The vegan wave is crashing over us and Stockholm is no exception to the many other cities where cafés, restaurants and bistros are going partially or fully plant-based. We must admit, we’re also sympathetic to the philosophy of eating less animal-derived products in favour of grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, fruits, vegetables and all the other options that are available.

Eating vegan on the go is increasingly becoming easier, but has, in the past taken some extra planning and preparation. The opening of Taku Taku, Sweden’s first vegan fast food chain, is clearly a sign of the times. With three different locations in and around Stockholm, we decided to visit the one located in organic supermarket Paradiset’s food court in Södermalm.

Taku Taku’s concept is based around four types of “vessels” – a bowl (95 kronor), a soft bhangra taco, a ssäm wrap and a yum bun (all priced at 40 kronor) – in which one’s choice of filling is dispensed. The choices of filling are bulgogi, tikka masala, vindaloo and chilli – naturally, all vegan. Without too much thought, we dive headfirst into ordering, getting one of each and filling it with whatever looks good.

After having had a bite of each, it is clear that the key isn’t in our choice of bun, lettuce wrap or bowl. The secret to getting the best Taku Taku experience is through one’s choice of filling, and then topping it with the right sauce (which is done on one’s own, through a handful of sauce dispensers).

Having eaten quite a few vegan meals in the last year, we feel that the depth of flavour needed is sometimes missing. But not here – Taku Taku delivers on all counts. We particularly enjoy the bulgogi, made of tofu, shiitake mushrooms and button mushrooms, but the tikka masala containing cauliflower, chickpeas and cashews is a close second. At this rate, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Taku Taku and the vegan empire spreading quickly throughout Sweden.

Paradiset Söder
Brännkyrkagatan 62
takutaku.se