This was a pleasant surprise. Possibly the only Nigerian restaurant in the entire city (I couldn't find any others online), this restaurant is cosy, beautifully decorated and offers a little slice of home away from home. Several items on the menu are accidentally vegan and most dishes can be easily adapted. Think jollof rice, fried rice, yam and stew, beans and plantain. The food was so good that I went back a second time before the end of my trip.
2. Bona Dea (Bahnhofplatz 15)
Located right next to the main train station, this vegetarian buffet restaurant is definitely worth a visit. The menu clearly draws some inspiration from Indian cuisine and 90% of it is vegan. For a set price you can fill your plate only ONCE. Of course, I went all out to 'get my money's worth' and in the end had to conclude that it was good value for money as I couldn't even finish it!
3. Elle 'n' Belle (Limmatstrasse 118)
Honestly, this place ought to be at the top of your list if you're ever in Zurich. This edgy restaurant and bar is all vegan and utterly delicious. You'll recognise a lot of the food on the menu, like burgers, chips, pizza etc. But they've added their twist to a lot of it, so when it reads 'black burger' and 'red burger', expect the bread buns to be just that. The black burger is infused with charcoal while the red burger is dyed using beets. It's bold food with even bolder flavours. And their carrot cake is bomb.
4. The Sacred/Vegelateria (Müllerstrasse 64)
Apparently the first organic vegan restaurant in the whole of Switzerland. This venue doubles as an eatery and ice cream parlour. We came just for the vegan gelato, and we were not disappointed. The customer service was fantastic and we struck up a lovely conversation with the gentleman who served us. He ended up introducing us to a vegan meet-up group that was parked there in the restaurant, and this led to a long and insightful conversation about the history and growth of veganism in Switzerland.
5. Roots (Am Schanzengraben 19)
It turns out that brunch is pretty big in Zurich and brunch places get booked out quickly. Roots is a healthy juice bar and restaurant with a handful of locations around the city, offering a gorgeous mostly-vegan brunch buffet. Remember to reserve seats a day in advance to guarantee a place. If you forget, there will likely be space to sit at the bar so don't let that put you off from visiting.
6. Hiltl (Sihlstrasse 28)
A ridiculously large vegetarian restaurant with loads of vegan options that are clearly marked. Whether you're after a buffet, takeaway or a la carte dining, Hiltl has you covered. It is also the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Europe, having opened its doors in 1898. It will be busy when you visit and you do have to weigh your plate to pay, but you will also be spoilt for choice and will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. There are a couple of branches dotted around the city.
7. Klara's Kitchen (Universitätstrasse 17)
Vegan-friendly takeaway joint near the University of Zurich. The menu changes every day, with three or four organic hot food options alongside wraps, cakes, juices and breakfast foods.
8. Rami 59 (Rämistrasse 59)
I think it's really cool that the cafeteria inside of the University of Zurich is fully vegan. Arrive at lunch time for hot food, and any other time for vegan cakes, drinks and snacks. I had a luscious mango cake - worth the visit if only for that.
9. Tibits
Similar to Hiltl, Tibits has a massive self-service buffet and the charge is by weight. There's a branch right here in London so I was already familiar with the restaurant. Several branches in Zurich so just google to find your nearest location.
10. Alnatura/Migros (Löwenstrasse 31)
I wanted to buy some chocolate to bring back home with me, but wanted vegan brands only. Alnatura was a lifesaver. This organic food/health store has a wide selection of vegan products including biscuits, chocolates, plant milks, ready meals, savoury snacks, and lots more. Reasonable prices too.
11. Caffe Spettacolo
Not the best customer service in the world, but they do offer vegan croissants and hot drinks if you've got a hankering for it. Check the labels first as not all the croissants are vegan. There's a branch in the main station and several others scattered around the city.
Got any recommendations of your own? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below or over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
1. Queen Idia African Restaurant (Badenerstrasse 125)
This was a pleasant surprise. Possibly the only Nigerian restaurant in the entire city (I couldn't find any others online), this restaurant is cosy, beautifully decorated and offers a little slice of home away from home. Several items on the menu are accidentally vegan and most dishes can be easily adapted. Think jollof rice, fried rice, yam and stew, beans and plantain. The food was so good that I went back a second time before the end of my trip.
2. Bona Dea (Bahnhofplatz 15)
Located right next to the main train station, this vegetarian buffet restaurant is definitely worth a visit. The menu clearly draws some inspiration from Indian cuisine and 90% of it is vegan. For a set price you can fill your plate only ONCE. Of course, I went all out to 'get my money's worth' and in the end had to conclude that it was good value for money as I couldn't even finish it!
3. Elle 'n' Belle (Limmatstrasse 118)
Honestly, this place ought to be at the top of your list if you're ever in Zurich. This edgy restaurant and bar is all vegan and utterly delicious. You'll recognise a lot of the food on the menu, like burgers, chips, pizza etc. But they've added their twist to a lot of it, so when it reads 'black burger' and 'red burger', expect the bread buns to be just that. The black burger is infused with charcoal while the red burger is dyed using beets. It's bold food with even bolder flavours. And their carrot cake is bomb.
4. The Sacred/Vegelateria (Müllerstrasse 64)
Apparently the first organic vegan restaurant in the whole of Switzerland. This venue doubles as an eatery and ice cream parlour. We came just for the vegan gelato, and we were not disappointed. The customer service was fantastic and we struck up a lovely conversation with the gentleman who served us. He ended up introducing us to a vegan meet-up group that was parked there in the restaurant, and this led to a long and insightful conversation about the history and growth of veganism in Switzerland.
5. Roots (Am Schanzengraben 19)
It turns out that brunch is pretty big in Zurich and brunch places get booked out quickly. Roots is a healthy juice bar and restaurant with a handful of locations around the city, offering a gorgeous mostly-vegan brunch buffet. Remember to reserve seats a day in advance to guarantee a place. If you forget, there will likely be space to sit at the bar so don't let that put you off from visiting.
6. Hiltl (Sihlstrasse 28)
A ridiculously large vegetarian restaurant with loads of vegan options that are clearly marked. Whether you're after a buffet, takeaway or a la carte dining, Hiltl has you covered. It is also the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Europe, having opened its doors in 1898. It will be busy when you visit and you do have to weigh your plate to pay, but you will also be spoilt for choice and will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. There are a couple of branches dotted around the city.
7. Klara's Kitchen (Universitätstrasse 17)
Vegan-friendly takeaway joint near the University of Zurich. The menu changes every day, with three or four organic hot food options alongside wraps, cakes, juices and breakfast foods.
8. Rami 59 (Rämistrasse 59)
I think it's really cool that the cafeteria inside of the University of Zurich is fully vegan. Arrive at lunch time for hot food, and any other time for vegan cakes, drinks and snacks. I had a luscious mango cake - worth the visit if only for that.
9. Tibits
Similar to Hiltl, Tibits has a massive self-service buffet and the charge is by weight. There's a branch right here in London so I was already familiar with the restaurant. Several branches in Zurich so just google to find your nearest location.
10. Alnatura/Migros (Löwenstrasse 31)
I wanted to buy some chocolate to bring back home with me, but wanted vegan brands only. Alnatura was a lifesaver. This organic food/health store has a wide selection of vegan products including biscuits, chocolates, plant milks, ready meals, savoury snacks, and lots more. Reasonable prices too.
11. Caffe Spettacolo
Not the best customer service in the world, but they do offer vegan croissants and hot drinks if you've got a hankering for it. Check the labels first as not all the croissants are vegan. There's a branch in the main station and several others scattered around the city.
Wednesday, 22 November 2017
Chickpea, Vegan Sausage and Mixed Vegetable Curry
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 2 large carrots (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- Broccoli (chopped)
- Cauliflower (chopped)
- 4 Linda McCartney vegan sausages (chopped)
- 1 tin coconut milk
- 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp dried mixed herbs
- Salt to taste
Heat the sunflower oil in a large saucepan and sauté the chopped vegetables and vegan sausages for a couple of minutes.
Add the coconut milk and seasoning. Allow to simmer until the vegetables are cooked through, then add the chickpeas.
Serve on a bed of rice, couscous or bulgur wheat.
Sunday, 12 November 2017
Saturday, 11 November 2017
John Lewis Christmas Event 2017 [Video]
As I mentioned in my previous post where I shared a recipe for vegan Christmas pudding, I attended an exclusive blogger event hosted by John Lewis at the Waitrose Cookery School near Finchley Road. At the event, I learned how to make the delicious pudding, enjoyed a masterclass on how to make a festive negroni cocktail, and got to enjoy a beautiful vegan and gluten-free Christmas dinner.
The event brought together vegan, gluten-free and lifestyle bloggers, and it was great to meet new people and catch up with a few of familiar faces.
The event began with a welcome drinks reception where prosecco flowed and we were given a chance to chat, relax and mingle.
Soon after, the John Lewis and Waitrose Cookery School team introduced themselves and split us up into three groups for the Christmas pudding making session - vegan, gluten-free and traditional. Working in pairs, and with all the ingredients provided, we had a go at making our individual sets of Christmas puddings.
Once the puddings were in the oven baking, we then moved on to the cocktail making. Not only did we get to see the process, but we had a go at making some ourselves.
With drinks in hand, the lovely team then came round with a selection of canapés, including mouth-watering tandoori cauliflower wings and sweet potato sausage rolls.
Finally, we were treated to an all-vegan, all-gluten-free Christmas dinner. Although the term referred to it as a 'light dinner', it was anything but! The gorgeous spread featured crispy roast potatoes with maple glaze, whole onions stuffed with wild mushrooms, marsala brussels sprouts with chestnuts, roated rainbow carrots with pine nut sauce, and Italian-inspired masterpiece of creamy polenta mash topped with aubergine, lentil and roasted squash ragu. To the talented chef who put this creative spread together, all I can say is: it was heavenly.
The night came to a natural close and we were presented with our Christmas puddings, which the team had put into cute cake boxes for us to take away (after taking gorgeous photographs of each type). And that wasn't all we got to take away, as we were also gifted with a tote bag filled with John Lewis goodies.
It was a night to remember and I enjoyed every bit of it. It's only mid-November but I'm ready to crank up those Christmas tunes!
Don't forget to check out the recipe for the Christmas pudding here.
For more Christmas inspiration, visit the John Lewis Christmas shop here.
The event brought together vegan, gluten-free and lifestyle bloggers, and it was great to meet new people and catch up with a few of familiar faces.
The event began with a welcome drinks reception where prosecco flowed and we were given a chance to chat, relax and mingle.
Soon after, the John Lewis and Waitrose Cookery School team introduced themselves and split us up into three groups for the Christmas pudding making session - vegan, gluten-free and traditional. Working in pairs, and with all the ingredients provided, we had a go at making our individual sets of Christmas puddings.
Once the puddings were in the oven baking, we then moved on to the cocktail making. Not only did we get to see the process, but we had a go at making some ourselves.
With drinks in hand, the lovely team then came round with a selection of canapés, including mouth-watering tandoori cauliflower wings and sweet potato sausage rolls.
 |
| Festive negroni cocktails |
Finally, we were treated to an all-vegan, all-gluten-free Christmas dinner. Although the term referred to it as a 'light dinner', it was anything but! The gorgeous spread featured crispy roast potatoes with maple glaze, whole onions stuffed with wild mushrooms, marsala brussels sprouts with chestnuts, roated rainbow carrots with pine nut sauce, and Italian-inspired masterpiece of creamy polenta mash topped with aubergine, lentil and roasted squash ragu. To the talented chef who put this creative spread together, all I can say is: it was heavenly.
 |
| (Marsala brussels sprouts with chestnuts; roasted rainbow carrots with pine nut sauce creamy polenta mash topped with aubergine |
The night came to a natural close and we were presented with our Christmas puddings, which the team had put into cute cake boxes for us to take away (after taking gorgeous photographs of each type). And that wasn't all we got to take away, as we were also gifted with a tote bag filled with John Lewis goodies.
It was a night to remember and I enjoyed every bit of it. It's only mid-November but I'm ready to crank up those Christmas tunes!
Don't forget to check out the recipe for the Christmas pudding here.
For more Christmas inspiration, visit the John Lewis Christmas shop here.
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