Mao Chow

With no reservations, no cash, no meat and no dairy, this teeny Chinese dinner spot in Hackney might seem restrictive, but it’s anything but. Being 100% vegan, Mao Chow serves straight-up Chinese food that everyone can enjoy, just as soon as a space in the dozen-seater restaurant becomes available (queue haters, relax –  they also do takeaway).

The menu is short but punchy, with dishes such as salted cucumber salad, ginger-scallion jackfruit with rice, and dan dan noodles, all of which come in at less than a tenner. The short drinks list is alcohol-free, but the BYOB policy means you can pop to the offie down the road and sip whatever takes your fancy while you munch.