Vegan, Ljubljana-style

Restaurants that prepare vegan food often look for inspiration in Eastern cuisine - Middle Eastern, Indian, and Far Eastern cuisine is traditionally based on an abundance of vegetables, hence why animal products may be easier to “miss” from a dish.
However, there are many vegan food providers in Ljubljana who are exploring other styles and traditions. Barbarella Plant Bistro's menu focuses on more elegant bistro dishes, Grashka Deli uses local or regional ingredients to create the flavours of the world, and Veganika's creative menu, which combines many global influences, often includes Mediterranean style dishes. Vegashi Vegan Fusion plays with the intertwining of Asian and Slovenian traditions, Green One Bistro is devoted to plant-based interpretations of ancient Slovenian dishes, and Piccola Cafe creates metropolitan brunch classics. Bistro Maha prepares comforting meals smelling of home, while Restaurant Gaudi&Naan introduces Ayurvedic philosophy to sophisticated Western cuisine.
Thus, each of these dining establishments contributes to the diversity of Ljubljana's vegan offering and, in its own way, challenges preconceptions around the monotony and barrenness of vegan food.

In addition to excellent cooking, sharing knowledge and experience is an important aspect of the operation of Ljubljana's vegan restaurants and chefs. Anyone who would like to broaden their horizons in the world of plant ingredients can find something for themselves in Ljubljana. Perhaps you can begin uncovering new flavours at a tasting quiz at the Maha bistro, or book a table for one of the evenings with visiting fine dining chefs at Grashka Deli. Perhaps in the height of summer you can visit Vegafest and meet the most active vegan chefs and producers of vegan food products, or treat yourself to a tasting evening at Restaurant Gaudi&Naan. You can sign up for a workshop on making homemade kimchi in Veganika or read one of Barbarella's books. Or you can simply take your family and friends to any of the vegan restaurants, order a full table of delicacies, and indulge in a variety of flavours, colours, textures, and techniques!

In recent years, fermentation has become a key word in modern cuisine, and it plays a particularly important role in vegan cooking. That's why you shouldn't be surprised if you find tofu, tempeh, kimchi, miso, and other fermented foods on vegan menus, also don't at all be surprised if they are preceded by the adjective 'homemade'. For all those who are interested in the magical microworld of fermentation in more detail, in addition to all the aforementioned destinations, you should definitely visit the Kis & Kvas shop in the district of Vič, where Goran and Sanja create world-class Slovenian ferments.

Of course we all like being guests, but cooking at home is important both for time and economic reasons, as well as for the pleasant moments spent at the table with our family and friends. That's why we've also collected some vegan recipes for you to try in your own kitchen.

Whether you wish to explore the world of veganism because of ethical reasons, aspirations for a sustainable lifestyle, a desire for a healthier way of eating, or just gourmet curiosity, we wish you a delicious exploration both in your home kitchen as well as at the many restaurants that invite you for a delicious meal.