We explore the benefits of a vegetarian diet, and where you can enjoy delicious meat-free cuisine across Leeds for this year’s National Vegetarian Week (October 1st to 7th).
There are many benefits to incorporating less meat into your diet, whether it’s for your own wellbeing, to help the planet, or to save animals. Going completely vegetarian can be daunting and difficult for some, but even just reducing meat consumption gradually can be a great first step to improving your health and the planet’s!
Meat-free lifestyles are increasing in popularity, and for good reason. In surveys conducted by Finder earlier this year, it was found that around 16% of the UK population follows a vegetarian diet, which equates to approximately 8.6 million people. This statistic has increased since the start of 2023, when 7.2 million people in the UK were following this diet. Over the years, vegetarianism has become more appealing and accessible thanks to the year-round availability of fresh produce, more meat-free options when dining out, and the growing culinary influence of cultures with largely plant-based diets.
But why should we be eating less meat? A well-balanced vegetarian diet can provide many health benefits, such as a reduced risk of obesity, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer. Vegetarians and vegans also have lower rates of illness and death from some degenerative diseases. Not only is a vegetarian diet good for your health, but also your wallet – especially if you want kosher meat!
Eating less meat also contributes to better planet health as agriculture is the single biggest cause of air pollution in Europe, contributing more than residential energy use or power generation. A vegetarian diet requires two-and- a-half times less the amount of land needed to grow food compared to a meat-based diet and by eating vegetarian food for just a year you could save the same number of emissions as taking a family car off the road for six months.
Choosing veggie options when eating out or taking away is a great way to start your meat- free journey, dip your toes into the vegetarian lifestyle by choosing one of the many plant- based gems that Leeds has to offer!
Döner Summer | City Centre
You don’t have to miss out on your favourite guilty pleasures when you stop eating meat! At Döner Summer you’ll find completely vegan junk food to tantalise your tastebuds. With burgers, loaded fries, kebabs, tater tots, and fried chick’n on the menu, as well as specials that change regularly, you can find a one-stop- shop for all your meat-free junk food cravings on Call Lane.
Rasoi Stories | Chapel Allerton
Despite not being entirely vegetarian, Rasoi Stories is an Indian with plenty of meat-free options to discover. There’s a list of delicious vegetable curries and sides on offer, tuck into a matar paneer – paneer and green peas simmered together in a gravy made with tomatoes, onions, cashew nuts, and spices – or enjoy some homemade samosa chaat with potato and pea stuffed samosas, topped with chickpeas, yoghurt, and tangy chutneys.
The Greenhouse | Horsforth
If you’re looking for a healthy vegetarian option, The Greenhouse is the place for you. It’s a plant-based café that serves both sweet and savoury nutritious and delicious food. A perfect place for brunch; highlights from the menu include tofu scramble, a range of healthy and hearty bowls, and pancakes and waffles if you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Wawin Chinese | Hyde Park
Although only available for pickup and delivery, your next takeaway night is sorted with Wawin Chinese. Its menu boasts all of your favourite Chinese takeaway classics, but without the meat! If you’re a fan of salt and pepper or satay, curries or chow mein, you’ll find vegetarian and vegan versions of all your most well-loved dishes and more.