Low budget traveling as a vegan requires some preparation and time, but it is totally worth the trouble of course. Leaving my kitchen-laboratory in Belgium was rather difficult, since I was afraid that cooking on the road would be impossible. Yet I soon adopted kitchens around the country as if they were my own. Here is how I ate while traveling the Trans Siberian Express:
I carried some basics with me at all times, turning my green linen bag into a mobile kitchen. The bag contained cutlery, two big food containers, spices and dry foods like nuts, seeds, pasta, buckwheat and oatmeal.
Before hitting the road I filled these containers up with freshly cooked vegetable and fruit dishes; and my little magic box of dried spices never let me down for transforming simple emergency dishes into delicious taste explosions.
The first container was for breakfast and it mostly contained overnight oats with hot water, mashed banana, fresh apple, cinnamon, ginger, nuts, etc. Depending on what’s available in the supermarket, you can create tons of variations without any limitations. I truly love this overnight oats breakfast – a gorgeous and nutritious meal that is super easy to prepare and can be found in almost any market around the globe.
I used the other container for lunch and dinner, with one-dish delights like pasta or rice with vegetables and spices. I preferred to eat it cold, much to the repulsion of my train wagon neighbors. For Russians it is pretty much the most disgusting thing you could do, and they always tried to convince me to heat up my food. But I ain’t killing my nutrients with microwaves, hell no!
Both of my food containers are big enough to hold two meals at once. I ate half of my breakfast/lunch one day and the other half the day after.
Instant noodles are a really popular travel food. I’m not so keen on welcoming this plastic “food” into my body, but I like noodles…so I found a healthier solution. In just about every supermarket you can find seaweed salads with different kinds of spices. They are absolutely delicious and full of Omega 3. Be cautious to always look at the picture on the label, because sometimes there is fish inside. You can buy pure quality Asian noodles almost everywhere and cook them for a couple of minutes in the hot water that is provided in every train wagon. When the noodles are ready, drain the water, add the sea weed, spices to taste, and enjoy!
Aside from the prepared dishes, it’s nice to have other snacks with you as well. As soon as the train departs, everyone puts on their pajamas and starts eating for the rest of the journey. So stocking up on fruits, bread, Ikra* and fresh vegetables is a great idea.
Also, you’ll want to avoid running out of food before you arrive at your destination, because the restaurants have limited vegetarian options. They are expensive and most likely have nothing vegan.
These tips can help you make any short or long distance train ride a really enjoyable experience. The Trans Siberian Express has been the perfect way for me to recharge my batteries on the road.
There is nothing better than lying in bed all day with a bunch of good vegan food you’ve packed. On the train, every day is Sunday.
* Ikra literally means fish eggs, but actually it’s a local vegetable spread mainly made out of marrow squash. It’s super cheap, delicious and healthy!
About the author: I am Marie, a simple farmer’s daughter without a plan. In October 2015 I decided to leave everything behind, sell my furniture and reduce my belongings so they could fit in a backpack. I’m determined to realize my dreams and travel the world. Follow me on www.facebook.com/belgianturtle
Image source: Penguin Travel
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