Deserted Cactus
Vegan restaurant · Peckham ·

Deserted Cactus

Vegan restaurant · Peckham ·

Vegan Caribbean soul food, daily changing set meals, fried dumplings

jackfruit
vegan caribbean
dumplings
wholesome food
friendly owner
large portions
value for money
best vegan food
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by Aleksandra Boruch
Deserted Cactus by Aleksandra Boruch
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null
Deserted Cactus by null

Information

135A Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST, United Kingdom Get directions

£10–20

Restroom
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Cozy
Trendy

Information

Static Map

135A Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST, United Kingdom Get directions

instagram.com
@deserted_cactus

£10–20

Features

•Restroom
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Family friendly
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining

Last updated

Dec 19, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2026 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@infatuation
132,817 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

The 22 Best Vegan Restaurants In London - London - The Infatuation

"Although most people take their meal away at Deserted Cactus, a Caribbean stall tucked at the back of Peckham’s Holdrons Arcade, it’s worth hanging around to eat crunchy Southern fried jackfruit and warming, wholesome stews fresh, and for a chat with the friendly owner. We salute you if you can finish the huge plate. As Esme said to us as we packed up leftovers, “It’s always nice to have some left to snack on, or for dinner later”. Just know you can only get lunch (and leftovers) on Thursdays and Saturdays, but it’s worth it—for both the nourishing food and homely feel." - jake missing, rianne shlebak, daisy meager, sinead cranna

https://www.theinfatuation.com/london/guides/vegan-food-restaurants-london
Deserted Cactus
@infatuation
132,817 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

The 22 Best Restaurants In Peckham - London - The Infatuation

"There are two things to know before you visit Deserted Cactus. Firstly, check their Instagram to find out the day’s vegan Caribbean set menu and whether one-woman-show Esme is opening late. Secondly, head down early to get one of the stall’s few seats tucked at the back of Peckham’s Holdrons Arcade. It’s worth hanging around to eat crunchy Southern fried jackfruit and warming, wholesome stews fresh, and for a chat with the friendly owner." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, daisy meager, riaz phillips

https://www.theinfatuation.com/london/guides/where-to-eat-and-drink-in-peckham
Aleksandra Boruch
Deserted Cactus
@infatuation
132,817 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Deserted Cactus - Review - Peckham - London - The Infatuation

"There are two important things to know before you visit Deserted Cactus. Firstly, check their Instagram to find out the day’s vegan Caribbean set menu and whether one-woman-show Esme is opening late. Secondly, head down early to get one of the stall’s few seats tucked at the back of Peckham’s Holdrons Arcade. Although most people take their meal away, it’s worth hanging around to eat crunchy Southern fried jackfruit and warming, wholesome stews fresh, and for a chat with the friendly owner. We salute you if you can finish the huge plate. As Esme said to us as we packed up leftovers, “It’s always nice to have some left to snack on or for dinner later”. Just know you can only get lunch (and leftovers) on Thursdays and Saturdays, from 1-4pm, but it’s worth it—for both the nourishing food and homely feel. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Food Rundown Changing Set Menu The only choice to make at Deserted Cactus is regular or large. What’s on will depend on what Esme feels like cooking, but know it’ll always be good. There are usually fried dumplings to mop up nourishing lentil or bean stews. And cross your fingers she’s serving the Southern fried jackfruit, with a crunchy batter and kick of heat. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch" - Daisy Meager

https://www.theinfatuation.com/london/reviews/deserted-cactus
Aleksandra Boruch
Deserted Cactus

Izzi A.

Google
the most amazing food! I have never had jackfruit like it!! Came here on a Peckham food crawl for our mains and it was outstanding, amazing host and somehow even better food. Cannot recommend enough get yourself down!!!

Wiki

Google
Such wholesome and delicious vegan food!!! The lady serving us was so lovely and accommodating for a larger group and gave us some dobble to play as we waited. Special shoutout to the fried dumplings which were so soft and fresh, the mac n cheese and coconut rice :>

Nóra K.

Google
Beautiful, pure soul food. Yes, it’s heavy on the carbs bla bla.. let’s be honest, it’s perfect for nibbling while gossiping, for those PMS days, or simply when you need the comfort of an invisible hug served on a plate. Can't wait to be back.

Jasmine A.

Google
Deserted Cactus is 100% & for real my favourite food spot ever. The menu is completely vegan and so delicious! I have been back many times now; and the food quality, portion size and taste are always 10/10. Esme, the owner, is gorgeous. She is kind, talented and genuinely cares about delivering tasty food to her customers. The food, vibes, and service are perfect, and I will continue to come back always! Xx

Morgan J

Google
Insanely delicious!!! Both for vegans and non-vegans! We shared a large set menu between the 2 of us and were both extremely satisfied. The southern fried jackfruit reminded me of fried chicken in the American South. Even the dumplings/rolls were homemade. Highly recommend! Entrance via the Arcade, then walk down the hallway towards the back.

Prarthana K.

Google
This is easily one of the best food spots in London! 100% vegan, which makes it even better. I wish it was open every day and accessible via Uber Eats or Deliveroo. The owner is so lovely and the flavour of her food reflects it. The portion size is incredible - to find vegan food that offers such amazing value is sadly rare. Everything is fresh. I got the regular size meal, which came with mac and “cheese”, chickpea curry (so delicious!) and rice, fried coated jackfruit, and salad + coleslaw. This is easily the best fried jackfruit I’ve had! It was crispy, flaky and delicious. It stayed crispy when I reheated the leftovers in the oven. I enjoyed the sunny weekend by having this in the park - it was just perfect! You’ll most probably have some leftovers because the portion size is v good.

Chris N.

Google
This in my top 5 places to eat in London. The food is delicious, the portions are extravagant and the service exquisite. You basically get two meals with a regular and three with a large. For £16 and £18 respectively it’s more than value for money it’s the best deal in London. I want everyone in the world to be able to experience Deserted Cactus. For vegan this is a must and if you’re not vegan don’t be silly this is just great food regardless so don’t miss out.

Menelik M.

Google
Bit tricky to find, it’s inside Holdrons Arcade on Rye Lane. Incredible scran. Haven’t had food like this in years. Best dumplings I’ve ever had in my life. Caribbean vegan food with other innovations.Top.