Tofu Vegan Spitalfields arrives at exactly the right moment. London’s vegan scene has exploded in recent years, moving far beyond salad bowls and token plant-based options into something genuinely exciting. There are now entire cuisines, techniques and traditions being reworked through a vegan lens and if tofu is your thing, this is one of the strongest places in the city to explore just how good it can be.
Set on Commercial Street, Tofu Vegan sits right in the thick of Spitalfields, serving exclusively vegan, regional Chinese food that doesn't skimp on flavour, or heat. It’s an easy choice before or after a wander through Spitalfields Market, an exhibition at one of the nearby galleries, or an evening drifting between bars and shops. The area suits the restaurant well; informal, international and always moving.
The menu is extensive and unapologetically tofu-forward, drawing heavily on Chinese regional cooking and Buddhist vegetarian traditions. Everything is 100 per cent vegan, cooked fresh daily, and designed for sharing. One of the most popular dishes is the Mapo tofu, where soft tofu is served in a rich, chilli-spiked sauce that delivers real depth and warmth rather than dialled-down heat. It’s a dish that converts sceptics quickly.
Another highlight is the sizzling fried tofu in black bean sauce, which arrives bubbling at the table, deeply savoury and comforting. For something with a bit of crunch, the Gong Bao king oyster mushrooms with cashew nuts offer a clever plant-based take on the classic, with meaty mushrooms standing in for chicken. The cumin “lamb” is made entirely from plant-based ingredients and another standout, smoky and fragrant, and particularly good with a bowl of plain steamed rice.
Starters are equally strong. Dumplings filled with tofu and vegetables, salt-and-Sichuan-pepper tofu, and cold dishes dressed with chilli oil and sesame make it easy to over-order in the best possible way. The menu is clearly labelled for spice and allergens, making it accessible as well as ambitious.