Tag: guide

Hot Pot How-To

Hot pot is less a meal and more an event. Armed with chopsticks and a simmering cauldron as the stage at the center of the table, you get both dinner and a show for the price of admission. For vegan eaters, it can feel like stepping into a story line rife with conflict and little resolution, though that’s hardly the case if you stick with it. Hot pot, being infinitely adaptable, is ideal for a diverse range of diners, the plant-based among us included. Despite gaining most attention for unlimited plates of meat, hot pot is one of my personal favorite dining experiences when approached strategically.

EJ’s Hot Pot & Sushi

Overall Advice

Let’s get this out of the way: You need to speak up. Yes, dishes laid on buffet-style will be labeled, if you’re lucky, but rarely will they include all of the ingredients. Be courteous and make friends with the staff because you’ll need to ask lots of questions. Beyond knowing what’s dietarily feasible, they’ll have helpful insights on the best pairings and flavor combinations around.

Don’t try to get your money’s worth. The big ticket items will always be the meat and seafood. You’ll eat yourself to ruin on cabbage and beansprouts long before the monetary total of your meal equals your final bill. That said, weekday lunches will always be a better deal if you can make the timing work. Dinner offers are sometimes more abundant or feature more high-end items, like crab legs or lobster, which obviously add no extra value to a person of vegan needs.

Cha No Ma

Start With the Broth

The broth sets the tone for everything that follows, so this is where your vegan radar needs to be sharpest. Many traditional bases such as tonkotsu, spicy mala, even seemingly innocent “vegetable” broths can hide animal ingredients. Look for explicitly labeled vegetarian or vegan broths when possible, often mushroom-based, tomato-based, herbal, or lightly spiced. If the server hesitates when asked for clarity, treat it like a red flag and pivot accordingly. In the absolute worst case scenario, you can always ask for hot water and compensate with a heavy hand on dipping sauces later.

Cha-Ya

Build Your Bowl: A Bounty of Plant-Based Possibilities

Once the soup base is secured, the real fun begins. Think of the ingredient bar as an edible art supply store. Leafy greens (napa cabbage, spinach, bok choy, chrysanthemum, morning glory, even pea shoots if you’re lucky), mushrooms of every imaginable shape and texture (enoki, beech, wood ear, shiitake, and oyster, among others), and tofu in its many forms (silken, firm, fried puffs, and tofu skin) are your core craft kit.

EJ’s Hot Pot & Sushi

Any whole, single ingredient vegetables are as good as gold. It’s a great opportunity to try some less common options like lotus root, baby corn, bamboo shoots, taro, water chestnuts, daikon, kabocha squash, and more. For best results, select a wide range of colors and textures; variety is the spice of life, you know. Start small and pace yourself, since you can always go back for seconds, or thirds.

In rare cases, some restaurants may offer vegan dumplings or mock meats. Always keep your eyes open for new options but also read the room. If the menu is staunchly traditional, without a whiff of more contemporary influences, it’s best to stick to the basics.

EJ’s Hot Pot & Sushi

Don’t forget the side dishes! It’s a good idea to snag a few ready-to-eat items so you can start snacking while cooking your entree. There’s a wide range of possibilities here, depending on the cuisine and location, but if you can find edamame, veggie spring rolls, pickled cucumbers, seaweed salad, sesame balls, or even French fries, then you’re golden. Be wary of any kimchi or other unmarked banchan, as fish or shrimp are often a factor.

EJ’s Hot Pot & Sushi

Get Saucy

If the broth is the setting, the dipping sauce is your narrative voice. Most hot pot spots offer a DIY sauce station, and this is where you can truly make the meal your own. Start with a base of soy sauce, sesame paste, or chili oil and build from there. Add minced garlic, scallions, cilantro, a splash of vinegar, maybe a dab of fermented tofu if available. Aim for balance, thinking of all five tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Taste, tweak, and repeat.

Possibly pitfalls include fish sauce, ponzu (which may use fish-based dashi), and sweet and sour sauces that may be sweetened with honey. When in doubt, leave it out.

Little Sheep Hot Pot

Stay Vigilant, Not Anxious

Cross-contamination can happen, especially in shared pots or busy kitchens, but most restaurants are happy to accommodate if you’re clear about your concerns and proactive about prevention. Ask for separate utensils if needed, and a split pot if dining with omnivores. Other diners may not be as conscientious at the buffet, so be on alert when scoping out your selections, especially if they’re situated right next to messy, drippy, crumbly, or difficult to scoop animal-based items.

Yuzu

Good to the Last Drop

By the end of the meal, your broth will have reduced significantly, enriched by every vegetable that passed through it, concentrating into a deeply flavored elixir. Don’t even think of leaving it on the table now. Add noodles or rice to soak up every last drop, turning what began as a simple base into a truly grand finale. Avoiding egg noodles should be easy; there should be a wide range of rice noodles and wheat-based noodles at your disposal, and the bright yellow sheen is a dead giveaway that those strands aren’t vegan.

In this rare instance, don’t save room for dessert. Sure, you can count on some sort of cut melons and maybe berries, but certainly nothing to get excited about. The typical array of puddings, cakes, pastries, and soft serve ice cream will all be heavily dairy-laden.

EJ’s Hot Pot & Sushi

Hot Pot Hot Spots

Austin’s hot pot scene is surprisingly robust, supporting a diverse range of restaurants from north to south. When picking out a place for vegan options, these are your best bets:

  • Soupleaf Hot Pot is the most vegan-friendly option in town. Everyone gets their own individual pots and there’s clear labeling on the menu and buffet, which makes customization feel effortless rather than investigative.
  • DAM-A: Korean BBQ & Hotpot offers an unlimited spring roll bar in addition to their hot pot features, which is something I’ve never seen anywhere else. If you’re lucky, you’ll also find sides like japchae, tteokbokki, and braised sweet potatoes to round out your plate.
  • KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is a national chain focusing on Korean cuisine. It’s big, busy, and budget-friendly, with the added bonus of offering karaoke in some cases.
  • EJ’s Hot Pot & Sushi is the newest addition to the dining landscape, fusing elements of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cuisines all in one buffet. As an added bonus, you can sip on dairy-free boba tea to satiate your sweet tooth, too.
  • Hotpot Alley isn’t an all-you-can-eat affair and there’s only a buffet for dipping sauces. Rather, you pick out your broth and a bundled set of inclusions. That may be a benefit to the indecisive, because the Homemade Veggie Soup with Buddha’s Delight is the only way to go.

EJ’s Hot Pot & Sushi

Coming In Hot

Hot pot is designed to be a communal experience. You end up with something delicious, of course, though it’s more about the journey than the destination. Given its endlessly adaptable nature, it’s far more accommodating to alternative diners than it may seem. By placing an emphasis on whole, fresh vegetables and soy proteins, it’s also a remarkably healthy meal when it comes to indulgence. Don’t be daunted, dive right in. You’ll quickly discover just how abundant the plant-based world can be when it’s bubbling right in front of you.

Hannah (BitterSweet)9 Comments

Protein-Packed Vegan Snacks To Keep In Backpacks

No matter how far my school days are behind me, I’ll never forget the exquisite pain of being stuck in class, stomach rumbling, with nothing remotely vegan-friendly in sight. Even as most campuses are becoming more inclusive, catering to dietary restrictions and allergies galore, we’ve all been there. As a student, you’re tasked with juggling classes, deadlines, and social life, and somewhere in between, you need fuel to keep going. That’s where protein-packed vegan snacks come to the rescue. The best part is that these picks need no prep and little planning. You can toss them in your backpack and take them wherever you go.

Why Protein Matters (Especially for Students)

Think of protein as your body’s repair crew. It helps rebuild muscles, keeps your immune system strong, and even supports brain function. For students, that means better focus, more energy, and quicker recovery from late-night study sessions or gym workouts alike.

Protein has long been the punchline of many vegan jokes, but these wannabe comedians have no idea what they’re talking about. You don’t need to carry around a tub of tofu and no, it’s not a struggle to eat enough protein through plant-based foods. There are plenty of portable, shelf-stable, vegan protein snacks that are perfect for students on the go.

That said, even if you eat all the right vegan snacks and still feel drained, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Student life can be overwhelming; when energy runs low and deadlines pile up, some students can benefit from more academic support and, in the middle of a long week, turn to an essay service for help from professionals so they can focus on exams, health, or rest. After all, smart studying isn’t just about what you eat, but also about knowing when to ask for help and managing your workload wisely.

1. Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy, Savory, Satisfying

If chips and crackers had a smarter cousin, it would be roasted chickpeas. These little legumes pack a serious punch when it comes to protein at around 6 – 7 grams per 1/4 cup. Chickpeas are high in fiber too, so they’ll keep you feeling full longer, which means no more crashing mid-lecture.

They’re available in a ton of different flavors, from spicy sriracha to sea salt and vinegar, and even sweeter options like cinnamon sugar and dark chocolate-covered. You can buy them pre-packaged or roast your own at home. Just season with your favorite spices, pop them in the oven, and store in a resealable bag once cooled.

2. Trail Mix with a Vegan Twist

Trail mix is the OG of packable snacks, a classic as old as road trips and hiking boots. It’s easy to whip up a version that’s plant-powered and protein-rich.

Skip the prepared mixes loaded with dairy-based chocolate or yogurt-covered pretzels. Instead, go for a DIY version with:

  • Roasted almonds, cashews, and/or peanuts, all of which are great sources of protein and healthy fats
  • Pumpkin seeds, aka pepitas, which pack 7g of protein per ounce!
  • Dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, cherries, or apricots for a touch of sweetness
  • Dark chocolate chips or chunks

Toss it all in a small container and you’re good to go. You can mix and match based on what you love most.

3. Vegan Jerky: Meatless and Marvelous

Made from ingredients like soy, seitan, or even mushrooms, vegan jerky has a surprisingly meaty texture and a decent amount of protein, often to the tune of around 10g per serving.

It’s chewy, flavorful, and super easy to carry in your backpack. Brands like All Y’alls Foods, Louisville Vegan Jerky Co., and Primal Spirit Foods offer tons of options, from sweet and smoky to teriyaki and hot & spicy.

Think of it as a savory protein bar, minus the cow and just as satisfying.

4. Nut Butter Packs: Mess-Free and Mighty

Sometimes, you just need a quick hit of protein and healthy fats. That’s where individual nut butter packets come in.

Almond, peanut, and even sunflower seed butter all contain 5 – 8 grams of protein per serving and they’re incredibly filling thanks to the one-two punch of good fats in the mix. Squeeze them straight from the pack or spread them on crackers, rice cakes, sliced apples, or celery sticks, depending on what you’ve got on hand.

Look for brands like Justin’s or RX Nut Butter (double-check ingredients to ensure they’re vegan). They’re compact, mess-free, and don’t need refrigeration.

5. Protein Bars: Not All Are Created Equal

Good protein bars can be lifesavers, but not all are vegan, and some taste like cardboard. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based options that are both nutritious and delicious. Look for bars with at least 10g of plant-based protein per serving and minimal added sugars. A few of my favorites include:

  • No Cow – These have been my ride or die for over a decade. I still miss the old raspberry truffle flavor, but the chocolate chip cookie dough keeps me going strong
  • Misfits – Most like a conventional candy bar, these are treats that omnivores rave about with equal fervor
  • TRUBAR – You can find great deals on bulk boxes in Costco, and now they make “kids” bars for when you need just a little bite to keep going

Always keep one (or three) in your bag for those days when the dining hall fails you or you’re stuck in back-to-back lectures.

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Hannah (BitterSweet)7 Comments

Milling About

If milling whole grains at home to make your own flour is extra, then I never want to be just enough. For most of human history, exactly the opposite has been true. Grinding grains wasn’t a luxury or a hobby; it was a simply an act of survival. Convenience has made the essentials feel optional, often to the detriment of quality.

Convenience, however, can also mean increased access to better technology, bringing the whole concept full circle. Home grain mills are now within easy reach of anyone hungry for a change.

Grinding Towards Independence

Evidence of prehistoric peoples using flat stones to crush grains into a coarse meal stretches back tens of thousands of years. One could argue that the first miller was whoever was brave enough to put a kernel of wheat into their mouth and chew. For as long as there have been grains, humans have wanted to pulverize them. Much as I’d love to share a whole deep dive on the history of milling, that would turn into a novel. Let’s speed through a few millennia to the American Revolution, where our nascent country became defined by amber waves of grain and by extension, the need to grind them into flour.

Watermill Built in the Late 19th Century

Before the revolution, the colonies relied on British flour imports. George Washington himself was instrumental in planting the seeds of economic sovereignty. In 1771, he unveiled what could easily be called one of the most advanced gristmills of its time, providing the tools for local farmers to mill their own crops. Becoming self-sufficient and producing their own flour, which was the most important staple of their bread-heavy diet, allowed them to reject British trade policies and withstand shortages. One could argue that flour is what won the war, and I’d like to think that as because of this, there’s nothing more patriotic than grinding your own grains.

The Benefits of Milling Your Own Grains

Freshly milled flour has an unmistakable aroma that no store-bought bag can ever replicate. It’s earthy, nutty, and alive. That’s because once a grain is ground, the oils in the germ and the nutrients in the bran begin to degrade. Commercial flours are stripped of these parts to extend shelf life—but what’s lost in the process is the soul of the grain.

Milling at home means:

  • What you put in is what you get out: 100% of the grain—germ, bran, and endosperm. No fillers, no fortification, no bleaching, no nonsense.
  • By starting fresh, you preserve the flavor and nutrition, including natural B vitamins, iron, magnesium, fiber, and healthy fats.
  • Having full control over a range of different grinds means being able to create any texture you desire, from coarse semolina to the finest cake flour.
  • There are no limits to what you can bake with. Take advantage of seasonality and regional grain diversity with heirloom grains like einkorn, emmer, spelt, or rye. Don’t forget about the ability to make gluten-free flours, using dried beans like chickpeas and lentils, too.
  • Starting truly from scratch and milling your own whole grains does take more time, but I’d write that in as a benefit, too. Slowing down makes you appreciate the end results on a deeper level, reestablishing the frayed connection between where our food comes from and what we actually eat.

Modern Grain Mills for Home Use

Thankfully, today’s grain mills don’t require hauling water or harnessing livestock. The modern home baker has a range of user-friendly, attractively designed tools that fit neatly on a countertop but still echo the intention of those ancient stones.

My own obsession and the whole inspiration for this post began with the Mockmill 100. Roughly the size and shape of a juicer, it uses corundum ceramic grinding stones which stay cool during grinding, preserving the nutrients and oils in the grain. The adjustment dial is intuitive, giving you control over everything from coarse grits to ultra-fine flour. Cleanup is minimal, it’s compact enough to live on the countertop, and it feels solidly built, promising to keep cranking for years to come. Most importantly, it unlocked a new world of whole grain flours to bake with, which is especially exciting when you have a resource like Grand Teton Ancient Grains to supply all the software.

Numerous brands make grain mill attachments for the Kitchenaid stand mixer, with an equally wide range of success. Mockmill also has a model that’s at the top of the heap for me, producing the finest grind with the least amount of friction and strain on the machine. It’s a more affordable way to get started, using some of the equipment you already have in your kitchen.

Vitamix makes a Dry Grains Container which is a reasonable solution for small batches, and well suited for making coarse grits, but is difficult for maintaining a consistent fine grind. You’ll always need to sieve your flour before use and run the bigger pieces back through for a second and sometimes third time. Never use your regular wet canister to grind grains; they’ll quickly dull the blades and chip away at the plastic container, making it permanently cloudy.

For a low-cost, low-tech solution, you can get a hand-crank mill which has the added benefit of working on your upper body strength at the same time! I can’t overstate how much physical labor it takes to operate one effectively, which could be a pro or a con, depending on your constitution. These typically clamp onto a table and then you’re good to go. Some models struggle with more oily grains, so it’s important to carefully review what the manufacturers do and don’t recommend milling.

True Grit

Most people would reasonably want to use their grain mills to start cranking out ultra-fine flour to make cakes and breads so soft, they could be mistaken for edible pillows. What I find to be even more alluring, however, is the ability to dial in the consistency to make fresh grits out of any grain your heart desires. In this case, I’ve tapped my good friend, Khorasan, to make instant hot cereal that blows that dusty stuff from store shelves out of the pantry. If you’re looking for ways to eat well on a budget, this is the ultimate in nourishment, comfort, and easy.

Yes, Cream of Khorasan is unglamorous, and you would be within your rights to call it gruel, but I promise you, it’s so much more than meets the eye. Think oatmeal, but with a uniquely nutty depth, filling and hearty, waiting for you to dress up however you like. Endlessly versatile, it can be sweet or savory, equally satisfying when lavished with berries and maple syrup as it is with furikake and soy sauce. Don’t judge this book by its cover; give it a chance, and you’ll find its a real page-turner.

Full Circle

Milling your own grains isn’t just about baking better bread, it’s a step towards reclaiming autonomy. It’s a rebellion against the packaged, the processed, and the passive. One kernel at a time, we grind toward a richer life, inside the kitchen and out. It’s a daily ritual that reestablishes our frayed connection to the land that we love.

It’s just flour, but as the basic building block of bread, pasta, pastries, and more, that’s no small thing. Milling your own flour honors tradition, takes a huge step forward to self-sufficiency, and most importantly, instills the deep satisfaction of truly starting from scratch.

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Hannah (BitterSweet)12 Comments

Back to School: Easy Vegan Meals on a Budget

Juggling classes, errands, friends, and eating well in college without going broke can feel like an impossible task. You don’t need a fancy kitchen or a lot of money to feed your body and mind the right way, though. In fact, if you plan ahead and shop carefully, you can make tasty, healthy, and inexpensive meatless meals that are even better than takeout or frozen entrees.

My dorm room days may be long behind me, but I’ll never forget the struggle. If only I knew then what I know now, the whole experience could have been so much more enjoyable, and less stressful. This education starts outside of the classroom and stays with you for life.

Why Go Vegan in College?

Adopting a vegan diet in college can offer both health and financial benefits. If you skip the processed convenience and gourmet prepared foods, basic plant-based staples are less expensive than meat, dairy, and eggs. Dry beans and grains are especially smart to stock up on, since they’re shelf stable for months, if not years, and can be stretched into multiple meals. When you don’t have time to shop, they’ll still be there waiting for you, ready to fuel the next study session.

Consider it an investment in your health, too. Plant-based diets are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being low in saturated fat. Simply eating a balanced diet is well known to improve digestion, boost immunity, and provide long-lasting energy.

How Nutrition Affects Academic Performance

Vegan meals rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants help improve memory, focus, and overall mental energy. A simple bowl of oatmeal with nuts in the morning or a quick lentil wrap in the afternoon can keep your brain sharp and your energy levels steady. This is especially helpful when you’ve got a long night of studying ahead or a big essay to write.

College life can get pretty overwhelming with all the labs, lectures, and group projects. That’s where having access to affordable, nutritious meals can make a difference. When the workload piles up, it might be helpful to seek support from a professional essay writing service to ease the stress. With the right balance of healthy food and some extra writing assistance, you can focus on learning without burning out.

Essential Vegan Staples for Dorm Living

If you’re living in a dorm or shared apartment with limited kitchen space, it’s essential to keep your pantry stocked with versatile, inexpensive, and nutrient-dense staples. These vegan-friendly items can serve as the foundation for most of your meals:

  • Canned beans (black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans)
  • Lentils
  • Brown rice or quinoa 
  • Pasta
  • Oats 
  • Frozen vegetables (peas, broccoli, corn)
  • Tofu 
  • Peanut butter 
  • Tortillas or pita bread 
  • Canned tomatoes 
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges)

These ingredients are inexpensive and can be used in a wide variety of meals-from simple stir-fries to hearty soups.

Where Vegan Students Can Find Easy, Budget-Friendly Recipes: The Student Vegan Cookbook

Not to toot my own horn, but I did write the book on the subject. The Student Vegan Cookbook was specifically designed to meet the needs of students with limited time and budgets, full of simple, satisfying recipes meant to make vegan cooking more accessible for everyone. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners, these colorful pages hold all the secrets to crafting a balanced diet without stressing over complicated ingredients, specialized equipment, or expensive grocery bills.

5 Easy Vegan Meals Under $5

Straining to see the finished food from the ingredients? Start with these foolproof ideas when it seems like there’s “nothing to eat” in the dorm.

1. One-Pot Lentil Chili

Toss dry brown lentils, chopped bell peppers, diced onions, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and chili powder into a pot. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are tender, and you’ve got a nutritious, hearty meal.

Estimated cost per serving: $2.50

2. Vegan Burrito Bowls

Start with brown rice or quinoa as your base. Add canned beans (such as black beans or kidney beans), and top with salsa and avocado or guacamole. Customize with your favorite sautéed or frozen and thawed veggies.

Estimated cost per serving: $3.00

3. Chickpea Salad

Mash canned chickpeas with some vegan mayo, mustard, and diced veggies (like celery and onions). Spread it on whole grain bread or roll it up in a tortilla.

Estimated cost per serving: $2.50

4. Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

Oats are what got me through my entire adolescence. A foolproof combo is to cook rolled oats in plant-based milk. Add a dollop of peanut butter and top with sliced banana.

Estimated cost per serving: $1.80

Meal Prep: Saving Time and Money

Meal prepping takes all the strain out of figuring out what to eat, which is critical when you’re already tired and hungry enough to eat your textbooks. Spend a little time on the weekend prepping ingredients or cooking meals in bulk so you don’t have to start from scratch every day.

Meal Prep Tips for Busy Students:

  • Cook in bulk: Make enough for several days; plan for leftovers when making soups, stews, curries, etc. Cook grains, roast veggies, or prepare seasoned plant proteins to mix and match later in the week.
  • Store portions in reusable containers: This makes it easy to grab and go while cutting down on excess plastic waste.
  • Freeze extras: Stock your freezer like you would stock your pantry! Be sure to label everything clearly and include the date.

Meal prepping is a lifesaver when you’re on a tight schedule.

Tips for Eating Vegan in a Dorm

Dorm living can be challenging when it comes to cooking, but don’t let that stop you. It’s easy to make the most of that small space with a bit of experience.

  • Use the microwave: Microwaves are invaluable for more than just reheating. You can cook whole meals using the microwave, and even desserts like mug cakes.
  • Invest in a mini-fridge: A small fridge can store fresh veggies, tofu, and some of your favorite condiments. If you’re worried about hungry roommates helping themselves to your carefully portioned rations, keeping them safe in a separate cooler can prevent future conflicts.
  • Get creative with leftovers: Leftover white rice can turn into vegetable fried rice the next day. Uneaten mashed potatoes can become potato fritters or help thicken soups later on. Add new spices and seasonings to prevent flavor fatigue.
  • Use campus resources: Some colleges have food pantries with vegan-friendly options. Check if your school offers any free meals or cooking classes.

It’s all about being resourceful and planning ahead. With a little creativity, you can make the most of your limited culinary hardware and software.

Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Mind

College is demanding, and finding time to eat right can feel like an unsolvable equation. The answer is as simple as going vegan. By choosing plant-based meals, you can not only save money but also improve your focus, mood, and energy levels, making it easier to tackle your classes, and extracurricular activities later.

Hannah (BitterSweet)9 Comments

Great Scott!

Kilts. Castles. Bagpipes. Whiskey.

This was the full extent of my knowledge of Scottish culture. As the airplane circled lower into an endless sea of greenery, I took stock of these isolated relics stashed at the periphery of my awareness. Typically the consummate planner, the voracious researcher, this was an unprecedented way to begin a trip. For once, I wanted to enjoy the thrill of experiencing life like a blockbuster movie, without scrolling ahead for the spoilers. Hell, I didn’t even watch the trailer. I had no idea what to expect.

There’s a kind of rugged poetry in Scotland’s landscape; soft moss clinging to jagged stone, fog curling around ancient hills, and skies that seem to shift moods faster than the tide. It’s no wonder the food here is equally storied, shaped by hardship, resilience, and a certain comforting practicality. Today, through a vegan lens, what once may have seemed inaccessible or downright carnivorous is now brimming with possibility.

More than swapping meat for standard store-bought alternatives, local chefs and innovators are rapidly rediscovering the joy of authentic Scottish food for the Scottish people themselves, in a more inclusive, and plant-powered way.

Traditional Fare, Plant-Based Flair

Scotland’s traditional dishes may have been born from necessity, but they were always rooted in comfort. The good news for compassionate eaters is that simple foundation makes them surprisingly easy to veganize.


Makar’s Mash Bar – Vegan Haggis
  • Haggis, the iconic national dish, faces stiff prejudice and negative connotations overseas for its traditional use of offal wrapped in sheep’s stomach. In fact, it’s been banned from export to America, deemed illegal due to safety concerns over the use of sheep’s lungs. However, modern haggis has many fewer unsavory components, especially when you look at all the myriad plant-based options. Leaning into the traditional foundation of oats and barley, vegan haggis brings together lentils, mushrooms, and a heady blend of spices in a loose meatloaf-like mixture. It’s a must-try main dish, and honestly one of the best things I ate during my visit.
  • Cullen skink, a creamy fish chowder, is tough to find veganized, but easily converted at home. Shredded smoked tofu can replace the typical smoked herring, alongside silky stewed potatoes in a comforting brew of non-dairy milk.
  • Scotch pies, often found at bakeries and street stalls, are typically filled with minced meat or steak, but have recently seen vegan revivals, filled with everything from curried lentils to savory soy mince.
  • Scotch eggs are about the farthest things from a vegan option as you can find and are thus unlikely to see one on the menu. Starting with a hard boiled egg at the center, the outer wrapping is made from sausage, and then the whole thing is deep-fried. If you’re curious, I highly suggest making your own at home.
  • Neeps and tatties, mashed swede and potatoes, respectively, are traditional accompaniments to haggis. The neeps can be made from either rutabaga or turnips, depending on the region.
  • Clapshot is what you get when you combine the aforementioned neeps and tatties into one buttery, golden mash, often with chives or onions added.
  • Scotch broth is essentially a barley and vegetable soup, made soothing and savory with a deeply caramelized, slow-cooked stock.
  • Potato scones (tattie scones), seen on “full breakfast” platters, aren’t the flaky, buttery pastries that most of the world thinks of right away. More like flattened jumbo gnocchi, wedges are pan-seared for a slightly crispy finish, creating a humble flatbread with just flour, mashed potatoes, and oil.
  • Stovies, a quintessential leftover dish, is what you get when you say, “to hell with it,” and mix all the potatoes, meat drippings, and mince from the previous meal, thus stewing or “stoving” them altogether.
  • Clootie dumpling, a steamed pudding made with breadcrumbs, dried fruit, sugar, and spices, gets its name by being wrapped in a cloth, or “cloot”. It’s much like a softer, fresher fruitcake and often served around the holiday season. Beware of the traditional version that’s typically made with suet (animal fat).
  • Cranachan is a sweet celebration of summer berries and harvest oats. Made vegan with whipped coconut cream or aquafaba, toasted oats, whisky, and fresh raspberries, it’s as festive as it is flavorful.
  • Tablet is a sugar-rich, buttery, slightly crumbly vanilla fudge. Thought traditionally made with condensed milk, I randomly found vegan versions in both grocery stores and non-descript souvenir shops.

Shared Tables: The Overlap with British Cuisine

If some dishes sound familiar, that’s no accident. Scottish cuisine shares deep roots with broader British food traditions, thanks to centuries of union, trade, and proximity. Many pantry staples, like oats, barley, root vegetables, and beans, are common across the UK.


Loudons New Waverley – Vegan Full Breakfast

You’ll see parallels in dishes like:

  • Sausage rolls: Flaky, golden pastries wrapped around a spiced sausage filling, these quick savory bites are found in bakeries and gas stations alike. The vegan version keeps the puff but swaps in herby seitan, lentils, or mushroom-based fillings that deliver the same hearty satisfaction without the heaviness. Often served warm, eaten by hand, and gone in three bites.
  • Full breakfast: The Scottish full breakfast is a morning feast meant to fortify you for the wild weather ahead. Vegan versions include grilled tomatoes, baked beans, sautéed mushrooms, meatless black pudding and/or haggis, and an eggless scramble. Add a tattie scone and a cup of strong tea, and you’re ready for anything.
  • Fish and chips: Because if it’s not nailed down, they’ll deep-fry it. Vegan takes typically use banana blossom, tofu, soy patties, or eggplant, marinated, battered, and fried until flaky and crisp. Served with thick-cut chips (never called fries here), mushy peas, and a splash of malt vinegar, this classic is just as nostalgic and satisfyingly salty.
  • Shepherd’s pie: Traditionally made with minced lamb, this dish has found a gentler heart in vegan kitchens. A savory base of lentils, carrots, peas, and rich gravy is blanketed by creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. It’s simple, sustaining, and perfect for cold, grey afternoons.
  • Shortbread: All it takes is butter, sugar, and flour to create Scotland’s most beloved biscuit. The vegan version is no less decadent, using plant-based butter to achieve that same signature crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips – Vegan Fish & Chips

Scotland also brings its own accent to these eats, both literal and culinary. There’s more spice in the sausage, more smoke in the broth, more wild, foraged flavors to be found. Discovering the nuances is half the fun.

Nature’s Larder: Local Vegan Ingredients

For the forager, the locavore, and the seasonal purist, Scotland is a wonderland.

Sheep Heid Inn – Tenderstem Broccoli, Green Beans, Samphire
  • Oats are woven into every meal, from breakfast porridge to oatcakes. Steel-cut and whole rolled oats are common, though specifically Scottish oats are unique from other varieties, being slightly higher in fat, and are processed by being ground instead of cut or rolled. This creates a creamier, richer porridge that also cooks more quickly.
  • Potatoes need no introduction, nor explanation as to how crucial they were in times of hardship. A potato could be found in pretty much every meal, and if not, a palate of other hardy root vegetables like turnips, carrots, and rutabaga.
  • Wild berries, especially blackcurrants, raspberries, mulberries, and blaeberries, burst with tart-sweet flavor in crumbles or syrups.
  • Seaweed adds an unmistakable briny punch to stocks, crisps, and plant-based fish alternatives. In 18th and 19th century, kelp production was one of the biggest industries within Scotland. Burning it created kelp ash, which was exported to create soap and glass. While it was less appreciated as a food ingredient then, its full capacity is better understood these days, especially in the kitchen. Samphire, otherwise known as sea asparagus, is a delicacy in high-end restaurants.
  • Whiskey isn’t just for drinking, although they do spell it “whisky” over there. This spirit seems to flow freely from every pub in the land, lending its earthy, warm flavor to many savory sauces, marinades, and sweets.

Planted and harvested with intention, these traditional foods that respect the land, abiding by seasonality, and remain staunchly self-sufficient.

The New Scotland: Vegan-Friendly and Proud

Ten years ago, traveling to Scotland as a vegan might have been a bit bleak. Today, however, It’s a different story. Though I always come prepared with more snacks than clothing stowed away in my luggage, I didn’t need to dip into any of my emergency rations while out on the town.

Glasgow, in particular, has emerged as one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the UK. PETA even crowned it the most vegan city in the country, and with good reason. Spots like The 78, Stereo, and Suissi Vegan Asian Kitchen offer everything from loaded vegan burgers to silky ramen to Sunday roasts so rich, you’d swear they came straight from your grandmother’s kitchen, if only she had been a professionally trained chef.

In Edinburgh, the scene is just as vibrant, with creative takes on modern cuisine at Holy Cow, inventive Mexican-fusion street food at Antojitos, and refined plant-based fare at NovaPizza, one of the UK’s first 100% vegan Italian restaurants.

Even in smaller towns, vegan options are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Most eateries offer at least one vegan option, often more, and chains like Tesco and Pret a Manger make it easy to grab something plant-based while on the go.

Whether you’re in a highland inn or a city café, a little kindness goes a long way. Ask, and more often than not, you’ll be met with understanding, accommodation, and a sincere effort to feed you well.

Setting a Table for the Future

Scottish cuisine is a story of survival, practicality, and pride of place. It’s also a story of reinvention, of how a nation built on steadfast traditions can still open its heart to change without losing itself.

To be vegan in Scotland is to connect with that spirit: rooted, weathered, and always evolving. It’s standing on the edge of a cliff with the wind in your face and a warm oat scone in your hand, knowing that old ways can lead to new beginnings.

It’s worth a wee trek out to see for yourself, lassie.

Hannah (BitterSweet)6 Comments

Train Your Brain

I’ve spent more of my formative life on trains than in cars, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Trains took me to high school, to my internship and countless exploits in NYC, and all over the Bay Area when I lived in San Francisco. BART basically became my living room for eight years.

Through all of that, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make the most of train time. It’s easy to zone out and doom scroll until your station’s already behind you. But with just a little planning, these rides can be surprisingly productive. Or restful. Or creatively brilliant. Or sometimes all three, if the stars are aligned.

Here’s how I turn a long train ride into something way more useful than just a way to kill time.

Staying Connected Near and Far

If you’re traveling outside your home country, don’t assume your signal will follow you across borders. It’s especially critical if you’re relying on maps, translation apps, or need to answer a quick work email before you lose Wi-Fi in a tunnel. Every country’s network situation is different, and not every train offers reliable onboard internet.

Do your homework ahead of time. In places like Japan, Europe, or Korea, there are portable hot spots or tourist SIM cards you can grab at the airport. If you’re headed somewhere like China, setting up an eSIM for China before your trip can be a total lifesaver. It lets you stay connected without swapping out physical SIM cards or dealing with kiosk confusion after a red-eye flight.

Trust me, even when you’re focused on staying in the moment to enjoy a scenic train ride, you may be suddenly inspired to upload that perfect video or book your next stop on the fly, and you’ll be glad you planned ahead.

Prepare For Success

You don’t need to map out every minute. Just pick one or two things you want to do. Being genuinely motivated to do them is the key.

To home in on a realistic to-do list, I usually ask myself:

  • Is the backlog of unanswered emails piling up and weighing me down?
  • Is this a good time to sketch out blog post ideas or a new recipe concept?
  • Should I just journal and let my brain unspool a bit?

Five minutes of consideration before boarding makes all the difference, especially if you’re prone to indecision or difficulty delegating like me.

Turn Your Seat Into a Mini Studio

Once I’m settled in, that tray table becomes my command center. Laptop out, headphones in, iced coffee within reach. It’s all the benefits of working in an office, with potentially fewer distractions, and not actually being in an office.

Depending on my ambition (and Wi-Fi access), I might:

  • Edit photos from the last shoot I swore I’d get to eventually
  • Write blog drafts or edit pieces for Vegan Journal
  • Update my never-ending list of ideas in Dropbox or Google Keep

I don’t always get everything done, but that quiet, focused energy is a goldmine for making real headway on any project, big or small. Plus, there’s something about that forward movement that makes it easier to think clearly and keep pressing ahead.

Clean Up Your Digital Mess

Let’s talk about that overstuffed Downloads folder with menus from 2016, still languishing at the bottom. What about the notes app with 174 half-finished grocery lists, brilliant ideas, and zero context? Let’s not mention the email folder full of messages that you one day might need to refer to… But after a decade, haven’t yet. Train rides are the perfect time to clean house.

Easy steps towards better organization are great to do on the train:

  • Sort and label files that need to be kept, and found, more easily
  • Revisit half-written captions or social drafts I abandoned months ago
  • Trash garbage from projects that never came to fruition, contacts that have drifted apart, and other clutter that just has no purpose
  • Delete the twenty identical shots in my camera roll I took “just in case”
  • Tag or favorite any photos that have real potential
  • Back everything up to the cloud while I’ve got a stable signal

I’ve always found it incredibly satisfying to lighten the load.

Learn Something New

If I’m not feeling up to working, I still try to do something that keeps my brain awake and moderately productive. Usually that means:

  • Practicing language skills, especially when visiting a foreign country (Duolingo always comes in clutch)
  • Listening to podcasts and audiobooks that are smarter than me
  • Watching something that isn’t just a funny cat video (though to be honest, a few good cat videos still have their place)

The goal here isn’t productivity for productivity’s sake. It’s about using the time well, and enjoying the process.

Reflect Before You Forget

One thing that trains are great at, in addition to getting you from point A to point B, is giving you space to think. It’s the kind of stillness you don’t get when you’re running around with the busyness of everyday life.

If you’re feeling introspective, check in with yourself:

  • What’s been on my mind lately?
  • What am I proud of that I didn’t take time to celebrate?
  • What am I avoiding?

Sometimes I just write down the little moments I don’t want to forget. That perfect bowl of noodles; the stranger who helped me find the right platform; the playlist that matched the view so perfectly it felt like a movie; eventually, it could add up to a bigger story I want to tell.

Look Ahead

If I’ve got extra time (or just need a break from staring at a screen), I use the last stretch of the ride to prep for what’s next.

That might mean:

  • Checking the weather so I don’t show up in sandals during a downpour
  • Finding a nearby food spot to hit the second I get hungry
  • Reading up on local customs or transit quirks so I don’t accidentally commit a cultural faux pas

I like to arrive feeling ready, not overwhelmed. Train time gives me that edge.

Work It… When It Works

Not every train ride has to be your most productive day ever. Some days, I stare out the window for three hours straight and call it “creative research.” That’s valid too.

But when you want to feel a little more grounded, a little more ahead, or just a little more connected to your own brain, trains are magic. They hold the kind of space we don’t usually make for ourselves.

Next time you’re boarding, bring your charger, your snacks, and your intentions. Make the ride yours. These little in-between moments might just be the best part.

Hannah (BitterSweet)9 Comments