Highlights
- According to research by Finder.com, more than 1 in 10 people in Australia are following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
- As the vegan population across the world is on the rise, so is the demand for meat alternatives.
- “While people are turning vegan on compassionate grounds a large portion of vegan food lovers is driven by a healthy eating lifestyle,” says Melbourne restaurateur Kamaldeep Singh.
“Many people think of the vegan diet as just leafy vegetables and limited options. In fact, there is a whole range of mouth-watering yet healthy vegan options that a lot of us are still unaware of,” the restaurateur tells SBS Punjabi.
Restaurants including big food chains across Australia are introducing an array of vegan options to attract vegan customers. Credit: Supplied
“When we are not familiar with veganism or a vegan diet, we mostly rotate the same kind of foods like chicken and beef burgers. But when we go down the path of following a vegan lifestyle, then we realise what we were missing out on,” Mr Singh adds.
Mr Singh says that while some people are turning vegan for their love of animals, others do it in pursuit of healthier eating.
Restaurateur Kamaldeep Singh (R) with his team Credit: Supplied
“Our main goal of opening a vegan restaurant was to introduce and educate more people about the vegan lifestyle because we, humans, are very compassionate, so it is our moral responsibility to take care of animals as well.”
“While adopting the vegan lifestyle can help save millions of animals being slaughtered, the diet also comprises many health benefits attracting more and more consumers,” says Mr Singh.
The growing popularity of veganism in Australia
Vasundhara Kandpal turned vegan about six years ago. Credit: Supplied by Ms Kandpal
Melbourne resident Vasundhara Kandpal says she was influenced by her co-workers to turn vegan almost six years ago.
The 39-year-old says that she has developed a positive relationship with vegan food since adopting the lifestyle.
I have been a vegan for six years and am not yet dead of protein deficiency.
Ms Vasundhara Kandpal