Deserted Cactus

Vegan restaurant · Peckham

Deserted Cactus

Vegan restaurant · Peckham

2

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

Photos

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

Highlights

Vegan Caribbean with amazing fried jackfruit & dumplings  

Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder

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

instagram.com
@deserted_cactus

£10–20

Information

Static Map

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

instagram.com
@deserted_cactus

£10–20

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay

Last updated

Aug 20, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@infatuation

The 23 Best Restaurants In Peckham

"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. " - 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
View Postcard for Deserted Cactus
@infatuation

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 photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch 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." - Daisy Meager

https://www.theinfatuation.com/london/reviews/deserted-cactus
View Postcard for Deserted Cactus

Xen Xenophontes

Google
Love this place so much!!! Lovingly cooked vegan food. The jackfruit is next level!!! The jerk coconut mushrooms are divine. And the dumplings... Come hungry, portion sizes are very generous 🤤 There always seems to be a fun and friendly crowd waiting to be fed! Thank you Esmé x

Phyllis T

Google
I can see why people rave about the Southern fried jackfruit - it was tender on the inside covered in well-seasoned crispy deliciousness. The best jackfruit I've ever had! Huge portions of vegan comfort food, freshly cooked by the amazing Esme, served with love (and an impressive number of hot sauces!)

Julia Schafer

Google
lovely people and amazing food! the southern fried jackfruit is the best jackfruit I have ever had! everything else was super tasty too. wholesome homecooking vibes. 100% recommend for all vegans in the area (and beyond). apologies for the photo of beige pile a tray - we picked stuff up during opening times (1pm-4pm Thurs and Sat) and reheated to have for dinner.

h

Google
I’ve been here twice and it’s been amazing both times. Freshly made vegan food with loads of flavour and very generous portions, the jackfruit is the best i’ve ever eaten. It’s not “fast food” so don’t expect it within a few minutes, you can see the owner lovingly creates the dishes and it really shows. Would go back 100%

Jonny Nolan

Google
Heading to Peckham and Google search suggested the vegan restaurant, Deserted Cactus. Tucked inside a fantastic arcade, this place is an incredible spot for amazing food and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The portions are absolutely huge. I arrived very hungry after a long bus journey, ate until I was full to bursting and I’d only managed half of the regular size meal!! The food was cooked fresh there in front of you and delicious. I’ll definitely go back when next in the area. It’s just near the station, so very convenient.

hello hello

Google
Very tasty large plates of mac n cheese, jamaican chickpea curry and incredible fried jackfruit. Portions are fantastic.

MR.O.G. 357

Google
Best real food in south London hands down. The owner is a wonderful bubbly person that seems to have a smile for everyone, every time. If you’re lucky enough to go on a day the southern fried jackfruit is being served you’ll wonder why you never came before. Oh, the owner has no concept of portion control so bring your belly 😂🤣😂

Mr

Google
Extremely welcoming & the food was honestly amazing (especially the fried jackfruit & fried dumplings), I bought 2 meals & didn’t regret it! The portion sizes are very healthy. I’ll be back for sure.