Welcome to the world of Romy, or as she is affectionately known, Romina. She is the creative force behind this remarkable blog Romy London, where she shares her culinary creations and showcases her talents as a vegan recipe developer, food stylist, and photographer. But that’s not all – she can also add “pinch me!” cookbook author to her list of accomplishments.
Romy’s journey into the world of veganism began in 2014 when she made the life-changing decision to embrace a plant-based lifestyle overnight. Little did she know that this choice would ignite a deep passion within her for experimenting with food and getting creative in the kitchen. Her love for trying new recipes and exploring diverse cuisines propelled her to create an Instagram account, initially aimed at sharing her favorite vegan creations and product finds. Little did she anticipate that this humble Instagram page would eventually transform into the captivating vegan recipe blog you’re reading today.
Meatless Movement had a chance to chat with her.
Join Romy on her extraordinary journey as she effortlessly combines her love for vegan food, her passion for photography, and her boundless creativity. With every recipe, every photograph, and every word she shares, she invites you to explore the diverse and flavorful world of plant-based cuisine. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds, ignite your creativity, and embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure with Romy, the inspiring vegan recipe developer, food stylist, photographer, and cookbook author.
Please tell us more about yourself
I love experimenting with new ingredients and different cuisines, learning and trying new techniques and bringing it all together to create vegan food that is both delicious and exciting!
Romy 🌱 Vegan Food
Sure! I originally grew up in Germany near the Dutch and Belgian borders, and then moved to the UK when I was 23. I’ve been living here for over 11 years now, and I absolutely love it! Moving to the UK was quite a big change for me, but I’ve enjoyed the experience of living in a different country and getting to know a new culture. Plus, the UK has some amazing vegan food options, which is a huge plus for me! Overall, I’m just a girl who loves enjoying good food!
Tell us what makes you turn vegan. How long have you been one?
When I went vegan overnight in 2014, it may have come as a surprise to many
Romy 🌱 Vegan Food
I went vegan overnight in 2014 after watching a documentary called ‘Vegucated’. Before that, I had always thought about going vegan, but I didn’t think it was possible for me. But after watching the documentary, something just clicked, and I realized that going vegan was something I needed to do for myself. It’s been 9 years now, and I haven’t looked back! I feel great about my decision, and even though there are some challenges that come with being vegan, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Plus, there are so many delicious vegan options out there now that it’s easier than ever to make the switch.
Any interesting stories during this period?
There have been so many interesting stories during my time as a vegan! One that always comes to mind is how my family still doesn’t quite understand my veganism even after 9 years. Whenever I visit, I’m always a bit suspicious of their cooking, just in case they accidentally add something non-vegan. It’s actually kind of funny, and we all laugh about it – but I admit, I also wish I wouldn’t have to be so suspicious all of the time.
What are some challenges faced in finding vegan/vegetarian food? or eating out with friends, etc. How do you overcome these?
Finding vegan or vegetarian food has become much easier in recent years, especially in London and the UK in general. Chain restaurants almost always have a vegan option nowadays, which is great! However, things can still be a bit more difficult when traveling abroad or staying in hotels. I’ve noticed that vegan options in hotels can be extremely limited, and breakfast can often be disappointing. I’ve had some experiences where “vegan breakfast” really just meant an apple and some beans on toast. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love beans on toast, but it’s not exactly a gourmet breakfast! Despite these challenges, I always try to stay positive and find creative solutions. For example, when traveling, I like to do some research beforehand and find vegan-friendly restaurants in the area. And when staying in hotels, I might bring some of my own snacks or even pack some oatmeal packets for breakfast. It might take a bit more effort, but it’s always worth it to stick to my values and enjoy some delicious vegan food!
How do you feel about being a vegan/vegetarian?
Going vegan has opened so many doors for me and has been anything but restrictive
Romy 🌱 Vegan Food
Being vegan for 9 years now, I can honestly say that I feel great about it! However, there’s no denying that it can come with some challenges, especially when it comes to dealing with people’s constant justifications and questions. It can definitely get tiring, but I try to keep a positive attitude and remember why I made the choice to go vegan in the first place. For me, it’s all about living in alignment with my values and doing what feels right for me. And hey, the fact that there are so many delicious vegan options out there these days definitely helps make it all worth it!
How would you tell someone who’s not yet vegan/vegetarian to try meatless food?
Over time the idea of eating meat, fish, eggs, dairy and Co. has just become so bizarre to me and I have simply developed a strong dislike for anything that comes from an animal
Romy 🌱 Vegan Food
If someone asked me how to try meatless food, I would tell them that it’s all about experimenting and finding what works for them. There are so many amazing meatless options out there these days that it’s never been easier to make the switch! I always recommend starting small and trying out some new recipes at home. There are so many delicious vegan and vegetarian cookbooks and blogs out there that it’s easy to find inspiration.
And if someone is feeling a bit overwhelmed, I always suggest starting with something simple like a veggie stir-fry or a hearty vegan chili. These dishes are easy to make and packed with flavor! Of course, being a living example is also a great way to show people how delicious meatless food can be. I’m always happy to share my vegan cooking online and show people that you don’t need meat to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Recommend some good places or food? Why are these your favourites?
While I don’t eat out very often these days since moving to the countryside, I do have a couple of go-to dishes that I absolutely love to cook at home! One of my all-time favorites is vegan peanut noodles. I love how simple and easy this dish is to make, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The creamy peanut sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it goes so well with the tender noodles and crunchy veggies.
Another dish that I’m obsessed with is a creamy butter bean curry. This dish is packed with protein and flavor, and it’s such a great way to use up any veggies that you have lying around in the fridge. I love how hearty and comforting this dish is, and it’s the perfect thing to make on a cozy night in. Overall, I’m just really grateful that there are so many delicious vegan options out there these days, whether you’re eating out or cooking at home. It just goes to show that being vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment when it comes to food!
What are some misconceptions about a vegan or vegetarian? How do you explain or educate?
There is still a stigma around vegan food and many people believe that it’s boring or they simply don’t know how to create a delicious vegan meal from scratch
Romy 🌱 Vegan Food
One of the biggest misconceptions about vegans and vegetarians is that we all share the same views and opinions, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! In reality, we’re just as diverse and unique as any other group of people. Some of us choose to go meatless for health reasons, while others do it for environmental or ethical reasons. And even within those broad categories, there’s a whole range of different beliefs and opinions. For example, some vegans choose to avoid honey, while others don’t have a problem with it. Some vegetarians might avoid meat for health reasons but still wear leather, while others might avoid all animal products. The point is, everyone’s journey is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to being vegan or vegetarian. The best thing we can do is respect each other’s choices and educate ourselves on the different reasons why people choose to go meatless. Who knows, we might even learn something new and delicious along the way!
To someone who’s just beginning to go meatless, what is your advice?
Maybe simply accepting people’s personal choices is the best way forward
Romy 🌱 Vegan Food
Going meatless can be a big step, and I think it’s awesome that someone is even considering it! My advice would be to take it one step at a time and not put too much pressure on themselves. It’s all about finding what works for them and what they enjoy. Trying out new recipes, experimenting with different ingredients, and exploring new restaurants are all great ways to make the transition to a meatless lifestyle. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun with it! There are so many delicious and creative options out there, and I think it’s important to approach it with a sense of adventure and curiosity. Who knows, they might even discover a new favorite dish that they never would have tried otherwise!
Interesting stories about being a vegan/vegetarian
One of the funniest stories I have about being a vegan happened when I was working in a previous job. My colleagues were organising a team outing at a restaurant, and they assured me that there were lots of options available for me to eat. I was excited to try out some new dishes, but when I got to the restaurant, I quickly realized that they had confused veganism with gluten-free diets!
I mean, I’m sure there are some vegans who are also gluten-free, but they’re definitely not the same thing! It was a bit awkward, but we all had a good laugh about it in the end. It just goes to show that even though veganism is becoming more and more mainstream, there’s still some confusion and misunderstanding around it. But hey, if nothing else, it makes for a good story!
That being said, it’s important to me not to judge people or be judged based on food choices
Romy 🌱 Vegan Food
If you’re curious about trying out some delicious vegan food, then definitely check out my website romylondonuk.com! I’ve been vegan for 9 years now, and I’ve spent a lot of time experimenting with different recipes and trying out different restaurants. So whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about trying out some meatless meals, my website has got you covered!
And you can also find the vegan peanut noodles and the creamy butter bean curry recipes on there. And hey, even if you’re not ready to fully commit to a vegan lifestyle, trying out some meatless meals is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and do some great things for your body.
Romy 🌱 Vegan Food
🧑🏼🍳 Recipe Developer, Photographer & Cookbook Author
🍝 Next Level Vegan Comfort Food
📗 ‘The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Roasts’
📍 Surrey/Kent
all images courtesy of Romy 🌱 Vegan Food