Since the Covid pandemic, much of the world has started paying better attention to what goes on their plate. With the virus being originally traced to an exotic animal trade in China, people are shifting to plant-based options not only because they are less risky, but also for its dietary role in better nutrition which is key in building immunity and resistance against viral infection.
I came from a country where vegetable forward restaurants were established by advocates who do not eat meat. In Finland, it is curious to know that most of the plant-based dining are not opened by Vegans. I’ve sustained the “kind” diet for 15 years now and seeing it evolve from Hippie food to popular cuisine is validating.
I never take it for granted how I am never without options to eat in Helsinki, and how easy it is for me to turn any recipe to be free of any animal-products thanks to the gourmet selections of ingredients in grocery stores.
Plant-based is a term coined by my teacher, author of the international best-selling nutrition book, the China Study and its documentary, What the Health, Dr. Collin Campbell. It pertains to a diet that is made up of mostly plants, fresh and unrefined.
A decade later, this kind of conscious eating has evolved into a sustainability effort. Millennials are the ones leading the plant-based cuisine, here we talk about where to go when you want to treat yourself thoughtfully.
The most successful vegan burger chain in Finland originally started with a 95% meat-based menu, but eight months into their operation, they made a 180 degree turn to plant-based. Co- founder Passi Hassinen tells us his motivation for the complete turn-around was based on gut-feel......
I had my first proper dining here after the lockdown as it was right around the corner of my modelling agency and have had many “first” in Green Hippo since. As a regular, I swear by their Brunch spread: Gluten-free pancakes that are so......
Friday is usually my toughest day so I arrived at the restaurant late, and utterly exhausted. I was looking for a good glass of white to take the edge off and immediately perked up when co-founder Andrew Taylor welcomed me with a glass natural wine from their sommelier collection. ...
A yogi’s hang-out, Om Nam sits across Helsingin Astanga Joogakoulu and serves Ahimsa, (none-violence) on a plate. I got to sample their weekend brunch specials and I was delighted to try a rich but still fresh take on chickpea-based omelette. The soy-feta added so much creaminess to the batter, the sunflower seeds made for good crunch and the surprise addition of fresh cranberries was a welcome tanginess that complimented the earthy flavours of the Spinach and spice of Parsley. The oat-based carrot cake after was richly topped with coconut whipped cream and I really enjoyed the kick of the grated ginger in between....
As a raw chef myself, I was thrilled to discover that there is a restaurant in Helsinki dedicated to living foods. Raw cuisine means that they have not been heated over 60 degrees so that the live enzymes and micro nutrients don’t burn. Cooking in......
Decadence is part of everyday life in France, everything is rich from the boulangeries, the café and of course the wine and cheese. I stand by what I wrote before that I never knew how to live until I came to Paris. The story of Tartine is that of curiosité. Unlike most patisseries, it wasn’t put up by a baker but instead, a group of passionate French expats who simply miss the food they grew up having but wanted to make it cruelty-free....
True to its name, it is where I go to celebrate. The real treat of Yes yes yes is the warm welcome and attentive hospitality that greets everyone as they come in— a real indulgence in a city of self-service. I had my first blind date here, and my curiosity piqued when I realised that the entire menu is plant-based....
Weizel Gulfan (www.weizelgulfan.com) is a Nutrition consultant and TV personality who also teaches yoga in Helsinki.
She is accredited by Dr. Collin Campbell of Cornell University in Plant-based Nutrition.
She runs the health coaching platform, Everyday Wellness for companies and individuals.
Get in touch for features and collaborations, follow her healthy recipes, expert diet advice, fitness demos and mindfulness tips on:
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Facebook: Everyday Wellness @oureverydaywellness