Is vegetarianism, or veganism, a fashion, a healthy lifestyle or a religion? Many questions were answered, and lots of ideas and tips were given for those who don't understand the reason for popular vegetarianism, but are open-minded and willing to introduce something new to their menu.
Did you know? Anita Árvai, aka ’Veganeeta’, graduated and practiced law when she changed her profession and opened her meat-free restaurant in Balatonalmádi as a chef, and has been promoting her lifestyle with cooking shows, writing and movements ever since. He used to be a meat eater, but his life was saved by a lifestyle change, of which veganism is only one part.
What is a vegan restaurant like, who comes to your place and what can we eat at your place?
I love Hungarian cuisine, so there are a lot of Hungarian dishes on the Veganeeta Home menu, like vegan goulash, vegan Hortobágy pancakes, vegan meatballs. We use the same seasoning as for meat dishes, the dishes are juicy, creamy and very, very tasty. I just substitute meat for example with seitan*, pulses, vegetables. I also like to prepare and eat dishes from the East, the Middle East and Italy. However, we always have nutritious salads with whole grains, cream soups and of course homemade homemade cakes and pastries.
*Seitan: a food made from gluten, the main protein in wheat, also known as wheat meat. It can be prepared in any form, vegetarians substitute it for meat.
Why are more and more of us going vegetarian?
I started down this path for my health, but the reasons for being vegan can be different. Many for curiosity, some for ethical reasons. I think that it takes a great deal of openness and self-identity to choose the kind of lifestyle, creed and commitment that we really are. We don't have to give up meat if we don't or are not ready for it, eat unnecessary meat if we don't like it or don't want it or it conflicts with our principles. Yes, vegetarian and vegan lifestyles are becoming more and more popular these days. That said, however, eating is only one part of my mindset, which is much more than not eating animal foods.
Many people argue that you cannot live well on vegetables and cereals alone. Is there some truth in this?
I think this is just an excuse and an excuse. These days, the nutritional composition of meat-free food is as important to us as the taste of the food itself. We have the perfect sources of protein, grains, grain substitutes, seasonal vegetables fresh and grilled, and the benefits of spices. Yes, they can be filling. It's an incredibly colourful and varied lifestyle, because only your imagination can decide what pasta, soups, soups, salads, colourful bowls, casseroles and tarts, one-dish meals, to cook or bake that day. Men often choose steak for lunch because of stereotypes, because we say „it's manly”, but I don't think eating steak every day is interesting or healthy. Variety, creativity and flexibility are perhaps the most important things, as in our food, so in our lives. The best way is to give it a try.
But your restaurants, shows and collaborations are not just about cooking. What does gastronomy mean in your life?
In fact, it is a tangible tool for human relations. With good food, good conversations, good surroundings and together, a mutual soul-care actually begins. There is no need to rebel against veganism, to criticise or categorise it, it is simply to accept it and open up to it. In catering, if the public demands it, it is worth listening to them. We don't have anything animal, but in other restaurants, if they want meat, they order it, but if the restaurant can afford it, we should have the option of a vegetable dish. Connecting with people, loving life, requires a kind of open-mindedness, which pays off very quickly. At Veganeeta Home, I create communities where we meet, talk, help each other and eat good food. The experience is not just about a spectacle, a colourful meal, but also about creating a community that we want to come back to, come back to and recharge. For us, that means welcoming and feeding our guests without doing any harm.
