Think you know vegan food? This new collaboration might change your mind

There was a time when doing Veganuary in Johannesburg felt like a test of willpower. Fewer options, lots of compromise, and a lingering sense that you were missing out. Fast-forward to 2026, and the city has very clearly moved on.

This January, going vegan, or even just eating a little more plant-forward, is easier, cheaper and far more exciting thanks to a new Veganuary Coupon Booklet: Joburg Edition, created by The Fussy Vegan in collaboration with some of the city’s best-loved vegan spots.

Think less “health kick” and more “let’s eat well”. The booklet brings together withHärt, The Vegan Chef, Vicky’s Veganry, Asian Herbivore and The Jozi Vegan, offering buy-one-get-one deals, meal specials and enough incentive to plan your January lunches (and coffees, and baked-goods runs) around plant-based food.

What makes this feel different is that it doesn’t preach. You don’t have to declare yourself vegan on 1 January or overhaul your entire lifestyle. Instead, it taps into something Joburg does well: trying new things because they’re fun, flavourful and genuinely good. If you’ve ever said, “I could probably eat vegan more often”, this is the nudge you didn’t know you needed.

It also speaks to how far the city’s food scene has come. Vegan food in Joburg is no longer a niche reserved for the already converted. It’s comfort food, indulgent pastries, bold Asian flavours and creative cooking that stands on its own – no disclaimers required.

The booklet, which offers over R600 in savings, is available at all participating stores and makes a surprisingly good gift for that friend who’s been “thinking about going vegan” for the last five years. Pair it with the free Veganuary challenge (celebrity recipes, tips and support via veganuary.com), and suddenly January doesn’t feel quite so punishing.

If nothing else, Veganuary 2026 proves one thing: in Johannesburg right now, eating vegan isn’t about restriction, it’s about choice. And honestly, January could use more of that.

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