Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: jackfruit (17) fried (9) vegan (9) Esme (7) good (6) coming (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Iris C. 4 years ago on Google • 127 reviews
    The Southern fried jackfruit is the best jackfruit in town! Esme is a one (super)woman show, always packed with good people, come hungry, a Peckham gem.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon S. 5 years ago on Google
    Been waiting to go here for so long, and we was definitely not disappointed. The food here is so good and fresh. Can't wait to come back the next time we're in Peckham.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Xen X. 1 month ago on Google • 51 reviews New
    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
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniela G. 1 year ago on Google
    Best vegan food eveerrrrr!!! I recommended everyone to come here. The vibes are good, the portions are generous, is not price at all and she is lovely❤️ , you can tell she put loads of love when she cooks. I am definitely coming back.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon A. 5 years ago on Google
    Go to the end of narrow Holdron's Arcade to find this little vegan gem. Esme served us southern fried jackfruit, ackee scramble, rice and beans, spinach and mushrooms, fritters and salad. Stellar range of sauces too. V limited seating, but then just get a takeaway!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim G. 2 months ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    Like everyone says, the southern fried jackfruit is the showstopper. Everything else is delicious and hearty. To any non-vegans, you won't even be aware it's vegan food.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mr. René W. 9 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julia S. 2 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ella D. 3 weeks ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Easily some of the best food i’ve ever had. That jackfruit is perfection! Shout out to Esme - you’re a true genius and a blessing
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Azul Z. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Probably one of the best vegan meals I’ve EVER tried, and this is coming from a Mexican who gets serious about her food. Everything is incredibly flavourful and you can feel the love and care put into the food, will be coming back 1 million percent!!!!! 💚💚💚💚💚
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom J. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful vegan food! The perfect mix of healthy and hearty. All food in the box is equally incredible - will definitely be back again! The jackfruit truly outshines any I've had before. Friendly service to top it all off!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eleanor Bailey (. 3 years ago on Google
    The most amazing vegan food in the world! I honestly dream about the southern fried jackfruit. Esme is wonderful and love the simplicity of the service - turn up hungry, get fed. Thank you Deserted Cactus, never leave us!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ルダン 10 months ago on Google
    I’m so glad I found this place! The food was delicious. The owner is so lovely, its a small area but cosy friendly vibes. I got a mix of everything - fried jackfruit, mac n cheese, curry and salad - just SO good. Next time I’m back in London I am absolutely coming back
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy G. 6 months ago on Google
    I cannot express just how delicious this food is, especially the jackfruit and dumplings (always get extra!) Might be a wait as there is only one chef, but the atmosphere and food make it a worthy wait.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna C. 6 months ago on Google
    I've been a regular for quite some time now and oh my my. Food,atmosphere, the chef herself- everything is out of this world. Pure excellence!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jacqueline s. 4 years ago on Google
    Was treated to a wonderful vegan experience by my daughter chloe. Innovative and original menu and great tastes put together that just seemed to work!!! Only drawback is no desert menu... BUT as dinner portions are gigantic - that isn’t a problem!!! Vibes and music spot on!! And excellent customer service with sincerity and a warm smile!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Punchanella 3 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    The three people who haven’t given 5 stars need testing for something, they’re not right. The food here is out of the word and Esme is so welcoming and generous. Always try to schedule my trips back to London around her opening hours. Popcorn jackfruit till I die 😍😍😍

  • 3/5 Anthony H. 1 year ago on Google
    Review removed....no photos where added to this site promoting Irish moss by me on this platform,and I can't see any at present by anyone to date... Besides trustpiliot this is the ,main site that I contribute to.....I do not financially profit at present by goggle,feel free to enquire....since you feel that way I will no longer be visiting your place for now,and remind you that bringing a 80 year old person to your place,and being accused of this was not nice... Wishing you all the best....drive safely

  • 5/5 Irena K. 1 year ago on Google
    Just went there today and the lady was closing. She very kindly gave me what was left with no charge and the food was absolutely delicious!!!! Shame it is only open twice a week. Definitely going back ❤️

  • 5/5 Phillip K. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a joy to finally get to Deserted Cactus, and it was so worth the wait. Esme is serving up some of the best vegan food we've had in London, and her kitchen is full of flavoursome, fresh dishes that she puts her soul into. Love love love that the portions are huge (whatever you can fit on a plate, and then some), and that the menu always changes. If we needed any more reasons to go back, there's 2 😂 I've never had jackfruit this delicious anywhere, and that alone is reason enough for you to go!

  • 5/5 Reneé D. 1 year ago on Google
    Come with an empty stomach, because not only is the food AMAZING, it left me coming back for more even though my stomach was already as full as it could get😂 Will definitely be coming back again to get an experience of the various menus!

  • 5/5 leonardo t. 2 years ago on Google
    A large small that was enormous, and the quality is unreal, very good food and good service.

  • 5/5 Ryan N. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely incredible flavours. The jackfruit and trimmings are perfect. And awesome chilli sauce game. Made all the sweeter by the amazing owner and chef Esme.

  • 5/5 Marilyn W. 2 years ago on Google
    HOW do I get in touch with this place? Is there an email or phone number? Thank you.

  • 5/5 MR.O.G. 3. 5 years ago on Google • 2 reviews
    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 😂🤣😂
    9 people found this review helpful 👍


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout

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