Some days you just want food to arrive. No chopping, no dishes, no negotiating with tofu that won’t crisp. Just something hot and comforting that someone else made. Thankfully, the UK is finally catching up with the idea that vegans like takeaways too.
Whether I’m back in the UK for five minutes or five months, I always go hunting for vegan junk food, decent curry, or whatever version of a pizza is going to hit the spot. Here’s where I order from, what I love, and what you should know if you’re trying to get good vegan food delivered.
If You’re Craving Pizza
Let’s start strong. I don’t just like takeaway pizza. I have a favourite. The Domino’s Vegan Veggie Supreme is the one. It’s the first thing I eat when I get back to the UK. No shame. Melty vegan cheese, a solid crust, actual toppings, and the vegan garlic & herb dip? Done.
Other options:
- Pizza Hut – decent vegan range with jackfruit and even vegan stuffed crust.
- Papa John’s – full vegan menu including sides and that glorious garlic dip.
- Pizza Express – vegan dough balls, pizzas with vegan mozzarella, and even dessert.
- Local pizza shops – often happy to do cheeseless pizzas or swap for vegan cheese if they have it.
If You Want Junk Food That Knows It’s Junk Food
Big chains:
- Burger King – The Plant-Based Whopper Meal is weirdly good. Juicy, satisfying, and the fries are vegan.
- McDonald’s – The McPlant is fine. I don’t hate it, but it’s small and kind of polite. I’m not in it for polite food.
- KFC – Their Original Recipe Vegan Burger (Quorn fillet in a soft bun with vegan mayo) is surprisingly solid. Just watch the sides. Not all are vegan.
- Papa John’s – Their vegan sides (cheesy wedges, jalapeño poppers, cauliflower wings) are peak takeaway filth.
- Toby Carvery (Takeaway via Deliveroo or Just Eat) – You can get their vegan mushroom pie with roasties, veg, and gravy to go. Surprisingly indulgent.
- Greggs – Not just sausage rolls. Vegan bakes, southern fried chicken-free baguettes, and even hash browns.
Tip: Burger King will not cook your burger separately unless you ask. So if cross-contamination is an issue for you, check before ordering.
Fully vegan options (if you’re in the right city):
- Vegan Shack – burgers, loaded fries, and deep-fried everything.
- What The Pitta – vegan doner kebabs, wraps, and rice boxes.
- The Vurger Co. – burgers, mac and cheese, shakes.
- Neat Burger – if you want something fast, creative, and plant-based with serious attitude.
If You’re After a Chippy
Classic British takeaway? Chips, mushy peas, and if you’re lucky, a battered sausage. But there are some things to watch.
- Chips aren’t always vegan. A lot of chip shops use the same oil for everything, including fish and sausages. Some even use beef dripping. Ask what oil they fry in and whether the chips share a fryer.
- Battered sausages or veggie burgers – some chippies do these vegan now, but they’ll rarely shout about it. Ask. Sometimes you’ll find a plant-based surprise.
Bonus win: Sometimes it’s not even chips or a burger. It’s one of those random vegan Pukka Pies hiding in the hot counter. Honestly? They’re alright. Not life-changing, but solid comfort food when you weren’t expecting anything vegan at all.
A few vegan-friendly chippies even offer banana blossom “fish,” vegan battered sausages, or tofu fillets, but these are still rare.
If You Want Asian Food
You can get incredible vegan food from Indian, Thai, and Chinese takeaways, but it comes with a few warnings.
Indian
One of the most vegan-friendly cuisines out there, as long as you dodge the dairy. That means:
- Say no to ghee (clarified butter)
- Avoid paneer (cheese cubes)
- Double check the naan (often has both yoghurt and ghee)
Go for:
- Chana masala
- Aloo gobi
- Mushroom bhuna
- Vegetable samosas
- Biryani (without raita)
- Chapati or roti instead of naan
Some places will even mark things vegan or make swaps if you ask. Others will smother everything in butter unless you stop them.
Chinese
Chinese food can be amazing for vegans or a total minefield. The good ones will tell you what’s in the sauce, which is gold.
Watch out for:
- Oyster sauce (on nearly everything)
- Fish sauce (sometimes hidden in stir fries)
- Egg noodles (ask for rice noodles or vermicelli)
Go for:
- Tofu dishes
- Stir-fried veg
- Salt and pepper chips
- Plain chow mein with veg
- Sweet and sour tofu (if available)
Thai
Great flavours. Just ask for:
- No fish sauce
- No egg
- Coconut milk instead of creamy sauces
Go for:
- Red or green curry with tofu
- Pad Thai with rice noodles and veg
- Mango sticky rice if you’re lucky
If You Want “Healthy” Vegan (But Still Takeaway)
No shame in wanting a meal that feels vaguely nourishing. These spots do it well.
- Wagamama – loads of vegan options, from spicy tofu bowls to cauliflower wings. Clearly labelled and travels well.
- LEON – rice boxes, plant-based burgers, and some great sides.
- Pret a Manger – soups, wraps, salads. Good for lunch delivery.
- Itsu – vegan sushi, gyoza, rice bowls, and seaweed snacks.
If You Want Something Familiar (aka Big Chains You’ll Definitely See)
Not every high street chain is fully plant-based, but some have decent vegan options if you know what to look for.
- Subway – the Plant Patty or Veggie Delite with vegan garlic mayo and sweet onion sauce. Toasted. Obviously.
- Costa – toasties, sweet treats, and good coffee.
- Starbucks – pricey, yes, but they’ve got a few vegan wraps, burgers, and cakes now.
- Co-op Hot Counter – surprisingly decent vegan pasties or pies in some branches.
These might not scream “takeaway,” but they’re lifesavers when you need hot food and minimal stress.
Final Tips for the Best Vegan Takeaways in the UK
- Use the filters. Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat all have vegan or dietary filters now.
- Check allergen menus. Surprisingly helpful for spotting hidden dairy and eggs.
- Message the restaurant. If you’re unsure, a quick note can save you the disappointment of buttery rice or a surprise boiled egg.
- Repeat offenders. Once you find a place that gets it right, save them. Some local places will even veganise stuff specially for regulars.
Final Thoughts
Takeaway is valid. I’m tired of people pretending they’re out here steaming kale every night. Sometimes you want a burger in a box or a curry that could feed three people. The good news is, vegan food is no longer the afterthought on delivery apps. It’s front and centre. Whether you’re eating from a big-name chain or a local spot that just gets it, the UK has never been better for vegan takeaway.
If you are looking for vegan takeaway options near you, HappyCow is a great place to start.
Now go order something.
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