Starting on 1st December, most of my conversations involve ranking my highlights of the year in different categories. So to take those discussions out of my home and into the public domain, here’s a list of my top eateries of the year, in no particular order.

1. FREA Bakery, Berlin

FREA Bakery is absolutely sensational. We visited for the first time in 2022 and were desperate to return in 2023 and get twice as many pastries this time. And we did it! I haven’t posted about this place yet, but just look how attractive the pastries are. It’s an all vegan bakery, and the cardamom croissant at the front of the picture is just incredible. Having breakfast here is a delight. Read more here.

2. Spicy Moon, New York

One of our highlights of New York was Spicy Moon, a Szechuan eatery that all three of us on the trip raved about. My salt and pepper tofu was so well seasoned and crispy, Mother HH loved her fried rice, and Dr HH couldn’t praise his mapo tofu enough. He was inspired by that meal to make his own mapo tofu (pictured below), and I like a meal that inspires us to cook.

3. Mamacoffee, Prague

Mamacoffee has become my go-to spot in Prague for a hot chocolate, and we pop in most weeks for a small cup of thick, decadent chocolate nectar. It’s so good you would almost need a spoon for it, and we certainly need a good walk afterwards.

4. Temple of Seitan, London

There are few things I love more than vegan chicken, so Temple of Seitan is always a winner for me. The chicken itself has a lovely fibrous texture and the coating is crisp and well seasoned. The mac and cheese is also out of this world. I love mac and cheese but usually resist the temptation to order it in restaurants because it’s never better than the version I make – Temple of Seitan is a rare exception. Read more about what we had here.

5. Eleven Madison Park, New York

Eleven Madison Park has to be on the list really. It was absolutely sumptuous fine dining and a truly special, once in a lifetime (alas!) experience. This bread remains perhaps the most delicious thing I have ever eaten. Besides it being a properly tasty feast, it’s also exciting to see vegan food being given the full fine dining experience. Also, it was great to share the experience with Dr HH and Mother HH, who was having her first trip to a fine dining establishment. She recently shared that she found this meal more impressive than the stuff she sees on MasterChef: The Professionals, because these chefs are being so creative with such simple ingredients. Find out more about our meal here.

6. Satsang, Prague

Satsang fell off my radar for a couple of years during the pandemic, but it is now back with a vengeance and is our number one breakfast spot in Prague these days. The breakfast burrito is so well packed and tasty. The pancakes are fluffy and sweet. The chai latte has a nice spicy kick. Honestly, the brunch is so good that they’ve made this list even though they charge extra for plant based milk.

7. Land, Birmingham

Again, it’s great to see what a creative and talented chef can do with vegetables at Land in Birmingham. There’s so much skill and flavour. The tomato dish pictured here was one of my favourites of the year. More on this spot here.

8. Gauthier Soho, London

I was really thrilled to get back to Gauthier Soho for a second visit this year – it’s ambitious and fun, and just really special. I’m not always impressed by the desserts in fancy places, but this was a proper dessert in my opinion, all chocolate and caramel and cream.

9. Krafin, Prague

I can barely remember a time when Krafin didn’t exist in Prague, it has become such a source of joy in my life! These delicious croissant/muffin hybrids heralded the arrival of proper vegan pastries in Prague, which is something that was missing for a long time on an otherwise thriving vegan scene. These pastries are up there with the ones you can get in Berlin, which is the highest pastry-based praise I have.

10. Chi Xiao Mian, Prague

I ate numerous bowls of noodles in broth in 2023, and this one from Chi Xiao Mian was my absolute favourite. The broth is flavoursome, the noodles are perfect, the tofu is spongy, and there’s no filler in there. I’m looking forward to many more visits here in 2024! Find out what to order here.

My main takeaway from this post is that I have a huge backlog of reviews still to share! My second takeaway is that I’ve been very lucky to visit some amazing places and eat some incredible dishes this year, and I hope I’ll be as fortunate again in 2024. Happy New Year!