As ethical and environmental concerns rise, more people are opting to go vegetarian. But the boring Quorn burgers and mushroom risottos featured on many menus just aren’t cutting it. From sweet potato curries to BBQ skewers, veggies are seeking more exciting options when they eat out.

The number of vegans in the UK has risen by more than 360% in the past decade. The movement is being driven by young people – 42% of them are aged between 15 and 34 – with environmental concerns and wellbeing core motivations for many. Has veganism finally gone mainstream?

Just off Melbourne’s über-cool Brunswick Street, hipsters are queuing outside cult café Smith & Deli. But while the menu might be based on New York-style cuisine – pastrami sandwiches and home-cooked lasagne – here, things are a little different. Everything sold at Smith & Deli is 100% vegan.

The term ‘vegans’ tends to conjure up images of salad-grazing, stick-thin hippies. But a different vegan message of indulgence and junk food has taken over Berlin. Supermarket chain Veganz stocks vegan candy and meatless bacon strips. But isn’t vegan junk food the ultimate diet contradiction?