Each January, Veganuary gives people the opportunity to try vegan food for a month. The idea behind it is to encourage people to only eat plant foods so they can see how easy and enjoyable it is – and to demonstrate that you don’t need to eat meat at all or even all the time.
The initiative was started by the Veganuary organisation as a way of protecting the planet, preventing the suffering of animals and improving health. It has evolved into a sort of invitation or challenge for people to participate in – as it puts plant-based eating front and centre for a whole month or as long as you want. After it, many people either go fully vegan or certainly reduce the amount of meat they consume.
Obviously, Glas – as Ireland’s premier vegan restaurant and vegetarian restaurant – is part of showcasing the joys of having vegan meals all year round, but we also like to embrace Veganuary and encourage people to give it a go.
Head Chef Malte Half– who is a committed vegan himself – loves cooking for non-vegans as well as those who follow a plant-based diet all the time. He has a very common sense approach to being a vegan and has some great advice for those doing Veganuary or planning to go vegan more long term. He believes it should be enjoyable, nutritious, sustainable and good for you!
His tips for anyone going vegan are as follows:
- Do your research
“Understanding the health benefits of going vegan is key,” says Malte. “Take time to learn about plant-based proteins and how they support a balanced diet.” Veganuary is the perfect time to experiment and see if you can sustain a vegan lifestyle beyond January. - Start small
Ease into the lifestyle by “veganising” your favourite meals. Swap meat for versatile ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and soy. Malte suggests stocking your pantry with staples such as nutritional yeast and enriched plant-based options to add flavour to your dishes. - Stay balanced
“Avoid the temptation of vegan junk food,” Malte advises. Focus on creating wholesome meals with fresh vegetables and diverse flavours. Get inspired by simple, creative recipes that showcase the versatility of plant-based cooking. - Consider supplements
Look into fortified foods or supplements to ensure you’re getting essential nutrients like Vitamin B12 and iron. It’s all about maintaining a balanced diet. - Build a support network
Find a vegan friend to share tips, recipes, and favourite restaurants. Malte emphasises the importance of community: “Having someone to guide you can make the experience much easier and more enjoyable.” - Explore ethical reasons
For those curious about the ethical aspects of veganism, Malte recommends documentaries such as The Game Changers, Cowspiracy, or What the Health on Netflix. “Understanding the ‘why’ behind veganism can be incredibly motivating,” he says.
So whether you are vegan, vegetarian or just want to see how Irish veg can and should be the star of the show, why not make this Veganuary your chance to explore the delicious, creative, and sustainable world of plant-based dining? At Glas, we’re here to inspire and support your journey – one incredible meal at a time.
Explore our menu to see the huge variety of vegan options available at Glas Vegan & Vegetarian restaurant in Dublin.