Dining/ Restaurants/ Reviews/ Travel

VekoLogisch in Amsterdam

While it might just sound like a funny word, “squatting” is a fascinating sub-culture of The Netherlands since the 80’s. In the past, vacant buildings could legally be inhabited by basically anyone that felt like claiming them as their own. This movement was started by young people in Holland, unable to find or afford other housing options. They’d basically just walk into an abandoned building and set up shop. And just like that, they were home.

Today, things are a little bit different, but there are still many restaurant owners holding on to the culture of the squat. While in Amsterdam, I knew I wanted to check out this interesting scene, so I reached out to a few squats and got a reply from Erik of VekoLogisch. Erik has run this operation for many years, far before the act of squatting became illegal in 2010.

VekoLogisch runs once a week for dinner, offering delicious and affordable home cooked meals out of a small kitchen in the back of a theatre.

This is a legalized squat, meaning that Erik has permission from the government to hold this weekly dinner. While I was there, he was whipping up authentic Mexican delights.

A full three-course meal cost only €9, which is a serious steal for Amsterdam, one of the more expensive towns that I’ve visited on my travels (well worth it though!). We dined on roasted pumpkin, ChiliSinCarne wraps, and courgette guacamole. Everything was fresh, organic, and served up with a smile.

When asked why he was vegan, Erik said that he knew that if we continued to consume the way that we do now, his children and their children will have nothing left and this is something that bothers him every day. He was so full of excitement and cheer, this guy. And, almost as if it was contagious, I left there and walked home through downtown Amsterdam wearing quite the grin across my face, feeling both fully satiated and brightly optimistic about the future ahead.

 

About the author: James is a full-time traveler and vegan restaurant photographer that offers free photo sponsorships to plant-based restaurants all around the world, helping them spread their cruelty-free crusade to the masses. James is currently on his second year of travel and is making his way through Europe as we speak. You can follow his adventures on Facebook and Instagram @theveganveggiebond.

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