Victoria Goes Vegan: Vegtoria


The Vancouver Island Vegan Association hosted Vegtoria on July 27 in Centennial Square, Victoria, to “celebrate veganism and all of the ways we can choose to lead a more ethical, healthy and environmentally friendly life.” I spent a couple of hours there and the site was jam-packed with people ordering food and sampling all the different options.


And there were so many food options! I was happy to be able to pick up two varieties of vegan cheese from Miyoko’s Kitchen. Made from organic cashews, it is so flavourful!


The Very Good Butchers had huge line-ups at the festival and at their store across the street at Victoria Public Market for their burgers and take-home products. I decided to go back during the week when they’re less busy.


Salt Spring Island Kombucha is so good (they’re also at Moss Street Market). They have all sorts of interesting flavours (Wild Rose, Elderflower Ginger, Lavender Mint) available on tap or in refillable bottles.


I had chik’n and chipotle mini burgers from The Vegan Bite for lunch. The filling was excellent, but the buns weren’t what I expected. Apparently they’re a vegan, gluten-free version of a Brazilian snack, Pão de Queijo.


Dessert was chocolate gelato from Green Cuisine, one of the principal sponsors of Vegtoria. Yum! Green Cuisine is a vegetarian/vegan buffet restaurant in Victoria that also retails some of its products; I’m familiar with their wheat cutlets and tempeh.


In addition to the food, there were all sorts of displays – everything from vegan shoes to vegan children’s books.


The Fur-Bearers and various other organizations were also on hand and there was musical entertainment and speakers.


Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in Victoria
Victoria has a number of vegan/vegetarian restaurants. I’ve eaten at all of them but Bliss (I had samples at the festival) and they’re all worth visiting.
Be Love
Café Bliss
Green Cuisine
Re-Bar
Vegan Hippie Chick Café
Venus Sophia Tea Room & Vegetarian Eatery

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