Dauns is Rickard Daun, is the chef behind all savory recipes, front-of-house, barista, and the face of the business. But all recipes and ideas need approval from Jin Botani, which happens to be Rickard´s lovely wife. Meatless Movement recently had the opportunity to speak with Rickard.
Rickard told Meatless Movement that Dauns has now been open for 7 months, The feedback is great and he feels touched and rewarding to read all the great words customers post online about them. This is what kept them going. With all struggles, they still know they have done the right thing.
Tell us more about yourself, please
I´m Rickard Daun from Sweden, I moved to London in 2015, coming from an art and music background. Promoting bands, festivals, and art shows.
Scandinavian vegan, Cafe, Bar & Deli
Dauns Cafe
Started Dauns (previously Dauns Deli) in 2018 when living in Catford, South East London. Beginning slowly at markets, later a monthly supper club, pop up, catering and then a stall in the newly open Cinema, Catford Mews. When Covid happened I concentrated doing home delivery. But the aim was to find a shop to be able to do all the food I wanted to do from the beginning.
A Scandinavian experience, as the first fully vegan Coffee shop, deli and restaurant inspired by Scandinavian flavors.
Dauns mainly serves Scandinavian-inspired dishes, pastries and a deli with locally produced goods and Scandinavian snacks and groceries. The location is E1 in London, just opposite Unity Diner on Wentworth Street.
Get your Scandi fix at DAUNS! (and some locally produced)
Dauns Cafe – Scandinavian vegan, Cafe, Bar & Deli
The name come from my surname Daun, I wanted to build a place with a lot of heart. I´m always at work and the place has a unique playlist reflecting my taste. I want to give the place a soul.
I want to promote good food, and most customers come mainly for the taste and are not following a vegan diet. I like when people get surprise about flavors and taste and many dont notice it is vegan.
List and highlight your signature products (3 to 5 items). Please describe them and why you would recommend them.
List and highlight your signature products
A lot more in the shop and an all day menu with Scandi inspired food and sweet things!
Dauns Cafe – Scandinavian vegan, Cafe, Bar & Deli
Dauns’ signature classic comfort dish is the vegan “meat”balls with mash potatoes, creamy gravy, lingonberries, salad and crispbread. A tad bit better than IKEA.
The traditional Northern comfort fast food called Tunnbrödsrulle, Hot Dog in a flatbread with mash potatoes, cucumber relish, onions, and for sure a Swedish Mustard and Danish Ketchup.
The classic open sandwiches, like the Swedish Toast Skagen with a Tofu dip seafood flavored. Seitan Roast slices with Horseradish Mayo, capers on Danish rye bread
Come and enjoy a Scandinavian Experience without having to travel
Dauns Cafe – Scandinavian vegan, Cafe, Bar & Deli
I think most people still think you are missing out on protein and omega, B12 and so on. But I think most vegans eat better than most meat eaters even if missing out on protein and B12. For sure some food options can be bland and boring when going out eating, but for most of the time it is some great options even at meat-focused restaurants.
I think as it is more accessible and you can get better and wider options at all supermarkets, and restaurants. For sure many are also concerned about the environment but I think most are for their health as well.
An unforgettable customer story
I read the book Swede Hollow by Ola Larsmo, which talks about the Swedish immigrants coming to St Pauls late 1800 and settling down in a valley called Swede Hollow. Talking randomly to an elderly woman from the states she mentioned her grandparents was from Norway and Sweden but moved to the states.
I mentioned I´m reading this book and she said that’s where they lived and showed me a photo of their house.
Me and my staff will always do our best to give you the best experience while visiting and accommodate your needs.
Dauns Cafe – Scandinavian vegan, Cafe, Bar & Deli
If you have not yet paid me a visit, do so for a Scandi experience. If this wasn´t enough we also have a large selection of Scandi groceries and designs. I serve open sandwiches also know as Smörrebröd.
Feedback has been great so far, not only for the food and drinks but also for the experience and hospitality
all images courtesy of Dauns