What distinguishes London as a global city is its striking eclecticism. It truly offers the best of all worlds: pace finds refuge, and curated luxury lives alongside heritage grandeur. This cultural synthesis manifests most vividly on the dining table, where cuisines from across the globe enjoy an equal measure of spotlight — establishing London as a recognised leader in culinary innovation. As such, it is no wonder that the British capital consistently ranks as one of the world’s leading vegan capitals.
Kensington offers some of London's finest gastronomical experiences, among all of London’s premier postcodes. As the cultural heart of London, the royal postcode abounds with high-end restaurants — vegan establishments and venues with dedicated vegan menus are no exception.
Read on to discover the best places to relish plant-based food in Kensington.
Tofu Vegan – Gloucester Road
Tofu Vegan is one of London’s most iconic vegan haunts, cherished for its flavoursome Chinese fare. With five locations across London, its Kensington branch is among the most renowned, holding a prime position on Gloucester Road.
Within an intimate establishment, thoughtfully adorned with potted plants and a vivid palette of green and yellow, a simple yet wholesome menu awaits. Two whole pages are dedicated to their dim sum offering, with handsome portions of starters and hot plates to follow, all crowned, of course, by authentic vegan desserts. Their signature service maintains an air of welcoming warmth and affability — something that has kept their customers returning.
Tofu Vegan has been highly acclaimed by critics and the discerning public alike. Some of their best-rated dishes include sizzling chilli tofu, Peking duck pancakes, special fried noodles, and the special house aubergine.
Mali Vegan Thai – Hogarth Place
Mali Vegan Thai is London’s only dedicated vegan Thai restaurant, tucked away in the quiet passage of Hogarth Place in Earl’s Court. Incredibly transportive and brimming with character, the establishment has been lovingly adorned to evoke the atmosphere of a rustic Thai home — finished in a rich hue of emerald green and clad in vibrant artwork and verdant creepers with wooden beams running overhead.
This family restaurant is an homage to authentic Thai cuisine — inspired by the hearty meals cooked by mothers and tasty delights served at school cafeterias. It toasts Thai rituals and revelry, calling back the age-old ‘Jay’ festival, a 10-day period during which residents of the storied nation adopt a plant-based diet. Most importantly, it carries forth the torch of tradition — one of mindful, plant-based eating, which has existed in Thai culture for over 200 years.
The extensive menu spans curries, stir-fries, rice and noodles, all featuring carefully selected ingredients, vegetables and even imitation meat. Some highlights on the Mali Vegan Thai menu include 'Tom Kha Hed' (spicy and sour coconut milk soup), 'Namtok Noodle Soup with Braised Vegan Beef', 'Mama Je Oat' (tom yum soup with vegan pork, crab and special chilli paste) and 'Kao Neaw I-Tim Mamuang' (golden mango ice cream with sweet sticky rice).
Pravaas – Glendower Place
Imagined by Chef Patron Shilpa Dandekar, Pravaas was conceptualised to offer an entrancing journey through India’s diverse culinary landscape. It is where cooking techniques as old as time are wielded with authentic spices to create honest-to-goodness Indian classics.
Inside, the décor is contemporary and sophisticated, with textured grey walls and natural timber. A hand-carved wooden lattice separates the entrance from the dining room, while the low, moody lighting lends a calm, intimate atmosphere. A seasonal menu pays tribute to the bounties of each harvest.
The latest menu highlights plant-based gems such as baby aubergine masala (a spicy, zesty aubergine gravy), lasooni palak (creamy spinach with dried fenugreek and garlic), and saffron pulav. Other dishes can be tailored to vegan requirements upon request.
Brother Marcus – Pelham Street
With four locations across London, Brother Marcus was conceived to bring quintessential East Mediterranean hospitality to the capital. Founded by Tasos Gaitanos and Alex Large, the establishment is a heartfelt venture borne out of Gaitanos’s Cretan and Cypriot heritage and Large’s creative background as an actor. Here, bold flavours, delicious cocktails, and good company define the dining experience.
The restaurant's endearing name comes from Large’s younger brother, who is known for befriending everyone he meets — fitting for a space built around conviviality. Inside, rustic elegance prevails: hues of cinnamon and dark orange pair with wooden panelling and terracotta-coloured tiling, with rattan chairs and jute lanterns imbuing character.
Brother Marcus is not a fully vegan establishment but offers an incredible selection of plant-based options, from mezze platters to desserts. Standouts include the charred tenderstem broccoli and romesco mezze and the beetroot hummus and avocado brunch sandwich. If you’re in the mood for a baked treat, there are almond and pistachio croissants.
Dishoom – Derry Street
Dishoom is one of the most iconic culinary names in London, known for its old-money aesthetic and inventive take on Indian cuisine. Crafted as a love letter to Bombay – its bustle, its delectable street food, its fascinating high-society soirees — it offers a compelling fusion of quiet sophistication and homely warmth.
Dishoom’s signature interiors are defined by Art Deco glamour, with dark wooden joinery, statement light fixtures, and a palette of deep hues. Portraits depicting the mundane everyday life of Bombay lend a whisper of nostalgic charm.
While not an exclusively vegan restaurant, they offer a special vegan menu which has been highly rated by plant-based enthusiasts across the capital. Their breakfast favourite is the ‘Vegan Bombay’ (a full Indian breakfast with scrambled tofu, vegan black pudding, mushrooms, masala beans, grilled tomato and plant sausages with buns). A plethora of chaats (street snacks) are also on offer, while chole puri (chickpea and puffed bread) makes for a scrumptious dinner.
Kensington’s plant-based niche is as diverse as London itself, expressed through cuisines from around the world. Here, plant-based eating is elevated beyond a lifestyle choice — it offers an immersive sojourn, bringing flavours that not only satisfy but also enrich cultural horizons. It is a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and considered indulgence. Indeed, the royal postcode stands as a clear example of how plant-based cooking is now an integral part of London’s gastronomy.
