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Scotland – Hearty Comfort Food from the Scottish Borders
Scotland is famous for its rugged landscapes, rich traditions and hearty cuisine. Root vegetables, potatoes and cabbage have long played an important role in Scottish home cooking, particularly in the Scottish Borders, where simple, warming dishes are a treasured part of culinary heritage.
What Is Rumbledethumps?
Rumbledethumps is a traditional Scottish dish made from mashed potatoes, cabbage and onions, usually finished with a generous layer of cheese. Often compared to Irish Colcannon or English Bubble and Squeak, it can be served as a vegetarian main course or as a side dish alongside hearty meat dishes and sausages. This Halloween-inspired vegan version adds Brussels sprouts, layers of savoy cabbage and a playful spiderweb topping.
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Colombia – A Country of Mountains, Coffee and Culinary DiversityColombia lies in northwestern South America and is known for its extraordinary geographical diversity, from the Andes Mountains and Caribbean coastline to the Amazon rainforest. Its cuisine reflects Indigenous, African and European influences, with regional specialties ranging from hearty soups and corn-based dishes to tropical fruits and colorful breakfast traditions. Breakfast is an important part of Colombian food culture, and savory dishes are particularly popular.
Huevos Pericos – Colombia's Colorful Scrambled EggsHuevos Pericos are a beloved Colombian breakfast dish traditionally made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes and spring onions. The name "pericos" is often associated with the colorful appearance of the dish. Huevos Pericos are commonly served with arepas, bread, avocado or other breakfast accompaniments. My Via Veggie Vegan version replaces the eggs with a combination of firm and silken tofu, soy milk, nutritional yeast, turmeric and Kala Namak. Instead of preparing the scramble in a frying pan, I bake it in the oven for a soft, creamy texture.
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Brazil – A Land of Tropical Fruits and Culinary DiversityBrazil is the largest country in South America, famous for its extraordinary landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to its beautiful Atlantic coastline. Its rich culinary heritage reflects Indigenous Brazilian, African, Portuguese and other cultural influences. Tropical fruits play an important role in many regional food traditions, with açaí holding a particularly special place in the Amazon region. For generations, local communities have harvested and enjoyed the dark-purple fruit of the açaí palm, making it an important part of northern Brazil's food culture.
What Is an Açaí Bowl?An açaí bowl is a thick, chilled preparation made from the deep-purple pulp of the açaí palm fruit. Traditionally, açaí has been enjoyed in northern Brazil in both savoury and unsweetened preparations, often accompanied by local staples such as manioc flour. The sweet, fruit-topped açaí bowls popular in other parts of Brazil and internationally are a more modern interpretation. My Via Veggie Vegan version combines suitable dried, pitted açaí fruit pieces with creamy unsweetened soy yoghurt, then adds colourful rows of blueberries, redcurrants, mango, kiwi, rolled oats and ground flaxseeds. The result is a vibrant, nourishing, Brazilian-inspired rainbow breakfast that brings a little tropical sunshine to the table.
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Brazil – A Country of Culinary DiversityBrazil is the largest country in South America, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, tropical landscapes, vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage. Its cuisine reflects centuries of Indigenous Brazilian, African, Portuguese and other cultural influences, creating a fascinating variety of regional food traditions. From the Amazon rainforest to the Atlantic coastline, local ingredients and cooking techniques differ considerably. Coconut milk, cassava, beans, peppers, fresh herbs and tropical fruits all play important roles in Brazilian cooking. The northeastern state of Bahia is particularly famous for its aromatic, colourful dishes and strong Afro-Brazilian culinary heritage, making it a wonderful source of inspiration for my Via Veggie Vegan journey.
What Is Moqueca de Salsão-Raiz?Moqueca is a traditional Brazilian stew particularly associated with the coastal states of Bahia and Espírito Santo. Moqueca baiana typically combines fish or seafood with coconut milk, red palm oil, tomatoes, peppers, onions and coriander, while moqueca capixaba follows a different regional tradition without coconut milk or palm oil. My Moqueca de Salsão-Raiz is a contemporary, Brazilian-inspired vegan interpretation that gives celeriac the leading role. Tender pieces of this wonderfully earthy root vegetable are cooked with tomatoes, red bell pepper, garlic and chili in a rich coconut sauce. Fresh turmeric and a little orange zest create a beautiful golden-orange colour without using traditional red palm oil, while lime juice and plenty of fresh coriander provide a vibrant, aromatic finish. A colourful, comforting plant-based tribute to the flavours of Bahia – with a very personal Via Veggie Vegan twist!
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Austria – A Country of Culinary TraditionsAustria is a Central European country known for its Alpine landscapes, historic cities and rich culinary heritage. Influenced by neighbouring regions and the former Habsburg monarchy, Austrian cuisine features hearty soups, dumplings, pastries and comforting traditional dishes. Clear broths with various garnishes remain an important part of Austrian food culture.
What Is Frittatensuppe?Frittatensuppe is a traditional Austrian soup made with thin pancakes rolled up, sliced into delicate strips and served in hot, flavourful broth. These pancake strips are called Frittaten, while the closely related southern German speciality is known as Flädlesuppe. Traditionally prepared with eggs, milk and often beef broth, my Via Veggie Vegan version uses chickpea flour pancakes, homemade vegetable broth, colourful vegetables and aromatic lovage, also known as Maggi herb, for a completely plant-based interpretation.
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Austria – Alpine Landscapes and a Rich Culinary HeritageAustria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, famous for its spectacular Alpine landscapes, historic cities and diverse regional food traditions. Its cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange within the former Habsburg monarchy and neighbouring countries. Hearty dumplings, potato dishes, seasonal vegetables and traditional pastries play an important role in Austrian cooking. From Tyrolean mountain specialities to Viennese classics and the rustic cuisine of Upper Austria, the country's culinary heritage is wonderfully varied.
What Are Grammelknödel?Grammelknödel are traditional Austrian dumplings particularly associated with Upper Austria. The name combines Grammeln, meaning crispy pork cracklings, with Knödel, the German word for dumplings. Traditionally, a soft potato dough is filled with seasoned cracklings, onions and marjoram, then gently cooked and commonly served with sauerkraut. My Via Veggie Vegan interpretation replaces the traditional pork filling with savoury plant-based ham cubes and uses a completely vegan potato dough. Served with creamy sauerkraut and a refreshing cucumber-dill salad, this hearty Austrian classic becomes a delicious plant-based comfort meal.
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Albania – Mountains, Forests and Mediterranean Traditions
Albania is a country in southeastern Europe, bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and characterized by dramatic mountains, fertile valleys and diverse regional food traditions. Its cuisine reflects Mediterranean and Balkan influences, with olive oil, vegetables, herbs, legumes and seasonal produce playing important roles. Chestnuts grow in several forested regions, including northern Albania and areas around Lake Ohrid, where they have long been valued as a seasonal food.
What Is Supa me Gështenja?
Supa me gështenja simply means chestnut soup in Albanian. This recipe is a rustic, Albanian-inspired preparation rather than a single standardized national dish. Cooked chestnuts are combined with leeks, potatoes, garlic and vegetable stock to create a naturally creamy texture. A little olive oil adds richness, while nutmeg complements the chestnuts' mild sweetness. For my Via Veggie Vegan version, crispy plant-based bacon replaces the optional traditional meat topping, bringing a smoky, savory contrast to the smooth soup.
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Via Veggie Vegan Vunderland – Where Culinary Imagination Comes Alive
Welcome to my very own culinary wonderland, where childhood memories, seasonal celebrations and creative plant-based cooking come together. Via Veggie Vegan Vunderland is a special destination on my culinary journey, existing alongside – but separate from – the 195 countries I'm exploring through their traditional dishes. Here, there are no geographical borders and no limits to culinary imagination. Familiar flavours become new creations, ordinary ingredients turn into edible works of art, and a little kitchen magic is always welcome. Especially during Halloween, when even the most innocent breakfast might suddenly grow wings!
What Is Spooky Breakfast Magic?
Spooky Breakfast Magic is my playful vegan interpretation of a marzipan poppy seed yoghurt I loved during childhood. Homemade alcohol-free marzipan, finely ground almonds, aromatic blue poppy seeds and creamy unsweetened soy yoghurt recreate that wonderfully nostalgic flavour combination without dairy or eggs. Juicy pomegranate seeds add a refreshing fruity contrast, while handmade Oreo cookie bats with tiny edible eyes transform two simple breakfast glasses into a miniature Halloween scene. Sweet, nutty, creamy, fruity and delightfully spooky, this creation works equally well as a special breakfast or an indulgent vegan dessert. It isn't a traditional dish from any particular country – it's pure Via Veggie Vegan Vunderland imagination!
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Uruguay – A Small Country with a Big Grilling Tradition
Uruguay lies on the Atlantic coast of southeastern South America, between Argentina and Brazil. Its food culture has been shaped by cattle ranching, European immigration and the traditions of the Río de la Plata region. Asado, the preparation of food over a grill or open fire, is deeply rooted in Uruguayan social life. Sharing grilled food with family and friends is about much more than eating: it is an important expression of hospitality and community.
What Is Churrasco con Papas Fritas y Chimichurri?
Churrasco generally refers to a steak, often grilled or pan-seared, while papas fritas are French fries. Chimichurri is a fragrant condiment associated with the Río de la Plata region, especially Uruguay and Argentina. It traditionally combines chopped parsley, garlic, oregano, vinegar and oil, sometimes with chili. This Via Veggie Vegan version replaces beef with plant-based steak, uses oven-baked sweet potato fries instead of conventional potato fries and adds fresh tomato to the chimichurri. Vegan Parmesan provides a final savory touch. It is a contemporary vegan interpretation of a familiar steak-and-fries combination rather than a traditional Uruguayan recipe.
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Aotearoa New Zealand – A Land of Remarkable Landscapes and Rich Food Traditions
Aotearoa New Zealand is an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, renowned for its dramatic mountains, volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, rugged coastlines and extraordinary biodiversity. Its food culture reflects Māori traditions, European influences and the contributions of many other communities. Māori food knowledge includes the cultivation of kūmara, the gathering of seasonal ingredients and cooking practices closely connected to the land and natural environment. Contemporary New Zealand cuisine embraces both traditional ingredients and international influences, creating opportunities for innovative plant-based interpretations.
What Makes This New Zealand-Inspired Vegan Steak Special?
This dish is a contemporary Via Veggie Vegan creation rather than a traditional Māori recipe. Its connection to Aotearoa lies primarily in kūmara, the sweet potato that has played an important role in Māori food culture for centuries. The creamy orange mash is paired with plant-based steaks, caramelised onions in a rich beetroot jus and green beans with smoky vegan bacon. The combination creates a hearty, colorful plate that celebrates a historically significant ingredient while giving the familiar steak dinner a completely plant-based transformation.
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