Pulse Check: Ülgen Semerci

The product I can’t live without: My new obsession is tofu knots. They’re incredibly easy to cook and taste amazing! They have the perfect chewy texture and soak up sauces and dressings beautifully. I usually cook them with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of agave. Yum!

My favorite vegan hangout: WAVE. I adore their food and the calm atmosphere. It’s right in the middle of Hackney Central yet tucked away in a quiet corner. The courtyard is especially lovely in the summer—perfect for reading a book or sketching while enjoying a meal on my break. It’s also between my home and my studio, within walking distance of both, which makes it hard not to grab a treat on my commute.

A vegan-adjacent spot I like to go with my non-vegan friends: Tofu Vegan is perfect for impressing non-vegan friends. Another is definitely La Fauxmagerie.

The most underrated vegan spot in Hackney is: The Black Cat Cafe. 

When I want to grab a quick vegan bite in Hackney I go to: Third Culture Deli

The film that made me vegan: Dominion. 

I can eat croissant  at WAVE  everyday 

The thing that surprises me as a vegan: There is an art supply called Rabbit Skin glue, made by rendering the gelatine from animals.

My favorite vegan city: Bristol. Not only did I find the best vegan croissant there, but I was also amazed by the incredible number of Green Party flags in people’s windows. 

My go-to vegan snack is juicy, crispy apples with peanut butter.

I have recently found inspiration at/from: Dou Print Studio, a lithography residency I attended in Ankara. It was refreshing and stimulating to work with a new technique in a city unfamiliar to me, where I had no prior connections. I formed a deeply personal connection with the landscape, people, and contemporary art scene, which felt truly special. I was also pleasantly surprised by the vegan restaurant and pub options of Ankara.

Discover more of Ülgen’s journey here

Check Out Our Other Articles