A vegetarian lunch, Indian-style. | Photo by javajoba, Flickr
Newly landed in Vancouver, I remember the remarks I heard before my departure from Montreal. The city, praised for its natural beauty between mountains and ocean, certainly deserves its beautiful green reputation. Its inhabitants, faithful to the perception I had of them back east, seem particularly sporty and eco-friendly. But what my friends from Montreal forgot to mention is that Vancouverites also value vegetarianism. Knowing that, my mind awakens and my senses prepare themselves as I break into a grin.
I became a vegetarian after moving to Montreal from France three years ago. It was a deliberate choice at first that became more firmly anchored as I discovered more about the lifestyle’s positive effect on health, the environment and even on animals.
When living in Montreal, it was easier to be vegetarian than in France, thanks to the great variety of foods that were available. Vancouver is no different and offers an idyllic base for leading this lifestyle. Certain grocery stores clearly mark out vegan products, in the same way they do organic items.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! The vegan and vegetarian community of Vancouver keeps active with blogs, restaurants, bakeries, stores, festivals, meeting groups, animal shelters, activism – the list goes on. Not long ago, while Canadians were getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, I saw people handing out leaflets that had recipes and information on them for a cruelty-free version of the holiday. That was another moment of joy. I am grateful to Liberation BC, for leading that project, and to my friend who told me about it.
Since my arrival in Vancouver several weeks ago, I’ve delighted in crisscrossing this beautiful metropolis looking for vegetarian-friendly invitations. From the delicious and fruity vegan cupcakes to the cute pair of animal-material-free boots, it’s difficult to resist “Vegcouver’s” charms. Here, many restaurants have meals that are vegetarian or vegan, cooked or raw, on-the-go or elaborate. Even the traditional burger joints have surprised me by offering a vegetarian option that’s great in a pinch.
But the cultural diversity of Vancouver is such that it’s hard to stay satisfied for long. I quickly realized that I can easily access vegetarian dishes of varied flavours and origins that showcase Vancouver’s incredible immigrant population. My first experience in the matter took place in Little India. My taste buds were quite satisfied by the sweet, salty and spicy delicacies that I was able to sample there. I am an unmatched fan of Indian food!
Another nice discovery was made by chance during a walk that took me to Little Saigon. In this neighborhood, Vietnamese food is under the spotlight. There, I recently discovered the rice-based pandan cake. During a cultural activity bringing together different nationalities, a friend kindly introduced me to this marvelously coloured dessert, which I have been dying to replicate. It is made up of my two favourite culinary pleasures: rice and vegetarian food. I did not know about pandan or the plant that it comes from, but I will buy this green extract and try cooking with it. How great it is to live in Vancouver where the main immigrant community is from Asia, and offers a true break from the culinary hum-drum.
Out west today, vegetarianism is increasingly common and is thought of as forward thinking, mostly due to environmental concerns, which are happily shared. Meat lovers can be reassured – there are delicious plant-based “meats” out there, which, according to an omnivore friend of mine, “are better, given they’re as tasty and healthier without the cholesterol.” Whatever spice tickles your fancy, I invite you to give it a go!
Translation Chris Heron
