For some people, veganism is seen as a trend or an identity that defines a minority of people.
In reality, veganism doesn’t have to be so complex and exclusive. It is about undertaking a personal reflexion that pushes us to rethink which kind of consumers we want to be. Meanwhile, each and every person is different, veganism should first be about respect and putting an end to judgmental thinking and cruel actions. This philosophy is the one that Adhana has adopted and decided to promote to its community.
The little kitchen in Santiago doesn’t close its doors to the non-vegan by imposing its values. They respectfully invite customers to ask themselves the right questions on how to consume, eat and think. Their strategy is opting for an open-minded attitude and inspiring others with knowledge and information.
Their cuisine is promoted as plant-based, a term that is sometimes easier to accept for people who are still learning about a better way to nourish themselves. Adhana focuses on fresh and locally grown ingredients. They claim that there shouldn’t be anything complicated about working with quality fruits, vegetables or grains. Therefore, they believe in an affordable menu that can enable the larger public to understand that healthy food shouldn’t be a luxury, but a way of life.
The passion and beautiful values at the core of the restaurant Adhana are what make all the difference. The cozy little cafe is the definition of a dream that came true. It is a utopia followed to make a better world. Sylvia Portugués, Carolina Salas and Juan Pablo Vásquez are the three inspiring souls that decided to take the leap and create a vegan kitchen. They were driven by the desire to offer creative, affordable and nutritious meals in the buzzing city of Santiago.
In alignment with their general mindset, Adhana was opened in a tiny house-like locale, in the charming neighborhood of Providencia. There, you feel at home and you are allowed to take a refreshing break. The high ceilings, white walls and sleek decor create a cozy and charming environment. Its small and not-too-distant tables encourage customers to socialize while waiting for their food.
The menu is innovative, photogenic and 100% free of processed foods. A nutritious cuisine made of organic, fresh and plant-based ingredients, but most importantly, a cuisine which is filled with the many flavors of nature. A range of rich and fancy sourdough toasts, creamy chia puddings, guilt-free deserts, nutritious juices and smoothie bowls are served for a gourmet breakfast. During lunch time, the menu focuses on spectacular burgers made with a pink beetroot and quinoa bun, generously stuffed burritos and fulfilling salads.
Adding Adhana to your Santiago bucket list is a small but meaningful step towards being a better consumer. From the quality of their ingredients to the attitude they adopt, the restaurant and its team is improving our society and you can be part of the movement by simply supporting projects that focus on values rather than income.
About the author: Marie Dykmans is a Belgian food blogger currently travelling the world. Her passion for health and food has lead her to discover some of the best vegan kitchens across the world. She is passionate about cuisine but also about yoga, meditation and believes in a conscious way of consuming. Follow her culinary and travelling adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/choupetamarie/ or on her food blog: www.choupetamarie.com
The author of this article was invited to come visit the restaurant featured in the above write up. However, the opinions expressed in this write up are solely those of the author, and not of HappyCow or the restaurant.
