We kick off the tour with a surprising story about transformation. Once known as a concrete jungle, this mall has become a symbol of Utrecht’s urban renewal. What used to be a cold, grey transit zone is now one of the most visited indoor shopping centers in the Netherlands – and a place where new ideas take root. We use this location to reflect on how spaces, like diets, can evolve. Just like cities grow greener and more people-friendly, so too can our food system. From here, we cycle into the city with fresh eyes – and a hungry stomach.

This cozy, colorful spot is where flavors from around the globe come together in one little kitchen. Run by a passionate entrepeneur who once started in India, Little World Kitchen shows that plant-based food can be soulful, spicy and deeply satisfying. Every dish is homemade, bursting with herbs and spices, and tells a personal story. You’ll taste a sample inspired by traditional recipes – reimagined without animal products, but full of heart. This is comfort food, powered by culture and compassion.

With two locations in Utrecht, Za’atar brings the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine to a modern, plant-forward audience. The owners are on a mission to show that hummus, falafel and tabbouleh aren’t just tasty – they’re a celebration of simplicity and sustainability. At both venues, you’ll experience the warmth of Levantine hospitality and hear how this family-run business is creating space for honest, flavorful and mostly plant-based food in the middle of the city. Expect vibrant flavors and inspiring stories.

This stop is all about rebellion and reinvention. Oproer is more than a craft beer café – it’s a statement. Housed in a former industrial space in Utrecht Overvecht, Oproer brews bold beers and serves 100% plant-based food. The owners combine activism, taste and innovation in everything they do. You'll taste a surprising bar snack and hear how Oproer is turning a neighborhood café into a platform for change – where great beer, sustainable choices and punk ideals live side by side.

Forget what you know about late-night kebab shops. Karma Kebab is a revolution in a wrap. Their signature product is made from Dutch-grown vegetables and grains, bursting with flavor and cooked on a spit – just like the original. But without the meat, the mess or the macho. In a funky, festival-style setting, we’ll share a bite and dive into their story: how they turned a joke into a startup, and a startup into a movement. Karma Kebab is proof that plant-based food can be cool, fast and wildly satisfying.

One of Utrecht’s best-kept secrets, Kasvio is a fine dining plant-based restaurant with a forager’s soul. Here, vegetables are the stars – locally sourced, beautifully plated and often picked by hand. The chefs at Kasvio are on a mission to prove that plant-based can be gourmet, and that sustainability and elegance can go hand in hand. You’ll taste a refined amuse-bouche and hear about their dedication to local sourcing, wild ingredients and seasonal flavors. This is next-level vegan dining.

We end the tour at Veg Nation, a modern Indian restaurant that reimagines the country’s rich vegetarian traditions in a 100% plant-based format. Here, spices take the lead and hospitality is at the heart of every dish. You’ll sample a plate inspired by South Indian cuisine – aromatic, warming, and deeply satisfying. As you enjoy the flavors, you’ll learn how Indian food culture has always celebrated plants, long before veganism became a trend. A fragrant, nourishing finale to a day full of stories and discoveries.