Eastern Europe has always been a meat and potato society. Until recently, the vegetarian and vegan scene is thriving in major Eastern cities. For something chic and affordable try the Buddha Restorans in Riga, Latvia.
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After countless hours of walking, I became famished. I make it a point to visit at least one or two vegan / veg restaurants in each city. Now, before vegans go "hay-wire" about supporting a place that may use dairy, just remember Eastern Europe has its financial struggles. Something like soy milk is progressive enough and luxuries that we enjoy in the "west" such as almond milk either doesn't exist or can cost up to five euros per liter.
For about 7.50 euros you can enjoy the lunch special that features a set menu every day of the week. Tea, soup, bread with four kinds of homemade butters, an entree and a dessert is included in the price. It's by the far the best deal (and eating) anywhere east of the Baltic Sea.
For about 7.50 euros you can enjoy the lunch special that features a set menu every day of the week. Tea, soup, bread with four kinds of homemade butters, an entree and a dessert is included in the price. It's by the far the best deal (and eating) anywhere east of the Baltic Sea.
The interior features a chic and modern style that is kept tidy and clean. As you enter, you are greeted by friendly staff and welcomed by a large Ganesh statue towering over the booths.
I sat at a booth and admired the locals, fashionably dressed while talking business. If I've learned anything in Latvia, it's that Eastern Europeans always sport fashion. Looking good is part of their lineage. My relaxed American dress looked like I just rolled out of bed.
And speaking of getting out of bed, I had a burning appetite after walking around in the bitter cold for hours. The waitress asked if I wanted to start with soup or dessert. Starting with dessert? It sounded bizarre, but I noticed nearly everyone around me ate dessert first. How European. I loved it!
I went the old-fashioned route and started in traditional order. The Ayurvedic and herbal chai saved my soul as the clear mushroom and vegetable soup topped with fresh dill warmed my muscles. Dill is a popular herb used in Eastern cooking and is a part of nearly every meal in the East.
But the dark rye bread served with four kinds of butter melted my heart (and in my mouth). From fresh herbs to carrot - good lord - each one had its own distinct flavor that fused together like peas and carrots. I felt as if I could've eaten an entire stick right there.
I sat at a booth and admired the locals, fashionably dressed while talking business. If I've learned anything in Latvia, it's that Eastern Europeans always sport fashion. Looking good is part of their lineage. My relaxed American dress looked like I just rolled out of bed.
And speaking of getting out of bed, I had a burning appetite after walking around in the bitter cold for hours. The waitress asked if I wanted to start with soup or dessert. Starting with dessert? It sounded bizarre, but I noticed nearly everyone around me ate dessert first. How European. I loved it!
I went the old-fashioned route and started in traditional order. The Ayurvedic and herbal chai saved my soul as the clear mushroom and vegetable soup topped with fresh dill warmed my muscles. Dill is a popular herb used in Eastern cooking and is a part of nearly every meal in the East.
But the dark rye bread served with four kinds of butter melted my heart (and in my mouth). From fresh herbs to carrot - good lord - each one had its own distinct flavor that fused together like peas and carrots. I felt as if I could've eaten an entire stick right there.
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I felt as if I soared to vegetarian heaven where only five-star cooking exists. Buddha Restoran ascended vegetarian cooking to the next level. My first experience included a healthy portion of vegetable basmati rice topped with mung beans and lentil-celery sauce. Flavorful and not too spicy, the lentils were cooked with perfection. Not too mushy but not hard.
Whoever was in the kitchen certainly knew how to cook.
Whoever was in the kitchen certainly knew how to cook.
My favorite part of the experience were the desserts. The first dessert (the first picture above) is an apple pakora cake topped with some vanilla ice cream.
The second dessert is a baked pear topped with a "pancake" that is similar to a softer scone. Simple yet stylish, these desserts fused classic cooking with modern baking. Somehow, I love things that still cling onto the old but welcome the new. How symbolic.
The second dessert is a baked pear topped with a "pancake" that is similar to a softer scone. Simple yet stylish, these desserts fused classic cooking with modern baking. Somehow, I love things that still cling onto the old but welcome the new. How symbolic.
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The one thing I know about cooking is that good food takes time. I wish I got personal lessons from the chef. But until then....keep eating!
Buddha Restorans
Raina bulvaris 15, Riga 1050, Latvia
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Vegan in Latvia: Buddha Restoran.
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Buddha Restorans
Raina bulvaris 15, Riga 1050, Latvia
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Vegan in Latvia: Buddha Restoran.
Let's Connect!
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