Pulse Check: Emel Ernalbant

I am from Istanbul, but I live in Manchester these days.

After living in the UK for many years, I’ve only just discovered that putting crisps in your sandwich is an actual thing. However, I haven’t tried it yet.

The vegan product I cannot live without: Tofu. I mean, I can live without it, but it’s so much fun transforming it into different dishes. If you miss eggs, make scrambled tofu. Craving fish? Wrap tofu in seaweed and fry it. In the mood for döner? (a popular Middle Eastern-style seasoned meat dish) Grate the tofu, fry it with herbs, and wrap it in a tortilla with salad and sauces. Also, I recently discovered Lion's Mane mushrooms. I guess I can't live without mushrooms.

The latest news from the vegan world: I discovered that my favorite writer is vegan too—Ocean Vuong! What joyful news for me! 

My favorite vegan hangout: The Jane Eyre. 

When I want to grab something vegan on the go, I go to Lily’s for their bhajis and samosas, and when

I'm looking for a quick chat, I head to Unicorn.

After midnight you can find me at the bed. I usually go to sleep around 9 p.m., I wake up at 5 p.m., after that I’m either in our living room writing and gazing at the garden or taking a cold-water dip at Sale Water Park.

A vegan adjacent spot I like to go with my non-vegan friends: The Beagle—for Nell’s pizza and nice drinks.

I can eat pain au chocolat at Ludo’s, our neighborhood grocery at Beech Road, everyday.

The thing that surprises me as a vegan: Magic water aquafaba. You can make mayo, mousse, meringues with it. 

I’m vegan but… There is no ‘but’ my dear.

A fellow vegan must meet: My best friend, nutritional therapist Linda North.

My favorite vegan city/neighborhood: Manchester, and specifically Chorlton, holds a special place in my heart. It's where I found my vegan grocery store, Unicorn, and met so many like-minded people. It takes me back to the days when I explored cities for travel magazines, discovering new places and staying in beautiful spots. Now, I’m living in one of those places. I’m surrounded by a diverse community—artists, parents, elderly people, and students—and supported not only by big chains but also by local businesses like Chorlton Bookshop, artisans, and numerous charity shops.

Discover more of Emel’s journey here

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