Vegan menu makes people 'happy', says chef

Veganism has gained mainstream acceptability, according to a chef who runs a vegan noodle house.

Kim Nguyen has been telling the New Westminster News Leader about her decision to transform her vegetarian restaurant into a vegan outlet, which she has been inspired to do by a change in attitudes – both in terms of her own personal views about the environment and those of the public.

"They are more educated about the vegan diet. When you introduce a vegan menu, people are very happy and excited," she said.

She also says that even non-vegans are curious about sampling vegan foods.

"People have a more open mind. People are more aware of what they're eating; they check the ingredients very carefully," she adds.

Vegan food is now viewed much more creatively - with vegan bakers Doron Petersan and Jenny Webb, founders of Sticky Fingers Bakery in the US, recently having won a TV competition for their cupcake creations.