Unapologetic delicious vegan/veggie food
Sitting above Rainbow Wholefoods in Labour in Vain Yard is popular vegan and vegetarian café- Wild Thyme. This wonderful restaurant has been a favourite of mine for quite some time, it was the first place I discovered as a brand-new vegetarian over a decade ago. It quickly became my ‘go to’ place for quality food, whether it was for a quick lunch or a special night out. I can honestly say, I have never been disappointed. Over the years, it has been rebranded under new management but thankfully, maintained its veggie/vegan backbone with an ever-changing seasonal menu and… most importantly, it has never lost its charm.
The restaurant is situated down a little courtyard, and in the summer months you can dine al fresco, a unique setting as it feels tucked away from the hustle and the bustle of the city. The restaurants’ interior is rustic and cosy, with exposed brickwork and wooden beams. I love the atmosphere in Wild Thyme, relaxing and intimate when quiet and inviting and vibrant when busy. My husband and I visited for an early dinner, so we were one of the first tables to be seated at 6pm when their service opened. By the end of our meal the restaurant was filling up- busy or not the welcome is always friendly. Due to its loyal diners it is seldom quiet, so booking is recommended, particularly at the weekend.
The menu has something to offer for everyone; from vegan to gluten free diets, and I am sure even the most hardcore of carnivores would be tempted by what is on offer.
One aspect of the menu I have always enjoyed is the choice between mains, and then lighter or smaller plates. This gives you the choice to have a smaller plate as a starter or mix a couple of options to make your own meze or simply add a more substantial side to your main meal. This sort of adaptable menu appeals to me so much, particularly when everything is so tasty, and it becomes difficult to decide what to have!
To eat:
Porcini Risotto with Sage, Orange and Griddled Shimeji Mushroom and Vegan Parmesan. | 10.50
With
Stuffed Vine Leaves on Tomato Herb Bulgar Wheat | 3.00
Portobello Mushroom Stuffed with Vegan Cheese & Almond Pesto, Braised Lentils, Tomato, Wilted Spinach, Basil Chutney. | 10.00
With
Sweet Potato & Thyme Wedges. | 3.50
To finish, we shared:
Wild Thyme’s Vegan Chocolate Brownie, Popcorn, Black Pepper, Vanilla Ice Cream. | 6.00
We both tried a bit of each other’s dishes to compare and they were both as delicious as one another. The food here is so fresh and I love that it isn’t trying to be anything. As much as there certainly is a place for the ‘no chicken chicken’ market- it is also very refreshing to go to a vegan/vegetarian restaurant that isn’t trying to emulate its meat counterparts. Simple, fresh and healthy vegan and vegetarian food made with the best ingredients.
I had the risotto and it was incredible, one of the best I have had in a long time- the addition of sage and orange brightened the dish up and made it so fragrant and summery. I must also mention the brownie- it really is the best in Norwich. Perfectly warm and gooey but light and so satisfying. Wild Thyme also offers a take away service, and if you ever have a ‘I need a brownie’ day – don’t go anywhere else!
After the fire in Rainbow Wholefoods below, Wild Thyme had to close its doors for what felt like way too long. I am so happy it is open again, and just as good as I remember. I am excited to visit again and again and again, when the food is this good, there is simply no excuse!
Click the link below to check out Wild Thyme’s website and full menu.
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