History of World Vegan Day

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash of spring rolls.

In 1994 World Vegan Day was first celebrated to recognize those who chose not to consume or use products that come from animals. Donald Watson originated the term “vegan” in 1944 as an offshoot of vegetarianism, which had a long history going back to ancient India, ancient Greece, and more. Watson then established the first Vegan Society on November 1st.

In an interview with ABC News, Dominika Piasecka explains that veganism is becoming more and more popular with its increasing accessibility. The lifestyle offers many health benefits, including boosting vitamin and nutrient intake and decreasing saturated fat and cholesterol consumption.

Restaurant to Try: **Bombay Food Junkies**

*Chik’n Tikka Bowl from Bombay Food Junkies*

Along with health, veganism offers environmental benefits too. In a 2020 study done by Karin Kolbe, she compared the CO2 emissions produced in vegan, ovo-lacto vegetarian, and meat diets in Germany. She found that vegan dishes emitted 10% less CO2 than the vegetarian ones, and 65% less than the meat dishes.

For a healthy lunch from a local restaurant, try visiting Bombay Food Junkies to the west on Olive Boulevard! The restaurant is named after the owners’ love for street food from Bombay (now Mumbai), and seeks to promote a vegan lifestyle through fresh, delicious meals.

Bombay Food Junkies is co-owned by husband and wife Sid and Krupa Panchal. The couple began their business with an all-vegan food truck launched in 2013 to great success. In 2020, they transitioned to the brick-and-mortar restaurant seen in Creve Coeur today.

The Panchals have embraced the principle of ahimsa, meaning “noninjury” in Sanskrit, to base their restaurant on cruelty-free products with no animal products used. In addition, they recognize that vegan lifestyles contribute to the health of not only the individual, but the planet as a whole! They hope that their meals will inspire St. Louisans to support their missions of sustainability.