The fussy vegan is almost a lifestyle clich. For a start, just what is veganism? And then, if you know a vegan or are one, are vegans as fussy as they are reported to be?

Veganism is a way of life which tries to cut out all forms of ecological exploitation for ethical, health or environmental reasons. For many it is much more than a diet, it is also a pattern consumption habits.

The culture has existed for centuries. However it has been gathering mainstream momentum recently as public figures endorse it.

There are still many misconceptions about what it means to be vegan, such as that it is expensive. This is not necessarily true, however. Eating only plant-based food is more sustainable than is widely perceived.

There are different categories of vegans, such as ethical vegans who believe all creatures have the right to life. They therefore refrain from disrupting conscious beings lives and do not consume their flesh, drink their milk or wear their skin.

Some people are attracted to veganism for its health benefits. There is growing evidence that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimers for example.

Environmental vegans choose to avoid animal products because of the detrimental impact farming them has on the environment. For instance, animal farmers may cause land erosion, which can lead to climate change and eventual poverty and malnutrition.

The Fussy Vegan is a plant-based restaurant chain which offers a variety of takeaway vegan products with low environmental impacts.

Paul Kalima is the manager at The Fussy Vegans Blairegowrie branch in Gautng. For him, veganism is compassion not only for people but also for animals and the environment.

This makes him an environmental vegan who feels The Fussy Vegan is the perfect match for his personality.

For me, The Fussy Vegan is just one of those things I think is a dream come true, being actively involved in something this big, he said.

Kalima is in charge of operations at the restaurant, and seems to have the right sort of temperament needed to interact with the businesss stakeholders.

Besides being friendly and resourceful, Kalima is frustrated by the overall disregard many people have for their environment.

It always used to bother me to see a lot plastic around me [and] to see a lot of resources being wasted and a lot of animals being killed, Kalimasaid.

I just never used to understand that but when I came around to The Fussy Vegan, thats where I got most of my education.

With regards to the food items on the menu, Kalima said he has a hard time picking a favourite. He wants customers to try all the options. These include plant-based burgers, sandwiches, bowls, sides, drinks and more.

Health and safety is key. The Fussy Vegan has an interactive online ordering system to cut the chance of transmission of the coronavirus.

We have come up with this online system where a person can just order before they come around. It is so convenient because it really interacts with the customer. The software that were using is super friendly.

Kalima has high hopes for the future of The Fussy Vegan.

I feel like in a couple of years we are probably going to branch out to so many people. A lot of people have been making those requests.

They love the food that we make, they love what we stand for and what we do as well.

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Whats all the fuss about the Fussy Vegan and their food? - The South African