Where to find vegan food in Potchefstroom

If you’ve ever wanted to try out some vegan food, or maybe change to veganism completely, now would be a good time to start, as restaurants in Potchefstroom are starting to acknowledge the trend and are catering accordingly, writes Bronwen Bain.

The Vegan Society defines veganism as a way of life, rather than a food preference. Veganism is against the exploitation of animals as food or clothing and promotes using animal-free alternatives which in turn save animals and the environment. While flexitarian (semi-vegetarian) and reducetarian (reducing the amount of meat you consume) diets have come a long way in recent times, Plant Based News reports that veganism is at an all-time high in South Africa. Potchefstroom still has work to do regarding the vegan market, but we have highlighted two restaurants that have delicious plant-based menu options (tried and tested).

Kauai, located inside Virgin Active Health Club on the Bult, is leading the way with vegan options. Owner Bernard Hattingh decided to bring Kauai to Potchefstroom after studying at North-West University and moving to Bloemfontein for work. He realised there was nothing nicer than grabbing a smoothie after a workout,  an option that Potchefstroomers didn’t have. Unfortunately, only Virgin Active members are allowed to sit down and enjoy their meal at Kauai. Non-members can order via the Kauai app.

Kauai offers several vegan substitutes for every meal on their menu. A vegan smoothie contains plant-based protein powder instead of whey protein powder, and milk will be substituted with mylk (almond milk or other dairy-free alternatives). Yoghurt and frozen yoghurt are also removed in vegan smoothies. Meals like wraps already have a vegan base, so chicken or steak can be substituted for mushroom and sauces that contain animal products are substituted for a thai dressing that contains no dairy.

Hattingh says, “I think veganism is sustainable. I’ve heard a lot of people say that it gives you more energy, you feel better, you sleep better. And people are bringing out more vegan options so for sure it will be sustainable up until a certain point where I think there may be a new trend, like a keto diet or something.”

Nadine Craffert, owner of Waffle & Co. on MC Roode Street, decided to add vegan options to her menu because she herself decided to eat more plant-based meals. The vegan waffles contain no eggs or dairy, and flax seed and oat milk is used to make the waffles instead of their regular mix. This can be done for the same price as a waffle containing dairy, so there are no hidden costs involved.

Although she says the market is very small, she believes that veganism is sustainable because most vegans commit for life. “I don’t think it is a trend, I think the vegan community will grow over time. For now, it remains very small in Potch, we have some catching up to do. Most vegans who live in cities have numerous eating out options, but in Potch it is scarce,” she said.

Fitchef meals, which are sold at Dischem or Woolworths, are ready-made vegan meals that are also a nice option for vegans who would like to grab and go. There is variety but it comes at a price, with meal costs averaging R70. Other restaurants that have vegan offerings are: Vida Verde, Rocomamas, The Daily Coffee and Spur. So, if you’re in Potchefstroom and ready to try something new, there are vegan options for you to pick and choose.  

[WATCH] Here are a few vegan spots you can visit in Potchefstroom