Food Guide
The Rise of Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants & How We're Making Plant-based Meals More Accessible in Seoul
Mark
January 27, 2023
Vegan and Vegetarian Cuisine on the Shuttle App
The rise of vegan and vegetarian food options has been a growing trend on the Shuttle app over the years. As awareness of the health benefits and environmental impact of plant-based diets increases, more restaurants are opening as people are choosing to reduce or eliminate their consumption of meat. The demand for vegan and vegetarian restaurant and grocery options has led to loads of new additions to the Shuttle app. Here’s what you need to know about plant-based products, meat alternatives, as well as vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Korea so you can make sustainable and healthy food choices.
Plant-based Diets
Adopting a plant-based diet can have many benefits for both your personal health and environment, but it's important to make sure you are getting all the necessary nutrients.
Most notably, the nutrients that may be lacking in a plant-based diet include: Vitamin B12, which is found almost exclusively in animal products, Iron, which is more easily absorbed from animal sources, and omega-3 fatty acids which is mostly found in seafood.
So, if you go ahead and adopt a plant-based diet, it's important to consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods. You may also want to consider taking dietary supplements and definitely talking to a doctor or a registered dietitian to make sure you're getting enough of these nutrients.
It's also important to be mindful of your protein intake, as plant-based sources of protein such as beans, lentils, and tofu may not be as easily absorbed as animal-based sources. Eating a variety of plant-based protein sources can help ensure that you are getting enough.
You should be aware that a plant-based diet can also be low in calorie density, so it's important to monitor your overall calorie intake and make sure you are eating enough to maintain a healthy weight. It's also important to be aware of food labeling and ingredient lists, as some products labeled as "vegan" or "vegetarian" may still contain hidden animal-derived ingredients, especially in Korea.
Overall, a plant-based diet is the healthy and sustainable choice, but it's important to educate yourself and make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need. Please consult a doctor or a registered dietitian to ensure a well-rounded nutrient-dense plant-based diet.
Download the Shuttle App
Getting set up on the Shuttle app is a breeze, it’s available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store:
1. Set your address—type in your address in English, or use your location and we’ll find you.
2. Use your email address to create an account, or sign up with Facebook or Apple. It’s helpful if you have a local phone number when ordering, but it is not required to open an account.
3. Place an order—we accept PayPal and all domestic and international credit cards. Your credit card information is securely stored on your own device, so checkout is a breeze after you’ve added a card to your wallet.
Vegan Grocery Delivery
Vegans and vegetarians in Korea can get groceries delivered nationwide using the Shuttle app. The Next Day Vegan shop offers next day delivery for customers in Seoul & Gyeonggi-do, with a 1-2 day standard taekbae delivery for customers outside the metropolitan area and Jeju-do.
Shop Here: Next Day Vegan
Popular Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants
Vegan restaurants are becoming increasingly popular as more people are choosing to adopt plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. These restaurants offer a variety of delicious and nutritious meals made with plant-based ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts. Some vegan restaurants also offer meat alternatives like seitan, tofu, or plant-based burgers. These restaurants cater to different dietary needs like gluten-free, soy-free and nut-free. Vegan restaurants often have a wide variety of options, from comfort food to gourmet dishes, and they can be a great way to explore new flavors and cuisines while also supporting a sustainable and compassionate food system. Whether you are a long-time vegan or just exploring plant-based options, vegan restaurants offer a delicious and ethical dining experience.
The Shuttle app has vegan and vegetarian options in every zone, but these are the most popular Veg and Health restaurants available.
Plant Cafe & Kitchen
Plant Cafe & Kitchen in Seoul is a 100% plant-based restaurant and bakery in the heart of Itaewon. In fact, they are the pioneers and a fixture of Seoul's vegan landscape. They have a passion for making the plant-based lifestyle easy and tasty. Their lineup of vegan meals and baked goods will make you forget that you're eating healthy. Also, they have like 99% repeat customers, people can’t get enough, and that goes for vegans and non-vegans.
Order from Plant Cafe in Yeonnam, Seoul.
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Order from Plant Cafe in Itaewon, Seoul.
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Salad Brothers
Eating healthy shouldn't be hard...it should be fun and affordable! Rice, ramen, and deep-fried treats are plentiful in Seoul, but dishes made with fresh greens and all-natural ingredients aren't always easy to find. That's why Salad Brothers and Shuttle are committed to serving healthy, tasty food that will fill you up without emptying your wallet. We believe that if you eat good, you will feel good!
Order from Salad Brothers in Mapo, Seoul.
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Bari
Bari will bowl you ever with filling rice bowls, nutrient-filled salad bowls, and fruity acai bowls. There are also a trio of juices that will complete your heart-healthy meal. Get a bowl and get going.
Order from Bari in Hongdae, Seoul.
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Order from Bari in Itaewon, Seoul.
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Order from Bari in Gangnam, Seoul.
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Root Everyday
Get bowled over by Root! Each bowl is unique in its own way, and we are confident that you can find the one that best fits your style! They don't use MSG, artificial chemicals, or sugar.
Order from Root Everyday in Itaewon, Seoul.
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Loving Hut
Loving Hut is a vegan specialty restaurant. Try their healthy vegan burgers made with soybean patty and cheese made of coconut. They make their own vegan mayonnaise, pickled cucumber, eggplant bacon, burger sauce, salad dressing, and pasta sauce. Every menu item is fresh and made without animal, dairy, and GMO products.
Order from Loving Hut in Gangnam, Seoul.
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Vegetus
Vegetus is good for all of us. Between work and play, it can get too hectic to keep that all-too-important internal balance, but it is so necessary! If you are looking to live or dabble in a vegan, gluten-free, or healthier lifestyle then you gotta check out Vegetus. They have amazing vegan burgers, pizzas, salads and sides. Make your mom and your belly proud and eat your Vegetus!
Order from Vegetus in HaeBangChon, Seoul.
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What A Salad
What A Salad introduced a new trend of clean eating to Korea with their unique salad offerings and cold press juices. You can choose from 8 signature salads, 12 homemade dressings, and 30+ topping options for custom salads.
Order from What a Salad in the Amore Pacific Building in Yongsan, Seoul
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Eat Vegan
Eat Vegan is a Chinese vegan restaurant in South Korea! At Eat Vegan, they are dedicated to providing delicious and healthy vegan options inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine.
Order from Eat Vegan in Hongdae, Seoul.
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Summary
Shuttle is making vegan food more accessible by offering a wider variety of plant-based options with all the new restaurants opening in Seoul and Korea. We will continue to add vegan grocery shops, products, and vendors to make getting healthy food in Korea easy. In the near future, we look forward to partnering with vegan Home Meal Delivery Services as well as suppliers of meat alternatives such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, have made it easier for food delivery companies to offer plant-based options. These efforts and more are helping to make vegan food more accessible to a wider audience and create a sustainable future.
