Vegan Restaurant Options in Stellenbosch (Part 1):

By Daniëlle Gerber

It is no secret that veganism and plant-based lifestyles have been on the rise in recent years. Whether for health, ethics, or an adventurous palate, Stellenbosch restaurants have you sorted for your next meal! Below find six all-day restaurants to try:

1. Scheckter’s Raw

Figure 1: NEW Heuvos Rancheros Breakfast Wrap at Scheckter’s Raw (source: @schecktersraw)

Scheckter’s Raw is new to Stellenbosch and hosts an entirely plant-based menu. They are currently only operating until 5 pm, however, they will soon be open for dinner. Meals include sweet and savoury breakfasts, smoothies and smoothie bowls, nourishing bowls, four different main meal options, and baked goods. In-store retail products are also available, such as fresh bottled juices and natural chocolate bars (also available for sit-down), condiments, and to-go meals.

2. Java Bistro

Java Bistro is arguably one of the most popular restaurants amongst both students, tourists, and locals, and offers an extensive menu and impressive specials. Not surprisingly, they also cater comfortably to vegans. Offerings include a vegan savoury breakfast, a smoothie bowl, a wrap, and pizza offering, a sandwich and pasta selection, a falafel salad, the Beyond Burger, and two smoothies to choose from.

3. Basic Bistro

Just up the street from Java Bistro, Basic Bistro offers a cosy ambiance with seven vegan meals. These include a sweet breakfast, two bread-based meals, two noodle-based meals, and two burgers. This is a fairly small restaurant and it is advised that you book a table in advance. 

4. Tiger’s Milk

Tiger’s Milk is most popular for its afternoon to night time vibe for students, however, vegan meal offerings extend breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Offerings include avocado toast, the Pretender Beyond Burger, pizzas, and more, as well as the option to add vegan sausages or patties to meals.

5. Hudson’s the Burger Joint

Figure 2: Vegan Frontline Worker Burger at Hudson’s (Source: @hudsonsburgers)

Hudson’s, similar to Tiger’s Milk, caters to the same market and serves vegan pizzas and burgers – be sure to look out for their Monday vegan special! Hudson’s also offers two vegan milkshakes as a sweet treat. 

6. Arizona Spur

Knowing about Spur feels like a rite of passage to be South African, and plant-based enthusiasts can also enjoy it in the Eikestad Mall. Although Spur did boast a more extensive vegan menu prior to lockdown; a vegan schnitzel, Beyond Burger, and imitation chicken burger are still served.

Stellenbosch has made strides in vegan meal offerings and it is just the beginning. Be sure to try both Gelato Mania (with Chocolate Raspberry gelato ice cream) and Swirlin’ (with soft-serve coconut ice cream) in central Stellenbosch to satisfy any sweet tooth!