16th August 2011

Something is afoot in London, can you catch the smell of jalapenos in the air? That would be because this year has seen an explosion of  restaurants big and small dedicated to those parcels of carbalicious goodness – the humble burrito. Along with the restaurants of course comes the bloggers; all giving their guides to the best burrito but they were all a bit too meaty and cheesey for me. So,  I decided to do my very own and help my fellow burrito loving vegans find the best there is to offer in London.

Today we are starting off with the most creative veggie burritos. The custom made nature of the burrito lends itself very well to veganising, but I had to show my appreciation for the places that have taken the time to think a little more outside the box. Instead of going the easy route (mixed peppers and onions anyone??) they have come up with a PROPER veggie option. (However don’t get me wrong when a simple burrito is done properly it can be really tasty too).

(Oh and beware the little avocado chip on my shoulder, I do not think it’s fair to charge for guacamole if you’re not having any cheese, sour cream or meat!).

The Flying Burrito

Where? Aldgate and Liverpool Street

Proper veggie option? Yes!! Oaxacan Mole

What they say: For lunch you can order the vegatarian option (Oaxacan mole), just don’t add cheese or sour cream as extra toppings (but you know that).  Although it is made with a savoury chocolate sauce this is of the unsweetened variety that contains no milk products.  If you don’t want the Oaxacan mole you should ask for guacamole instead.  Breakfast is served between 7.30 and 11am at our Blomfield Str branch and you can order the veggie brek.  It contains mushrooms, potato cooked with onion and green peppers, black beans and roasted peppers.

Guacamole surcharge? Yes, boooo! (Although from the sounds of above you won’t be charged if you replace the mole with it).

What I had: My usual is rice, black beans, oaxacan mole, pineapple salsa, guacamole and lettuce. However I discovered my dream team combo recently swapping the pineapple for the cactus leaf salsa  and adding lots of lime. It’s the perfect size, but also one of the priciest.

I also tried the breakfast burrito which was salty but just what I happened to need (take that hangover!). I am pretty sure there was no potato in it, but the girl behind the counter did give me extra mushrooms as I wasn’t having any egg or cheese. This one is a reasonable priced £2.50 for a small.

Price: regular burrito £6.45

Poncho No8

Where? Soho, St Paul’s and Spitalfields

Proper veggie option? Yes!! Chargrilled vegetables and marinated tofu

What they say: The vegetarian option allows for a vegan meal. For the burritos you get a 12.5 inch flour tortilla, rice, beans, and vegetarian filling (which includes marinated tofu). Then you can choose your toppings; guacamole, salad, jalapenos, medium and/or mild salsa (the hot has dairy in).

Guacamole surcharge? No, I love you! x

What I had: Coriander rice, spicy beans, chargrilled vegetables and tofu, medium salsa, lettuce, tomato salsa, gaucamole and lots of lime. The other option rice and beans are also vegan. The very generous size means it’s just a couple of bites too big, but it’s also too good to leave any behind. Be prepared to need a burrito nap approximately 20 minnutes after consumption!

Price: £5.90

Tags: Poncho 8, review, The Flying Burrito