Ghent, the vegetarian capital. Restaurants and initiatives, the city of Flanders is the most veggie-friendly.

In this beautiful Belgian town, a true cultural revolution is underway that isn't limited to nutrition but also aims for healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. Today, there are 13 vegetarian restaurants in the city, and many are tending numerous urban gardens.

GHENT VEGENIC CITY

VEGETARIAN CITIES –

Over the centuries, Belgian cuisine has been made famous not only by its excellent beer and the equally good one chocolate, he thought about it carne. Famous all over the world are the pork ribs and beef stews washed down with beer. Despite this deep-rooted tradition, one of the most important cities in Flanders, Ghent (o Ghent, depending on the language used) has become the most vegetarian city in the world. With a restaurant veggie every 19 inhabitants, thirteen restaurants in total for a population of 250 souls, this Northern European center can boast the highest concentration of these activities in the world. The primacy, however, is not only due to catering. For about ten years, a series of far-sighted administrations have begun to "invest" in vegetarian culture, which in some cases has also proposed initiatives vegan, to promote a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle through nutrition. For example, since 2009 the city has had the "Vegetarian Thursday".

ALSO READ: Turin's new administration wants a more vegan city to safeguard the environment, health, and animals.

GHENT VEGENIC CITY –

The initiative promoted by Eva (Ethical Vegetarian Alternative), an association founded by a then university student, was adopted by the municipality seven years ago and so every Thursday in all canteens of schools, universities, public offices and some private companies food is served vegetarianThe transformation process does not only concern eating habits but aims much higher, the goal is to revolutionize lifestylesIn the current administration's program, regarding food, the following have been established: five goals: stimulate the production and consumption of sustainable food, create added social value, promote a shorter supply chain to bring producers and consumers closer together, reduce waste and, where present, reintroduce it into the ecosystem as compost or animal feed. In recent years, the municipality has also promoted the development of urban gardens throughout the city, providing disused public spaces and encouraging private individuals to share their gardens. Furthermore, in collaboration with the municipality, Eva organizes workshops in schools and training courses for chefs.

GENT VEGETARIAN CITY –

Ghent has become so immersed in this new identity that thelocal tourist office started distributing a map for “vegetarian survival”. A real one tour of restaurants and organic shops like Moor and Moor or Ayuno. The selection is varied, from healthy fast food to macrobiotic. Almost all of these restaurants, however, are only open until lunchtime and reservations are almost always required. For a quick snack or a veggie burger, the most recommended places are Greenways e Tasty World. If you prefer a more refined atmosphere but one that respects the charm of family management, you should go to Avalon, which is located inside an old house right in front of the Ghent Castle. Sentimentalists, however, will want to try the gastronomic cuisine of the city's first vegetarian restaurant, The pandaIt's a small restaurant and overlooks a canal behind the organic supermarket at Oudburg 38. In short, there is something for everyone in the vegetarian capital..

TO KNOW MORE: Italians are increasingly vegetarian: 5 signs of new lifestyles    

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