Within the buzzing noise of tourism in Prague’s old town, there lies a quiet cobbled street that brings us to an oasis of calm. MAITREA is a vegetarian restaurant and tea house that specializes in mindfulness. The restaurant’s name, which literally translates in Sanskrit to “loving kindness”, implies its philosophy on delivering compassion through its plant-based cooking.
One of MAITREA’s many statuettes to inspire calm
The instant that its hungry eaters step foot into MAITREA, our atmosphere abruptly morphs from busy street sounds to a peaceful hush. Every detail of the interior, from the cozy wooden floors to the lush green houseplants to the old-style Buddhist figurines, are chosen with the utmost consideration for a Zen eating experience. The building’s old-style European architecture has been renovated to encompass mobile indoor fountains and a fireplace positioned intentionally, guided by the principles of feng shui. Guests can retreat to their favorite of the many aesthetically-pleasing corners of the restaurant’s 90-seat floor plan.
MAITREA’s cozy wooden interior space
Similar to the restaurant’s intentionality in interior design, its chefs have crafted the menu with a sense of purpose. Its plant-based meals are made to highlight mother nature’s abundance. Ingredients are fresh, natural, and selected with the utmost care for the planet and its people. MAITREA appeals to vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike, delivering mouthwatering Asian-inspired dishes as well as plant-based versions of traditional Czech cuisine.
One of MAITREA’s many quiet corners dressed in earth-inspired feng shui
During my recent visit to Prague, I came to MAITREA hungry and left happy. I was craving a taste of local cuisine, and I was satisfied with my selections to say the least. I splurged on a 3-course solo dinner of traditional staples, and savored every morsel of heaven in-between sips of local wine.
Warm spinach crepes with eggplant purée
Spinach crepes filled with herbed eggplant purée and served alongside a savory Pomodoro dip made a warm and mouth-watering starter that wet my palate for the rest.
Raw poppy seed strudel
After finishing this edible adventure, I had room for only a bite or two of dessert. Their raw strudel was the cherry on top that I needed. This traditional sweet, made of apple dough, poppy seed swirl, plums, cashews, and a touch of agave syrup was a truly sweet finish to remember. I was left with a full belly, a clear head, and a striking feeling of having experienced a meditation of all senses.
Another of MAITREA’s many statuettes to inspire calm
MAITREA is a culinary experience for all who seek to simultaneously explore mindfulness and traditional cuisine. Next time you’re in Prague, clear your mind and prepare to be blown away by a meditation of plant-based eating.
About the author: Lacey Gibson is a global health researcher, a food writer, and a Vinyasa yoga teacher. She recently graduated with a Masters of Science in Global Health Population from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Here, she also served as a Food Literacy Project Fellow, coordinating community events to inspire education of the food system. Prior to her Masters, she graduated in 2015 with a BA/BS in French and Physiology from Southern Illinois University, where she also competed as an NCAA DI track/cross country runner. Throughout her career, Lacey’s work has been published in academic journals, such as the Journal of Wine Research and the International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities. She is also a regular contributor to writings for a wider wellness-interested audience, such as UNDO Ordinary, I Am Woman Project, and Skin In The Game. For a full taste of her writing style, keep up with her here.
