Recipe postcard
Haiti – The Caribbean Nation That Fought for FreedomHaiti occupies the western part of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Its culture reflects a rich heritage shaped by African traditions, Indigenous history, French colonial influence and the extraordinary struggle for independence. On 1 January 1804, Haiti declared its independence after a successful revolution against French colonial rule, becoming the first independent Black republic and the first state established through a successful revolt by enslaved people. Haitian cuisine is known for its vibrant seasonings, aromatic herbs, vegetables, rice, beans and deeply flavorful dishes. Food plays an important role in family gatherings, cultural identity and the preservation of traditions.
Soup Joumou – Haiti's Freedom Soup, Traditionally Eaten on 1 JanuarySoup Joumou is a traditional Haitian squash soup with profound historical and cultural significance. According to Haitian tradition, during French colonial rule, the richly prepared soup was associated with the colonial elite and denied to enslaved Haitians. Following independence on 1 January 1804, preparing and enjoying Soup Joumou became a powerful symbol of liberation, dignity and the freedom to enjoy what had previously been forbidden. Today, Haitian families and communities in Haiti and around the world traditionally prepare and share the soup on New Year's Day, which is also Haiti's Independence Day. Soup Joumou is often described as a soup of freedom, unity and peace. In 2021, UNESCO inscribed the knowledge and practices surrounding Joumou soup on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Traditional versions often contain meat, while this Via Veggie Vegan interpretation celebrates the dish with butternut squash, vegetables, pasta, homemade Haitian epis and vegetable broth.
Cook this recipe →
Recipe postcard
Estonia – Seasonal Comfort Food from the Baltic RegionEstonia is a Northern European country on the Baltic Sea, known for its forests, islands and strong connection to seasonal ingredients. Traditional Estonian cuisine features potatoes, cabbage, root vegetables, rye bread and fresh herbs. Dill is particularly popular in soups, potato dishes and salads, while sour cream is a familiar accompaniment to many savory meals. Simple, warming dishes have long played an important role in everyday Estonian home cooking, especially during the colder months.
Estonian Kohlrabi Soup – A Creamy Vegan InterpretationThis Estonian-inspired Kohlrabisupp draws on the region's love of seasonal vegetables, potatoes and fresh dill rather than reproducing a specific traditional national dish. Kohlrabi and potatoes are simmered in vegetable stock and blended with soy cooking cream to create a smooth, comforting soup. Finely grated carrots provide a delicate texture, while nutritional yeast, crispy vegan bacon-style cubes and plant-based sour cream add savory richness. For Halloween, cooked kohlrabi is transformed into a handmade witch and spider, bringing a playful Via Veggie Vegan twist to this Baltic-inspired autumn recipe.
Cook this recipe →
Recipe postcard
Ecuador – From the Andes to the PacificEcuador is a South American country with an extraordinarily diverse landscape, stretching from the Pacific coast through the Andes to the Amazon rainforest. Its cuisine reflects these different regions and their agricultural traditions. In the Andean highlands, potatoes, corn, legumes and other locally cultivated ingredients have shaped everyday cooking for centuries. Ecuador is also home to the Galápagos Islands, famous for their remarkable biodiversity.
What Is Locro de Papa?Locro de Papa is one of Ecuador's best-known traditional potato soups, particularly associated with the Andean highlands. It is usually prepared with potatoes, onions, garlic, cumin, milk and fresh cheese, and is often served with avocado. The potatoes give the soup its characteristic thick, comforting texture. My vegan interpretation replaces dairy products with a vegan butter alternative, unsweetened plant-based drink and vegan cheddar. Nutritional yeast adds savory depth, while fresh coriander, spring onions and avocado complete the dish.
Cook this recipe →
Recipe postcard
Finland – Nordic Nature and Comforting CuisineFinland is a Nordic country famous for its forests, thousands of lakes, long winters and strong connection to nature. Finnish cuisine makes excellent use of seasonal ingredients, particularly potatoes, carrots, parsnips and other root vegetables that can be stored throughout the colder months. Simple, nourishing soups are an important part of everyday home cooking, offering warmth and comfort when temperatures drop.
What Is Porkkana-Palsternakkasosekeitto?The Finnish name describes the dish perfectly: "porkkana" means carrot, "palsternakka" means parsnip and "sosekeitto" means puréed soup. This creamy vegetable soup combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the earthy, aromatic flavor of parsnips. A small potato provides body, while plant-based cream creates a smooth texture. My vegan version is finished with fresh dill and given a spooky Halloween makeover with a homemade pizza dough witch's broom and decorative vegetable skewers.
Cook this recipe →
Recipe postcard
Finland – The Land of a Thousand LakesFinland is a Nordic country known for its forests, countless lakes, long winters and strong connection to nature. Its traditional cuisine reflects the country's geography and climate, with potatoes, root vegetables, rye bread, berries, mushrooms and fish playing important roles. Simple, warming soups are particularly popular, and fresh herbs such as dill bring characteristic Nordic flavors to many dishes.
What Is Lohikeitto?Lohikeitto is a traditional Finnish salmon soup made with fresh salmon, potatoes, leek, often carrots, cream and fresh dill. The name comes from the Finnish words "lohi" (salmon) and "keitto" (soup). My vegan interpretation replaces the salmon with homemade carrot lox, marinated in nori, soy sauce, lemon and liquid smoke. Oat cream and unsweetened oat drink create a rich, comforting broth without dairy, while the classic combination of potatoes, vegetables and dill remains.
Cook this recipe →
Recipe postcard
Germany – Where the Broiler Became an East German IconGermany's regional food culture reflects a fascinating mix of traditions and historical influences. During the years of the German Democratic Republic (DDR), the word Broiler became an everyday term for roast chicken. Borrowed from English, where broiling refers to cooking with intense direct heat and broiler also describes a chicken raised for meat, the term became firmly established in East German food culture. Goldbroiler restaurants and takeaway counters helped turn the dish into a familiar DDR favorite.
What Is a Goldbroiler?A Goldbroiler is a seasoned roast chicken with a characteristic golden-brown skin. Its popularity grew in the DDR during the 1960s, when poultry production and dedicated chicken restaurants expanded. My vegan version replaces the chicken with a plant-based alternative and recreates the crispy skin using seasoned rice paper. Homemade fries, white cabbage coleslaw and espresso ketchup complete this nostalgic East German-inspired meal.
Cook this recipe →
Recipe postcard
Tanzania – A Country of Vibrant Street Food Tanzania is an East African country known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage and lively food culture. From bustling city markets to roadside food stalls, affordable and satisfying street food plays an important role in everyday life.
What Is Chipsi Mayai? Chipsi Mayai is a popular Tanzanian street food made by cooking French fries directly into beaten eggs. The name combines the Swahili words for fries and eggs. Traditionally pan-fried and often served with fresh salad or chili sauce, this simple dish becomes a vegan oven-baked version with chickpea flour, soy yogurt and Kala Namak.
Cook this recipe →
Recipe postcard
Belgium – A Country of Culinary Comfort Belgium may be famous for its waffles, chocolate and fries, but its culinary traditions also include hearty vegetable dishes, warming soups and comforting home cooking. Brussels sprouts have a particularly close historical connection with the region around Brussels, where they have been cultivated for centuries. These little green cabbages eventually became known internationally by the name of the Belgian capital.
What Is Spruitjessoep? Spruitjessoep simply means Brussels sprout soup in Dutch, one of Belgium's official languages. There is no single definitive recipe: variations may include potatoes, onions, stock and cream. My Belgian-inspired version combines a silky Brussels sprout and potato soup with oat cream, nutritional yeast, crispy vegan ham and roasted sprouts. Maple-glazed Brussels sprout skewers add a slightly sweet, caramelized finishing touch.
Cook this recipe →
Recipe postcard
Potatoes, My One True LoveSome people fall in love with chocolate. Others can't live without pasta. Me? Potatoes! Absolutely, completely, unapologetically potatoes. Boiled, fried, roasted, baked, mashed or Hasselback-style – I love them all. Give me a potato and I'll find a way to turn it into something delicious. So when my culinary journey brought me to Belarus and its famous Draniki, I knew this was going to be a match made in potato heaven. After all, if there's one vegetable that deserves a little extra love, it's definitely the humble potato!
Love Is in the Shape of a PotatoTraditional Belarusian Draniki are usually round, but why settle for ordinary potato pancakes when you can turn them into little hearts? Exactly! I finely grated the potatoes and onion, added plenty of garlic, nutritional yeast and a pinch of nutmeg, then shaped the mixture into adorable potato hearts. A quick trip to the frying pan, a little finishing time in the oven, and there they were: golden, crispy on the outside and beautifully tender inside. Naturally, a generous spoonful of vegan sour cream and a shower of fresh chives had to join the party. Because even true love deserves a little seasoning. Team Garlic certainly approves!
There Is One Exception, Though...Now, I've said that I love potatoes in practically every possible form. Well, almost every form. Because there's one potato product I can happily live without: vodka! Since I don't drink alcohol, I'll gladly leave the potato spirits to somebody else. I'd much rather enjoy my potatoes golden, crispy and shaped like little hearts. No complicated ingredients, no fancy techniques – just potatoes, a little patience and a whole lot of love. Belarus, you've certainly found the way to my heart. Through my stomach, obviously! Via Veggie Vegan – A Culinary Journey Around the World.
Cook this recipe →
Recipe postcard
Bangladesh – A Country of Rivers and Rich Culinary TraditionsBangladesh lies in South Asia, where the mighty Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna river systems have shaped the landscape, agriculture and food culture for centuries. Rice, lentils, vegetables, mustard oil and aromatic spices are important ingredients in everyday Bangladeshi cooking.
What Is Aloo Bharta?Aloo Bharta, more commonly known as Alu Bhorta in Bangladesh, is a traditional mashed potato preparation. The word alu means potato, while bhorta refers to a family of mashed or crushed dishes mixed with seasonings.
Cook this recipe →
