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We already know that Manchester is one of the frontrunners when it comes to vegetarian and vegan city eating – but how does it fare during the festive season?
Manchester Christmas markets have returned to Albert Square for the first time in six years, and this year, there’s something for everyone.
No longer having to battle the bratwurst, the vegans and vegetarians of Manchester are being seen with plenty of food options available for them this year.
Albert Square Christmas markets 2025
Ritas Reign
The return of the Albert Square markets comes with many old and new independent food vendors for Mancunians to get their hands on and support this Christmas period.
Afro-Caribbean Boneless Street Food vendor Ritas Reign is a family-run business, offering authentic, hearty food to the people of Manchester.
Not only do they offer delicious jerk chicken and curry goat for the meat lovers amongst us, they also offer a hearty curried chickpea, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes and carrot vegan curry. One to warm your soul this cosy season.
“Often meat eaters actually go for the vegan option, it’s just absolutely stunning”
Ritas Reign vegan curry
Rita’s daughter and the operations manager, Olivia Linsseell, told I Love Manchester that without the vegan option, they were missing out on a huge market.
She said, “We are inclusive, so we have boneless options, spicy and non-spicy options, gluten-free, dairy-free. So we were just missing the vegan option, so we knew had to bring that in.
“The vegan curry is a hearty curry made from carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, coconut milk and chopped tomatoes. It’s so hearty, so warm and a little bit spicy. And often, meat eaters actually go for the vegan option, it’s just absolutely stunning.”
Roastie Bowls
Right in the centre of Piccadilly Gardens sits Roastie Bowls. A warm bowl of goodness which will hit you with a wave of nostalgia as soon as the taste hits your mouth.
No, it’s not just your traditional Christmas dinner, turkey and stuffing. They also have a vegetarian bowl on offer.
‘The Cheesy One’ with creamy cauliflower and broccoli cheese over golden crispy rosemary roasties, covered with delicious golden breadcrumbs and garnished with crispy onions and fresh chives.
A perfect option for those fancying a hint of home comforts this festive season.
Shepherd’s Pie Loaded Yorkies
Sticking with the nostalgic British Christmas feel, the shepherd’s pie-loaded Yorkie vendor is perched right by the merry-go-round in Picadilly Gardens.
We all heard about the viral Yorkshire pudding wraps last year, but this is a different kind of Yorkshire pudding; this is a loaded Yorkshire pudding bowl. It’s one not to enjoy amongst family and friends, when you’re feeling merry and bright this year.
The people of Manchester Christmas markets 2025
Full of hearty goodness, Shepperd’s loaded yorkies offer a delicious vegetarian option of a loaded mash bowl. Taking you right back to your tea after school!
Their delicious loaded mash bowls mean that no one misses out. You get creamy mash with any of the fillings, which range from gravy, mint sauce, cranberry sauce, sour cream, mint yoghurt, peas, carrots, onions and cheese. All for just £7.
The Greek
Exciting Mediterranean food has returned at the King Street section of the market, thanks to The Greek food vendor
Their vegan and vegetarian Greek gyros are available with BBQ jackfruit or halloumi options. Both served with a fresh Greek salad, it’s a perfect option to grab when you’re strolling through the glistening market lights.
The mouth-watering grilled halloumi choice is served with crunchy red peppers, soft serve hummus, lettuce and red onion. Alongside a generous helping of tzatziki, all in a warm and soft Greek pita.
The Greek
If BBQ is your style, the vegan jackfruit option will be right up your street. Delicious and warm, every bite a taste of Greece.
Wrap Up
Right in the middle of the King Street section of the markets, Wrap Up serves freshly-made, easy-to-eat burritos from a 19th-century circus-styled stall.
Peter Slater and his partner Jake Williams, along with a thriving team, have worked hard to provide innovative food that gets heads turning.
Wrap-Up
“That people have plenty of options is a big factor behind what we do. I live in Didsbury myself and feel very aware of the rising demand for this type of food,” Peter told us.
Their vegan chilli burrito, brilliant for warming up with on a cold winter’s day, is bursting with homemade five bean chilli served with aromatic rice, homemade salsa (available in hot or mild) and jalapenos.
And not forgetting that all their burritos come with an ‘explosion’ of nachos too, what’s not to love?
Wrap Up, making sure to provide plenty of options for the vegans.
Something sweet at French Toast
Not forgetting the sweet after savoury, French Toast are a French toast and speciality matcha vendor who has landed in the centre of Albert Square, just below the big wheel. A perfect stop off after you’ve seen the city from above.
French Toast Albert Square
Picture a warm, fluffy cinnamon sugar French toast bite served in a cone and finished with luxe sauces, seasonal toppings and ‘a whole lot of love’.
They have plenty of vegetarian options to pick from, with a classic cinnamon and maple French toast, all the way to matcha and raspberry, pistachio and white chocolate, all the way to chocolate orange French toast options.
For the matcha lovers, they offer something for you, too. With premium hot drink options, made with either dairy or creamy oat milk and cold creations for the matcha cold foam fans.
Not to forget their rich, velvety Belgian hot chocolate blended with steamed milk (plant-based available) and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for a festive-filled evening at the markets.
Head down to the markets
Don’t miss the Manchester festivities this year. The markets are open from Friday, 7th November – Monday, 22nd December 2025.
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