VEGAN OF THE MONTH: JULY

Gan Chin Lin

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What inspired you to go vegan?

Personally, the change was the result of an awareness of environmental impacts that are created from the consumption of animal products — and along with that awareness, a realisation of the redundancy of them in both dietary and lifestyle terms! Once I was cognisant of the detriment resulting from the production of animal products, as well as the ease with which they could be eliminated effortlessly from everyday life, the choice was simple. I was also greatly interested with experimenting with plantbased recipes, and it was a whole lot of fun to explore alternatives!

What are some of your favorite vegan restaurants?

To be fair, I don’t eat out that often as my budget can rarely stretch beyond a certain point — but Brownice in Singapore is a really wonderful place that makes the most epic vegan pizzas and vegan waffles and ice cream. So incredible!

What are your favorite vegan dishes to make?

Easily any breakfast foods, or baking — but in terms of uniquely vegan dishes, I guess tofu mousse as a substitute for dairy-based cream; and also vegan mac and cheese! Beyond delicious.

What are common misconceptions about being vegan?

Many people I’ve conversed with associate veganism with Raw till 4 or similar definitions revolving around more extreme, diet-based liminalities. I think there is definitely an assumption that it’s a certain restrictive type of diet, rather than a lifestyle that is at its core centered around compassion and care for the environment. Also the age old “Where do you get your protein?” — that never ends!

What is the worst part about being vegan?

I’d be hard pressed to find something disastrous about it, but if I had to say something I guess it’ll be the inconvenience it does cause sometimes when trying to find something thataccommodates both my friends and me when eating outside. Singapore doesn’t always have vegan options as readily as western countries, although it has made good progress! Luckily my friends have always been the loveliest.

What is the best part about being vegan?

Everything! Personally I feel better (both in terms of conscience as well as physically), and its absolutely wicked to make all sorts of plantbased recipe ruckus in the kitchen.
What advice to you have for people who want to become vegan?
 Do it for the right reasons, and just do your best — know that society can sometimes impose a certain narrative and alienate those that don’t ascribe to certain standards that they deem as ‘the norm’, but as long as you are doing what you can in your current circumstances it’s swell. Whatever works for you!
How has your life changed since you’ve become vegan?
I’ve been more aware about the impact of each dollar vote and the larger implications of demand and supply in multiple industries. It’s certainly been eye-opening, and I’ve realised more responsibility in being a consumer! Food-wise however, it’s been beyond incredible.
What are the top 3 reasons to go vegan?
  First — global warming is real and it is massively worrying; secondly — if you could go about your life without any animals being harmed in the process, why won’t you? — and thirdly, it is pretty swell for your health!
What are your favorite vegan blogs/instagram/youtube channels?
This is hard — on top of my head (and by no means exhaustive) I love itdoesnttastelikechicken.com, looseleafvegan.blogspot.com, thissavoryvegan.comand my friend Thomas fullofplants.com! On YouTube I love hotforfood, my friend Liv (@livshealthylife) and Caitlin (@frommybowl), peaceful cuisine, So You’re Dating a Vegan and my pals Cam & Nina. For instagram I love all those I follow!
Do you have a blog, instagram, or youtube channel?

Yes, I do! My recipes are at sofinewasthemorning.squarespace.com and my instagram is @tumblinbumblincrumblincookie. I’m looking to posting more on youtube, so keep your eyes peeled!

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