House of Vegano, a restaurant specializing in plant-based, Japanese-inspired cuisine, has officially expanded to a new, larger location in St. Petersburg, Florida. But what makes this eatery unusual is its show-stopping take on animal-free sushi Vegan caviar and mushroom-based crab from “Lobstah”, Tomato Tuna and Eggplant Eel – House of Vegano’s fearless reinvention of vegan sushi has attracted a cult-like following from near and far and is upending conventional notions of what sushi can be.
“I wanted to transition to a plant-based diet, but without sacrificing taste, smell and enjoyment.”
House of Vegano was created by Thalia Tatum, a mother of five who decided to change her diet in an effort to combat frequent pain from lupus, an autoimmune disease. Six months into a plant-based diet, she experienced significant improvement in her symptoms and began looking for ways to make satisfying vegan versions of her favorite food: sushi.
“I wanted to transition to a plant-based diet, but without sacrificing taste, smell and enjoyment,” Tatum says. “I’m not going to be happy eating salad every meal for the rest of my life. I wanted to make healthy food that wasn’t bland or boring.”
Creative menu
Tathum began experimenting with recipes and soon launched House of Vegano with a full menu of stunning sushi creations. In addition to classic offerings like California and Philadelphia rolls, the restaurant offers a wide selection of original creations such as:
- Volcano Roll – Avocado, carrot and cucumber spicy lion’s mane topped with mushrooms and vegan caviar.
- The Lewis Hamilton Lobstah Roll – Spiced crab (king oyster mushroom) topped with charred avocado, vegan caviar and vegan lobstah (konjac root and yam flower) poached in garlic butter.
- Caterpillar Roll – Marinated eggplant, avocado and cucumber topped with spicy mayo and vegan eel sauce.
- Royal Roll – Butter Poached Vegan Scallops with Cream Cheese and Avocado.
- Tom Kha Ramen topped with vegan pork belly.
Realistic taste
In addition to alt-seafood made with mushrooms, jackfruit and eggplant, House of Vegano also offers fish-free caviar from the Danish brand Caviart. According to Tathum, the two most popular dishes are the volcano and the caterpillar rolls, and customers are often surprised by how realistic the fish and seafood options taste.
Each week, the restaurant hosts a “test kitchen” where diners can pay a set price to sample new and experimental menu items.
With a new, spacious location and a passionate fan base, House of Vegano is poised to reinvent the sushi scene in Central Florida and beyond. As a former EMT, Tathum notes the stark contrast between his previous and current profession.
“In my old job I was with people at the worst times in their lives,” shares Tatham. “Now, it’s a blessing and an honor to help people transition to a healthier way of eating and be part of the best time of their lives.”