Being a neighbor to both Russia and Ukraine has definitely made life a bit odd for the average Belarusian.
When the future seems grim and uncertain, though, good food is one thing that people can always depend on.
After all, food is one of the few things that connects all people, regardless of politics, borders, language, or creed. In fact, I would argue that good food has a unique ability to heal and bring people together, even in the midst of a brutal war.
So, with that in mind, today’s post is going to be all about Belarusian food! Specifically, the best places to try local vegan food in Belarus. Whether you’re a Belarusian native or a vegan who plans on traveling to Belarus in the future, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s dig in, shall we?
Eating Vegan In Belarus
Given that it’s in the Northern Hemisphere, Belarus can get bitter cold in the fall and winter seasons. For this reason, many famous Belarusian dishes tend to be hot-pot-style dishes and warm soup.
For the most part, authentic Belarusian cuisine is simple and delicious. Soups and hot pots typically consist of cabbage, potatoes, beans, and meat. Although Belarus doesn’t have a huge vegan population, it’s not hard to find vegan-friendly alternatives to Belarusian classics.
Check our list of top 10 restaurants in Minsk
In addition to traditional Belarusian food, it’s also not uncommon to find Indian food as well as some Asian and even Middle-Eastern restaurants near city centers where there’s a higher demand for diverse food.
Most of the good food in Belarus can be found in and around the capital city of Minsk:
Minsk is a bustling city with a population of just over 2 million residents. Much of the Belarusian youth migrate from the outskirts of Belarus to the city center to take advantage of better jobs, eating, nightlife, and overall better quality of life.
Simply put, if you’re looking for vegan food in Belarus, then Minsk is going to be your best bet. You may find some good vegan eats in outlying villages, but many of them are a bit “traditional” in nature and may not be able to cater to a fully vegan diet.
The Best Places To Eat Vegan In Belarus
Alright, so you’ve found yourself in Minsk, Belarus and you’re looking for a delicious plant-based meal…
Below, I’m going to give you a quick rundown of some of the best vegan restaurants in Belarus, so you can satisfy your cravings and experience a bit of authentic Belarusian cuisine!
Green+Go
Location: Minsk, Belarus
Known For: Plant-based sandwiches and bowls
Instagram: Link
Green+Go is an excellent spot if you’re on the go or looking for a quick bite to eat. It’s open seven days a week from 12 noon to 10 pm, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. The vibe here is incredible. The entire store is decorated with fresh plants that contrast beautifully with the white tile floors and walls.
When you walk through the front door, it almost feels as if you’ve walked into a high-end plant store!
The staff is incredibly friendly and will gladly tell you their favorite menu items or break down any ingredients that you may be unsure about. They serve primarily vegetarian and vegan food, so you’ll find plenty of options, no matter what taste profile you’re looking for.
Overall, though, the food is fresh, with a strong focus on raw vegan foods. The three main dishes you’ll find here are bowls, wraps, salads, and sandwiches. The sandwiches are made with delicious whole-grain bread that comes from a local bakery, so it’s always fresh.
If you thought that was good, just wait until you try their smoothies and desserts! There’s always a great rotation of fresh-fruit smoothies, depending on local harvests. While some of the options may contain milk or dairy, they also have plenty of vegan-friendly options as well.
Last but not least, they even offer cold brew coffee if you need a boost of energy to keep you going after your meal!
Veg Harmony
Location: Minsk, Belarus
Known For: Plant-based soup, pasta, and upscale dishes
Instagram: Link
If you’re looking for more of a “high-end” experience, then Veg Harmony is an amazing place to check out. It’s the closest I’ve ever had to a true vegan fine dining experience. The restaurant itself is beautiful, open, and spacious. The staff are also very accommodating and will help you find a seat and get started with a drink as soon as you walk in the door.
Many of the items on the menu are seasonal and rotate, depending on the season and local availability. They’re open from 10 am to 10 pm Monday through Sunday, and there usually isn’t any wait (except on the weekends, when it can get a bit busy).
They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert!
One of the best dishes served by Veg Harmony is the Soba With Broccoli and Mushrooms in Coconut Sauce. It’s made with real buckwheat soba noodles, sautéed broccoli, and mushrooms, and cooked in a thick, rich, creamy coconut sauce. It’s also seasoned with fresh chili pepper and a bit of Himalayan salt to give it a nice kick.
Veg Harmony is also one of the few restaurants that I’ve ever been to that sells Tofu Cheesecake! Unlike dairy-based cheesecake that’s often very heavy, this vegan twist on cheesecake is light, fluffy, and won’t leave you feeling like you need a nap afterward.
If you’re in the mood for something warm on a cool day, then their Lentil Cream Soup is also to die for!
Om Namo
Location: Minsk, Belarus
Known For: Vegetarian and vegan-friendly Indian cuisine.
Website: Link
There are few other foods in the world that are quite as vegan-friendly as authentic Indian cuisine. As soon as you walk in the front door of Om Namo, you’ll be greeted with a large statue of Ganesh, the Hindu god of understanding and wisdom. This is fitting, considering that Om Namo translates to “Let us bow to the divine.”
Although most Indian food is plant-based, keep in mind that it’s vegetarian before it’s vegan. This means that animal by-products like dairy or butter may be used in certain meals. So, it’s always best to inform the server that you will only be eating dairy-free meals.
The staff here is incredibly friendly to everyone who walks through their doors and is more than happy to accommodate any vegan dietary restrictions you may have.
If you’re looking for a savory, flavorful dish with a kick of garlic, I recommend the Sabji Eggplant. It’s made with eggplant, chickpea, potato, tomato, garlic, onion, salt, and a few traditional Indian spices.
If you have time after eating, Om Namo is also a great place for tea! They sell a variety of herbal teas as well as green tea and black tea. If you prefer the caffeinated kick of coffee, they offer americanos (espresso with water) and espresso shots as well.
NovaBistro
Location: Minsk, Belarus
Known For: Vegan wine and small, high-end plates with a focus on plant-based meals.
Instagram: Link
If you’re looking for a nice sit-down dinner complete with several courses and some of the best vegan wine you’ve ever had, then look no further than NovaBistro! It’s definitely one of the more expensive locations on this list. But if you’re looking for the perfect date, there are few vegan restaurants that can match the prestige and quality.
NovaBistro has found creative ways of turning plants into edible art. From their home-baked croissant rolls to their authentic vegan Italian pizza and gluten-free vegan burgers, everything is delicious.
The way each dish is plated and served is so beautiful that you almost don’t want to take a bite and risk messing it up. The chef is always creating wonderful new plant-based sauces that put a new twist on traditional dishes.
It doesn’t just stop at dinner, though. NovaBistro has a resident pastry chef who makes some of the most decadent vegan desserts I’ve ever had. If you enjoy sweeter desserts, there are usually at least two different cake options on the menu. Or, if you prefer something a little more fresh, they also offer fruit-based desserts, such as sliced plums with house-made vegan whipped cream.
Last but not least, I wouldn’t be doing NovaBistro justice if I didn’t mention the wine.
They offer both red and white wine varieties, so you can find the perfect pairing with your meal. All the wines offered by NovaBistro are also vegan-friendly, meaning that they haven’t been refined with any animal-derived fining agents. They also offer some delicious local kombucha for those who don’t wish to consume alcohol!
Final Tips For Eating Vegan In Belarus
Belarus is a megalopolis with a strong food and beverage culture. People love to eat, and the young, liberal-minded population means that vegan-friendly restaurants are only becoming more popular.
These are, by far, some of my favorite vegan restaurants in the city of Minsk, Belarus. Don’t let that stop you from exploring more, though. There are tons of truly excellent spots to find plant-based food across the city. You just have to let your stomach guide you!
Check our guide to hotels in Minsk
