When looking for a vegan spot for lunch, sushi is rarely the first thing to spring to mind, but at Happy Maki, they aim to make tasty, plant based sushi, and show that it can be healthy, sustainable and delicious even without the fish. Although not always a vegan spot, Happy Maki evolved after discovering more about the positive environmental impacts of cutting out animal based products, as well as a growing desire to do something about the state of the oceans. Of course, the endless health benefits also played their part in the appeal. The interior is simple with white walls, a glass cabinet with a selection of fillings, whilst plenty of natural light comes from the floor to ceiling windows that cover the front of the restaurant. Sold as sushi burritos, you can expect large wraps filled with a selection of plant based fillings. Think ‘hoisin duck’ with crispy seasoned ‘duck’, spring onion, red pepper, avocado, cucumber, sesame seeds and hoisin sauce, or the BLT with ‘bakon’, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, toasted tamari seeds, smoky maple drizzle and garlic mayo. Each burrito can also have the addition of ginger, wasabi and extra soy for an extra kick to each mouthful. For sides, you can expect sweet potato or regular fries and fried cauliflower bites.
This is a spot perfect for a quick and healthy lunch in the centre of Brighton, with an option to eat in, or takeaway and enjoy by the beach. Happy Maki is a neighbourhood restaurant and cares about the community, displaying salaries of all the staff on the front window to prove that people come before profits, as well as promising to plant a tree and feed a child with every sushi burrito bought, showing the donation to each cause in the overall cost breakdown.