Veggie Street food watch: Buddha Belly. 


  

It seems that you cannot escape street food in Birmingham these days, and rightly so as the informality of eating food this way is an enlightened experience that in particular is Summer on a plate or container in this case. I’m a massive fan and am finding more and more to celebrate with this kind of eating.

It maybe easy to think that the street food scene isn’t for vegetarians and vegans, but one that’s top heavy with burgers and meat traders. Though to a degree this can seem true on occasions, there is a number of vegetarian and vegan traders on the scene as well as traders that cater well for meat free options. It’s just a case of knowing where and to whom to seek out. From burgers, Indian, Thai, Malaysian, Mexican, pizza, cakes, crepes and Mediterranean there’s a whole world to discover.

The beauty of Streetfood is that there’s usually something for everyone. Go with friends, family, children, take your time and explore. Ruth and I frequently go to Brum Yum Yum #KingshEATh in Kings Heath. Often She goes one way for food, I go another then we meet and eat and enjoy a beer with the food. Sometimes we go to the same place, Ruth even has vegetarian or vegan on a occasions. It’s often not knowing what you will choose to eat until you get there that is the pull and where discoveries arise.

So as a way of celebrating streetfood in all its guises I’m introducing an occasional series of posts focusing on the best traders and dishes for Vegetarians and Vegans to try in the Midlands area. 

Buddha Belly run by Sai and her husband James is authentic Thai streetfood that can be enjoyed by everyone. Though not a fully veggie/vegan trader Buddha Belly has superb options that are authentic and a taste sensation. You can find them around Birmingham and the Midlands at streetfood events such as Brum Yum Yum, Digbeth Diner and Scoffs streetfood in Coventry amongst others. 

Sai appeared on Masterchef in 2012 and out of that experience came the Buddha Belly concept that thrills so many and has made them ‘Best Streetfood trader in the Midlands’ and ‘Best streetfood in England and Wales’ winners in 2014. 

Food prepared fresh from scratch, low in fat and authentically made with passion is the name of the game here. Ingredients are sourced locally and all meat (for your chums) is organic/free range and locally supplied. 

All sauces are freshly made, have a serious kick and make the dish what it is..Joyous. 

I tried the Vegan Yellow curry: A creamy, comforting delight of authenticity. Roasted cumin, Corriander seeds, Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, Courgettes.

A big dose of aromatic flavours, a thick consistency, with a delicate velvety texture. 

With lovely spices running through the bright yellow golden ray of sunshine, it’s a Vegan curry to beat. 

Without question the nicest Thai Yellow Curry I’ve eaten in the UK, that’s generous in size for £5 of your street food funds. 

Beautifully memorable flavours and presented to restaurant standard. 

  Vegan Yellow Curry.   

  

Buddha Belly at Brum Yum Yum: KingshEATh. 

  
    
    
 Brum Yum Yum in the sun. 

http://www.buddhabellystreetfood.co.uk/

Wash down this delicious curry with  local Two Towers Brewery, Vegan friendly Beers Complete Muppetry and Hockley Gold from The British Bus Bar. 

   

 
 
Buddha Belly also serve Vegetarian Spicy Noodles at streetfood events such as Brum Yum Yum and Digbeth Diner.

Brum Yum Yum is held on the second Saturday of the month, in Kings Heath, Birmingham.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

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The Vegan Grindhouse Diner: Crowdfunding campaign launched. 


   

 Veggie Foodie favourites The Vegan Grindhouse have launched a crowdfunding campaign at Indiegogo to raise funds to open the first all vegan diner in The West Midlands. See below: 

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-vegan-grindhouse-diner

After the success of their weekly Pop up at The Mockingbird in Birmingham for Meat free Monday’s showed the demand in the city for unique vegan food that captures the street food vibe inside, a retro diner to showcase their popular Americana food is a great logical step. Helping to offer more food, more often and spread the Vegan message further through quality and locally sourced and ethical healthy food. 

They currently run a Plant-Based Vegan food truck and can be seen around Birmingham and the Midlands at street food events such as Brum Yum Yum, Digbeth Diner and the monthly MAC food market. They’ve been trading for two years via the truck and are hugely popular with Vegan’s Vegetarian’s and meat eaters. 

They also want to help a local animal sanctuary – Rogue’s Place in Aldridge, West Midlands which was given notice at the end of January 2016 that they have to close down and relocate all of the animals as they don’t own the land. They have done some amazing work rescuing and housing injured, abandoned and rescued animals and The Vegan Grindhouse have been proud supporters of them over the last 12 months. They hope that a donation from the funds raised can help them to find new premises or homes for their residents during this time of crisis for them.

There is a selection of great rewards for contributing to the campaign and other goals if they do not reach their target of £25.000 to open their diner, including a vegan take away shop and new street food van and trailer. 

They plan to open 6 months after the Crowdfunding closes and when premises are identified. 

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-vegan-grindhouse-diner/contributions/new

So pledge to help them, Rogue’s Place and Birmingham/West Midlands in getting its first all vegan restaurant.

Please click this link to go to their campaign and share this with everyone you know via social media.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-vegan-grindhouse-diner

It’s a good cause and helps support a local family business that is a leader in driving the Vegan and meat free message forward in the Midlands. 

The crowdfunder runs until the 27th February. 

http://www.thevegangrindhouse.co.uk

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

   
 Photos from The Vegan Grindhouse.