Heather Evans Editorial

As I sit in front of the unflattering, glaring light of my laptop screen, with my hair tied in a bun that has an uncannily likeness to a pineapple, it would be a lie to deny that I have a serious case of post-holiday blues. The past few weeks have gone past so quickly and, as I slurp from my cup of lukewarm tea, I am feeling the burning heat of the real T – time does go fast when you’re having fun.

I have been a bit quiet on the social media front, where the reasons can be equally measured by avoiding Game of Thrones spoilers (don’t worry, I am ALL up-to-date now) and taking a break for my mental health. I gave up social media for Lent originally as I felt my brain was becoming a sponge of useless and damaging information from the likes of Instagram and Twitter, as well from the pressures of daily life. I think my mind and I needed some TLC and some well-needed space. We have had a good ole’ time away from the Kardashians, Trump and Theresa May, and although I am now back I refuse to sell my soul again to social media like Bart sold his to Milhouse.

Along with this break from social media, I just needed a b r e a k. So that’s what we did – good riddance Reading and HELLO Reykjavik.

Before I fly us over to Iceland, you may be reading this and thinking, ‘Is Heather vegan?’. Similar to how I gave up social media for Lent, I had been thinking of turning vegan or attempting to have a more plant-based diet before completing Veganuary at the beginning of this year. With the heightening worries surrounding our world’s environmental emergency, I was growing increasingly conscious of where my food was coming from, how we retrieve these foods and the damaging consequences it has on our world, and also the outstanding food waste and unrenewable packaging we discard every year to the detriment of our land and oceans that many call home. Participating in Veganuary made me realise how enjoyable, fun and versatile food can be and really got me excited about cooking again since suffering from my eating disorder. Although I did often miss a cheese board and a good bar of Dairy Milk, and I have definitely slipped up once or twice  since, I felt like a happier and healthier version of Heather. So, here we are, Heather the Vegan.

 Anyway, enough about me and more about the food and bevs! I am going to list below some of the best places for vegan food and drinks in Reykjavik, splitting them up into breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks and delicious dinners.

Breakfast

Passion Bakery

You have read correctly. There is a bakery that does vegan pastries. Considering that apparently the vegan scene has only blown up in Iceland in the past 3 or so years, they have nailed the vegan croissant. Passion Bakery really delivered on this raspberry and dark chocolate delight, and it was so good we decided to get another one for a snack (mehehe). They also have a dark chocolate bun, whose size can only be described as beastly. It is definitely worth a visit if you’re in that part of town, and their bread looked pretty insane too. However, if you’re looking for the best loaf you should hit up Braud – they stock up all the local cafes with their vegan bread, and the reason is because they are the best. End of.

Kaktus Espressobar

This was hands down one of my favourite places in this beautiful city. We noticed it from our hotel window, and it can be only described as breathtakingly wholesome. Run by two friends, they serve up the best Italian coffee and is the perfect location for setting up your laptop and book for a super chilled out vibe. It literally glows with natural lighting, and they are unique in selling their own house plants and coffee accessories. There was a wide selection of vegan cake and goodies, and the particular highlight was their coconut chia pudding and date pesto. The chia pudding was served in these adorable jars with a fruit compote, and the date pesto was somewhat a mixture of a chutney and nutty spread. We were repeat customers, and if I have haven’t convinced you then you should check out their Instagram – @kaktusespressobar.

Lunch/ Coffee Pit Stops

Te and Kaffi

This is a bit of an unlikely pick for me as I am all about supporting the independent businesses. However, their vegan cookie is without a question the best vegan cookie I have ever tasted. The staff were really lovely (well, that can be said for all Icelanders), and again we took two cookies away with us as a snack for our excursion the following day. It was a standard dark chocolate chip cookie, but they sprinkled salt over the top which really made a difference. It may be because we have just stumbled off a 3-hour whale watching tour in the wind and rain, but the coffee with pretty excellent, too. You should check it out if you visit, and I have also been told Reykjavik Roasters is also a great local favourite for a brew!

Kattakaffihúsið

You may not get this from the Icelandic name, but we found the most purrfect (excuse the pun) cat café during our stay. Kattakaffihúsið has only been open little over a year, but it has been successful in rehoming over 30 cats and all of the feline friends whom share your coffee and cake with you are all up for adoption. What was super lovely about the café, along with cats themselves and the adorable pink décor, was that there were clear rules for customers about handling the cats and respecting their home. Speaking with the owners, they explained how they only have 4-5 cats at a time to ensure their welfare and happiness, avoiding stress at all costs. They worked with a local artist who created their logo and you can buy all of their merchandise inside, including tote bags, postcards, larger canvas, notebooks (which I bought myself!), t-shirts and baby clothes. You can find all of this on their online shop and Instagram (@kattakaffihusid), and I encourage you to check them out – they really want their brilliant cause to be spread so their cats can find forever homes.

Their vegan options were also incredible. The coffee really hit the spot, and we tried the Oreo chocolate cake, the banana bread as well as their brownie, along with their two grilled sandwiches – a grilled avocado sandwich with vegan cheddar, chipotle mayo, avocado and tomatoes, and a grilled pesto sandwich with vegan mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil and pesto. The Oreo cake was a true winner, and it was definitely a draw between the grilled sandwiches. If you want a coffee with a cuddle, it is a must when visiting.

The counter

Oreo and banana bread cake

One of their residents

Dinner

Gló

I didn’t actually take any photos of the food at Gló, but that was probably because it was so good it was gone before I could take the picture. This completely vegan restaurant is just off the main street known for it’s bar and food, Laugavegur, and it was the first place we went to. The food is really reasonably priced and they offer amazing lunchtime options, such as buddha bowls to wraps, to nutritional main meals, such as burgers and pizza. We went here frequently as it had a simple and relaxed atmosphere, and the pesto pizza, indian dahl bowl and spinach lasagne were particular highlights. However, the best thing was that they did super decadent cake (the raspberry mocha cake was just blooming lovely) and you could order takeaway (!!) so we could take a filling wrap with us as went hiking around the south, west and Golden Circle. If you’re vegan or just want something that ticks all of the food groups, this is a must.

Ramen Momo

I have never had such a bowl of goodness before eating the ramen at Ramen Momo. Overlooking the harbour, this tiny, family run ramen restaurant is exactly what you need after a day in walking boots. All of their noodles are vegan and they have two vegan ramens – a miso based one with delicious mushrooms, spring onion and tofu, and a sesame based ramen which is SPICY (I must warn), with smoked tofu and some serious chilli. It takes them about 2 days to make the broth perfect in controlled temperatures, and you can really tell. They also did these incredible vegan gyozas which they boiled and then pan-fried for crispiness, along with an insane list of teas that would get rid of any cold, including flavours of grapefruit, lemon and fresh ginger. The art work in there was also amazing, and they ran an autism awareness month during April which, along with the ramen, made my heart warm. You can check their website out here and also their Instagram – @ramenmomo

Veganaes

Last but not least, Veganaes. This joint serves the best, dirty vegan fast food you can think of, and everything is 100% deep fried in deliciousness. The venue itself prides itself on being a safe space for all and is definitely the youth hub of Reykjavik. It has non-gendered toilets and an absolute no-tolerance policy on harassment, hosting new upcoming bands, comedy and drag shows tied in a cruelty-free bow. People often assume that being vegan means eating healthy ‘rabbit’ food, but Veganaes shows just how satisfying veganism can be. First time round, I had a Seitanic Sandwich, which was a beer-battered grilled sandwich with fried seitan, gouda cheese, roasted onion, paprika and pickles with a Dijon mayo and shared some jalapeno cheese balls. As you can guess, it was pretty insane. They also did the most yummy Fried Fish ‘Ish’ which we celebrated our last night in Iceland eating, and it was the best way to leave our vegan tour of the city. You can see their Instagram @veganaes and, for the love of deep fried food, all must seek and enjoy.

Sorry for how long this post has been, but I did a lot of eating.

I think the overarching reason for this post is that, along with my love of anything caffeinated, I have found my love for food again. Huge deal. This trip has given me a tonne of enthusiasm to get in the kitchen and try some new things, adding a bit of love into the mix.

I also felt like I needed to write this post. As much as I tried to avoid social media, it was pretty much impossible to avoid the power of the sun in February for it to then go bitterly cold. Nor could I avoid the power of the voice of Greta Thunberg – a young activist which adults cannot answer to. From going to Iceland, I have seen a way of life where they want all cars to be electric in the next 10 years, where they heat up their homes from the natural, renewable hot springs due to innovation, and their country, despite its growing tourism, is built upon conservation. I saw whales, seals, orcas and dolphins live in waters with no plastic in sight. Yet, I stood upon a glacier and saw it melt at a rapid rate – predicted to be gone before the end of my lifetime. Whatever you decide to do, whatever changes you decide to make to help battle this climate emergency, do it with haste.

Love,

Hev xo