A rundown of the restaurants and cafes I discovered whilst visiting Bruges during Veganuary this year, happy feasting!
Having visited lots of European cities over the past 10 years with my veggie pal Kate I imagined that going vegan in Bruges may have been a bit of a drag. I was however, pleasantly surprised, and I’m happy to report that I didn’t have to settle for the usual suspects of pasta, pizza and salad with a few fries thrown in for ‘variety’…not that i’m decrying pizza and fries, but it’s nice to have options. As in the UK, it seems that vegan eats are becoming a trend across Europe which is great news for our bellies and for the planet.
A report written by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has stated that a reduction in our consumption of meat can help mitigate against the effects of climate change. Whilst the global climate crisis often seems overwhelming, this information from the UN is encouraging as it means that each and every one of us can easily contribute to driving positive environmental change. If you want to see just how effective cutting out, or reducing our meat and dairy consumption can be, check out this carbon footprint calculator on the BBC, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46459714.
Our individual actions and choices really do matter when it comes to combating the environmental impacts of climate change and with the vegan food scene becoming bigger globally, making an environmentally conscious choice when dining out doesn’t mean having to settle for an uninspiring meal. Food is a major part of cultural expression and consequently, for many of us the food we eat on our travels forms a substantial part of our experience. Didn’t try pad thai in Thailand?! Mexico and no taco?! A trip to Belgium sans waffle?! It all sounds very drab, but thankfully, I did not have to forgo a waffle on my trip to Bruges, yes – I found a V E G A N Belgian waffle and it did not disappoint.
For all of the vegan and veggies travelling to Bruges, definitely check out these restaurants. And for all you omnivores out there, why not check out these places too and help to lower your holiday carbon footprint with a few plant based meals – you won’t be missing out.
De Brugsche tafel & Charlotte’s Vegan Waffles
One and the same, De Brugsche tafel and Charlotte’s Vegan Waffles cohabit the same space and form a cute family run restaurant with a casual vibe. Pop in for a waffle and a drink, or stay for a delicious vegan meal and have your waffle for dessert. We happened across this restaurant after the vegan restaurant we wanted to visit had no tables available. The menu was written up on a blackboard, presumably meaning that the menu changes daily. The prices were reasonable and the food was very good. Topped off with the enjoyable vegan belgian waffle for dessert!
https://de-brugsche-tafel-vegan-vegatarian.business.site/
Otomat
After failing to get a table at the vegan restaurant we saw on TripAdvisor we stumbled across this buzzy pizza restaurant in the centre of Bruges. The service was a little slow but when our pizzas arrived they were tasty and the choice of 3 different vegan options was a definite bonus. The vegan ingredients were unusual as pizza toppings go, seitan, kale and carrot sauce all making an appearance, and although I do love a good marinara pizza, it was entertaining to try something new. As well as the extensive pizza menu, the beer menu should satisfy those who have cravings for Belgian beer and each pizza is paired up with it’s perfect boozy counterpart if you’re stuck for choice.
That’s Toast
I’m not the only one raving about this place, rated #5 in TripAdvisor’s top restaurants in Bruges this place is worth a visit for omnivores, pescatarians, veggies and vegans alike. We stopped here for lunch on the day we arrived, although at first glance there doesn’t seem to be an awful lot of vegan-specific dishes on the menu, they are able to alter quite a few dishes to cater for dietary requirements. A great breakfast, brunch or lunch stop.
De Bühne
Despite visiting Bruges in the low season we were unable to get a table at De Bühne. When we did pop in to see if we were able to eat here the lady who greeted us was very friendly and the vibe inside was homely, almost like eating in someone’s spacious living room. Next time we’re in Bruges I will definitely be making a reservation for this family run restaurant.
De Plaats
Another restaurant where we were unable to get a reservation, the worldly menu had a variety of dishes and included a good balance of vegan options.
The Chocolate Line
Because you really shouldn’t visit Belgium without eating Belgian chocolate…The Chocolate Line has slabs of vegan chocolate AND chocolate truffles, you can even try before you buy!
https://www.thechocolateline.be/en/
Little Ship Green 