https://www.scmp.com/rss/329111/feed Kayla Hill is a globetrotter, teacher, lover of puns, and vegan food fanatic. You can find her writing about vegan-related topics at greedyvegans.com. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com With summer in full swing for a few more weeks, it’s the perfect time to make use of the barbecue, soak up the sun, and enjoy some of the best seasonal produce available. With most of us spending more time cooking at home than ever before, even celebs are experimenting in the kitchen with the latest food trends – and none is bigger than the move to plant-based alternatives to meat. With Lizzo sharing her healthy vegan meals on TikTok and Aladdin’s Mena Massoud launching an all-vegan cookbook,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3099939/natalie-portmans-buffalo-cauliflower-wings-jamie-olivers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3099939/natalie-portmans-buffalo-cauliflower-wings-jamie-olivers?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Sep 2020 10:12:16 +0000 Given the current pandemic, it’s hard to imagine when we’ll be up close with a celebrity ever again. During lockdown, some celebrities have been criticised for being out of touch with the average person struggling with life during a global health crisis. From Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot’s cringey star-studded Imagine singalong, to superstars like Sam Smith lamenting about quarantining in an enormous mansion, to Gigi Hadid’s infamous “silver lining” remarks, some fans are feeling a bit let... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3097047/adam-sandler-and-courteney-coxs-virtual-backstage-pass?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3097047/adam-sandler-and-courteney-coxs-virtual-backstage-pass?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Aug 2020 07:00:11 +0000 If you spend any time in Vietnam, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find a banh mi stall nearby. Literally translated as “bread”, banh mi is a tasty and affordable sandwich often eaten for breakfast or a snack. Made with fresh baguettes and pâté brought over by French colonists, banh mi is not only a fusion of cultures, but also of flavours. People absolutely love banh mi, so much so that this food item was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2011. What started as street food in the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3089104/how-vietnams-meaty-banh-mi-sandwich-went-global-and-then?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3089104/how-vietnams-meaty-banh-mi-sandwich-went-global-and-then?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Jun 2020 04:00:09 +0000 Portland has an abundance of vegan restaurants, the world’s first vegan tattoo shop, and even vegan strip clubs – but how and why did it become such a plant-based oasis? As a long-time vegan, Portland, Oregon had been high on my list to visit for a while. I knew I’d be in for a feast of vegan pastries, plant-based artisan cheeses, and meat-free barbecue. I didn’t realise how massive and accessible the vegan scene in Portland really is. I stayed in the Portland Eco House and rented a gorgeous,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3081401/vegan-strip-joints-tattoo-parlours-and-doughnuts-how?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3081401/vegan-strip-joints-tattoo-parlours-and-doughnuts-how?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2020 00:01:40 +0000 With vegan cafes, pizzerias and raw restaurants available in abundance, it’s easy to follow a plant-based diet in Taiwan. But unlike Singapore and Hong Kong, Taiwan boasts an abundance of vegan desserts such as waffles, cakes and ice cream. This isn’t limited to Taipei either; all over the island you’ll find sweet treats that will satisfy your dessert cravings. Here’s a list of recommended vegan dessert spot to indulge at next time you’re visiting Taiwan. Veganday Cuisine, Taichung Founded by... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3074591/taiwans-top-8-vegan-dessert-destinations-ice-monster-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3074591/taiwans-top-8-vegan-dessert-destinations-ice-monster-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:00:09 +0000 With chicken rendang, laksa and satay considered among Malaysia’s top dishes, curious vegans are flocking to George Town, Penang – a plant-based oasis – to get their Malaysian food fix. George Town is small but bursting with art, culture and cuisine. Several million tourists visit this little bubble in Penang every year to take photos of famous street art and check out its quirky museums. The vegan food scene in George Town is thriving. With a mix of cultures including Chinese, Malay and Indian,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3050715/8-must-try-malaysian-dishes-vegans-and-where-find-plant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3050715/8-must-try-malaysian-dishes-vegans-and-where-find-plant?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Feb 2020 04:00:09 +0000 It’s hard to believe, but many vegans – including celebrities such as Kristen Bell and Lewis Hamilton – credit their conversion to watching a timely documentary. These days it’s not impossible to change your outlook overnight after simply watching what’s available on our favourite streaming services. From documentaries that open our eyes to the horrors of factory farming, to artful dramas and reality TV shows that make us question if we would eat our own pets, information about a plant-based... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3044826/forks-over-knives-game-changers-meat-family-5-inspiring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3044826/forks-over-knives-game-changers-meat-family-5-inspiring?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2020 03:00:19 +0000 Kuidaore, which means to eat until you ruin yourself with food, is a concept that has long been associated with Osaka. Vegans can now experience that, too. Japan’s third-largest city has long been considered a food haven. Thanks to its location near waterways and arable land, the city is a key junction for local and imported ingredients, another reason it is often referred to as “Japan’s kitchen”. It may be challenging for vegans to find delectable eats in a city that loves fresh seafood, but it... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3044783/6-traditional-japanese-foods-vegans-will-love-osaka?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3044783/6-traditional-japanese-foods-vegans-will-love-osaka?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Jan 2020 14:00:05 +0000 It’s easy to fall into a frenzy of buying new Christmas decorations, stockpiling excessive gifts, and lining our wardrobes with colourful wrapping paper. But when the big day has come and gone, we’re left with heaps of discarded gift wrap, broken Christmas lights, gifts that we won’t use, and plenty of junk to be packed into a storage cupboard for another year. With more consumers keen on reducing their environmental impact, Christmas is the perfect time to make smart consumption choices. Going... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3043201/going-zero-waste-christmas-possible-heres-how?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3043201/going-zero-waste-christmas-possible-heres-how?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Dec 2019 06:00:14 +0000 While Tokyo might have more Michelin-starred restaurants, foodies often flock to Kyoto for its vibrant food culture. As the former imperial city of Japan, Kyoto’s cuisine blends both traditional fare with modern tastes, focusing on delicate flavours. With a large population of Buddhist monks, it’s easy for vegans and vegetarians to find delicious dishes, too. From fine dining, to tea houses and casual eateries, vegans need not miss out on the exquisite food experiences that Kyoto has to offer.... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3042283/6-traditional-japanese-dishes-vegans-can-try-kyoto?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3042283/6-traditional-japanese-dishes-vegans-can-try-kyoto?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Dec 2019 03:00:12 +0000 Japanese cuisine is famed around the world for its simplicity, freshness and, of course, flavour. Some of the most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe are Japanese, and for good reason. The attention to detail, presentation and tastes abundant in traditional Japanese foods are unparalleled. It’s difficult to imagine a world where sushi and ramen aren’t prominent fixtures in popular food culture. For vegans, however, Japanese food can be quite a minefield. Japan is one of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3037330/7-traditional-japanese-dishes-vegans-can-eat-while-tokyo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3037330/7-traditional-japanese-dishes-vegans-can-eat-while-tokyo?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2019 06:00:14 +0000 Contemporary culture is unavoidably obsessed with capturing that perfect food photo – and colourful, mouthwatering desserts have emerged at the forefront of this trend. Everyone loves a sweet treat that’s not only delicious, but also a feast for the eyes. With veganism on the rise, finding these indulgent and photographic delights made from plant-based ingredients is becoming easier. Think: traditional dairy ice cream made with almond, cashew or soy; gorgeous meringues created from aquafaba... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3034418/8-epic-vegan-desserts-unicorn-milkshakes-mac-and-cheese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3034418/8-epic-vegan-desserts-unicorn-milkshakes-mac-and-cheese?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Oct 2019 05:00:13 +0000 Poutine, which originates from the predominantly French province of Quebec, is something all Canadians hold dear. Comprising French fries, gravy and cheese curds, poutine has a strong fan base and has evolved into a hugely popular food. The fries have to be prepared perfectly: not thin McDonald’s-style fries or chunky chips. The gravy needs to be savoury, not sweet, and the cheese needs to be in curds, not shreds.  With entire poutine restaurants dedicated to customising your poutine with every... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3030632/5-authentic-poutine-places-where-megan-markle-and-other?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3030632/5-authentic-poutine-places-where-megan-markle-and-other?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Sep 2019 04:00:04 +0000 Plant-based meat substitutes are dominating the food tech industry and non-dairy milks are lining the shelves at supermarkets – there’s no denying that veganism is booming globally. People are becoming more concerned about how their consumption of animal products affects their health, the environment, and the well-being of animals. With devastating fires in the Amazon, and vegan American presidential hopeful Cory Booker condemning factory farming, many are curious about a vegan lifestyle, but it... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/3030142/5-apps-make-becoming-vegan-much-easier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/3030142/5-apps-make-becoming-vegan-much-easier?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Sep 2019 18:00:06 +0000 If you consider what Chinese, South Korean and Japanese diners gravitate towards food wise, you might picture suckling pig, roasted goose, Korean barbecue, Wagyu beef or tonkatsu. There’s no denying that meat plays a huge role in these cuisines, but if you look back to what people traditionally ate, you might be surprised. Largely plant-based diets dominated these parts of Asia for centuries, and only recently have Western food items – mostly processed, meat-based and high in fat – permeated... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3020071/do-asians-crave-fatty-sodium-filled-burgers-and-fried?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3020071/do-asians-crave-fatty-sodium-filled-burgers-and-fried?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Jul 2019 08:44:09 +0000 Five-time Wimbledon tennis champion Novak Djokovic follows a plant-based diet but doesn’t like labels or being called a vegan. The 32-year-old Serbian has won 16 Grand Slam singles titles, the third best record in men’s professional tennis behind Roger Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (18).   Almost a decade ago, Djokovic discovered he has a gluten allergy by pressing a piece of bread against his stomach with his arm, on the advice of a nutritionist, and observing the immediate loss of strength in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3019324/what-wimbledon-tennis-champion-novak-djokovics-vegan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3019324/what-wimbledon-tennis-champion-novak-djokovics-vegan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jul 2019 08:46:11 +0000 Star power is one of the reasons veganism has exploded in the public consciousness during the past few years. When American singer Beyoncé and her rapper husband Jay-Z announced their “vegan challenge” – whereby they asked fans to go vegan and earn free concert tickets to their shows for life – the concept of veganism was shared with Beyoncé’s 129 million Instagram fans, sparking much discussion and debate in the comments section. Many members of the Beyhive immediately swore they would change... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3017686/ex-vegan-traitors-chris-hemsworth-and-4-other?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3017686/ex-vegan-traitors-chris-hemsworth-and-4-other?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Jul 2019 06:49:25 +0000 A decade ago, travelling as a vegan would have been a daunting task. With the plant-based lifestyle having exploded only in the past few years, long-time vegans can probably recall fighting for scraps at restaurants and having to stand to the side in dismay while the rest of the tour group went on camel rides. 7 fine dining restaurants serving Hong Kong’s best vegan tasting menus Yet gone are the days of surviving on lettuce and French fries. Vegan tourism is on the rise and is tapping into an... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3015541/what-its-go-eco-friendly-all-vegan-tour-india?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3015541/what-its-go-eco-friendly-all-vegan-tour-india?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Jun 2019 06:00:11 +0000 Plant-based meat is not only for vegans these days. Its popularity is spreading around the world. The Beyond Burger is being sold in the meat freezers of supermarkets across the United States while the Impossible Burger is becoming a permanent fixture in fast-food chains, such as Burger King. Why more meat eaters are joining the plant-based movement – and still loving their burgers Yet both of the American companies making the plant-based meat alternatives, Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, have... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3015024/who-are-driving-forces-behind-beyond-meat-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3015024/who-are-driving-forces-behind-beyond-meat-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Jun 2019 08:50:05 +0000 Before you call me a “triggered vegan”, let me first and foremost explain that I’m writing this purely to help the South China Morning Post’s Andrew Sun understand the growing popularity of plant-based burgers. His latest opinion piece started off by stating, “I don’t understand meatless hamburgers”. A University of Michigan study determined that the amount of water in an average swimming pool can create 312 beef burgers, or 60,837 plant-based burgers   Well, meatless burgers is an easy concept... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3006496/why-more-meat-eaters-are-joining-plant-based-movement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3006496/why-more-meat-eaters-are-joining-plant-based-movement?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Apr 2019 03:26:48 +0000 Burgers are something I never stopped loving after going vegan. This probably rings true for most plant-based eaters, too. I often get asked: “If you’re vegan, why do you continue to eat foods that resemble their meat counterparts?” It’s simple: I didn’t stop eating meat because I didn’t like the taste of it. I stopped eating meat because I didn’t want to contribute to the cruelty and environmental devastation it causes. Why Hongkongers find a vegan lifestyle difficult to embrace Luckily in Hong... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3003135/we-review-10-vegan-burgers-hong-kong-which-one-was-best?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3003135/we-review-10-vegan-burgers-hong-kong-which-one-was-best?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Mar 2019 04:00:14 +0000 Animal products dominate local cuisines in many parts of the world despite the growing popularity of veganism. Food is a big part of having a fulfilling cultural experience in any country, so it can be daunting for vegan travellers to visit places which are traditionally meat-heavy. The Philippines is a great example. A tropical paradise with countless tourist-friendly islands, travellers can enjoy sandy beaches, hidden caves and attractive scuba diving spots. The Philippines might seem like a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3002352/how-stay-vegan-meat-heavy-philippines-and-still-enjoy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3002352/how-stay-vegan-meat-heavy-philippines-and-still-enjoy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Mar 2019 04:00:07 +0000 The decor, menu, and linens of vegan-friendly hotels are things that can be appreciated by everyone – not only vegans. All travellers can enjoy healthy dining options, cruelty-free toiletries and sustainable elegance. How the world's first vegan hotel suite at Hilton London Bankside is helping animal lovers sleep easy Yet those who choose a vegan lifestyle do not necessarily want to sacrifice style, comfort or luxury. Although staying in a treehouse or an eco-friendly beach hut might appeal to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2187589/bet-you-wouldnt-know-they-are-vegan-5-luxury-hotels-are?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2187589/bet-you-wouldnt-know-they-are-vegan-5-luxury-hotels-are?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Feb 2019 02:02:44 +0000 When we go on holiday, it’s easy to overindulge, whether that be on luxury shopping, entertainment, or dining. When someone is changing our bedlinen every day and there’s a giant jacuzzi in our hotel bathroom, and when we’re in the mood to splurge on ourselves, it’s easy to forget about the environmental impact we cause and the waste we leave behind. The raw truth behind French chef Tina Barrat's vegan cuisine success story However, people are becoming increasingly aware of their careless travel... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2183922/how-eco-focused-resort-bali-can-help-you-feel-good-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2183922/how-eco-focused-resort-bali-can-help-you-feel-good-and?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Feb 2019 02:00:45 +0000 Foods that have the label of “raw”, “vegan”, or “super food” often have a bad reputation. Raw vegan food is commonly perceived to be boring, bland and unsatisfying. I also thought the same until I attended one of chef Tina Barrat’s private dinners in Hong Kong. Hailing from France, Barrat started her food journey over a decade ago when she attended a workshop on raw cooking. She was amazed at how much energy she had after consuming sprouted food, which is full of enzymes, and this inspired her... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2182483/raw-truth-behind-french-chef-tina-barrats-vegan-cuisine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2182483/raw-truth-behind-french-chef-tina-barrats-vegan-cuisine?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Jan 2019 04:00:45 +0000 Afternoon tea is a tradition that started in mid-19th century England, when Victorian royals requested finger sandwiches, desserts and tea in the late afternoon to avoid feeling hungry before dinner. Wealthy women would also invite their friends and these social events became quite fashionable. Most luxury hotels still honour this British tradition in Hong Kong, but finding vegan versions of this afternoon ritual has been challenging in the past. Why Hongkongers find a vegan lifestyle difficult... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2178275/6-places-enjoy-vegan-afternoon-tea-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2178275/6-places-enjoy-vegan-afternoon-tea-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Dec 2018 05:01:49 +0000 The vegan movement is slowly but surely growing in Hong Kong. Every month, more restaurants are offering plant-based dishes. The city is often chosen for hi-tech vegan product launches. People are becoming more aware of where their food comes from, and social media is helping to spread the word about plant-based options. Where are the best places for a vegan holiday? Yet if we compare it to other cities like Singapore, New York City, Taipei or London, Hong Kong lags far behind. In fact, it’s... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2172893/why-hongkongers-find-vegan-lifestyle-difficult-embrace?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2172893/why-hongkongers-find-vegan-lifestyle-difficult-embrace?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Nov 2018 02:00:15 +0000 If you’re not vegan yourself, you might be wondering what makes a holiday specifically “vegan”? Since vegans eat plant-based food, use cruelty-free cosmetics and pay only for entertainment that doesn’t exploit animals, planning a holiday can be a tricky task. Questions that come to mind include “Will animals be used to transport me to my destination?”, “Will there be plant-based food available?”, “Does the spa use cruelty-free products?” and “Are my pillows filled with down?”. These situations... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2171340/where-are-best-places-vegan-holiday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2171340/where-are-best-places-vegan-holiday?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Nov 2018 02:02:35 +0000