If you can easily find most of your favourite food transformed into a yummy vegan meal, sushi often remains the craving that devoted vegans suffer from. Already conceived as a healthy option, the plant-based chefs seem to focus less on the Japanese delicacies than on the myriad ways to revisit the classics. Burgers, wraps, pizzas are the main attractions of the plant-based culinary scene. Regretfully, vegan restaurants tend to neglect the many cuisines that make our planet such a beautiful place.
Luckily, they are entrepreneurs that are innovative enough to challenge the status quo and invest in what hasn’t been done yet instead of following the existing trends.
May I present you Roots & Rolls, one of the most avant-garde plant-based concepts opened in Barcelona. Their cuisine is a fusion of Japanese/Asian heritage with a touch of international inspirations incorporating flavours and spices from all over the world.
The environment itself merits attention, its design atmosphere and trendy look attract the fine bouche but also curious foodies in search of the newest concept in town. Its unique minimalistic design is influenced by the Nordic legacy of the owner, Sandra de Jong. The elegant and modern setting is embellished by plenty of sophisticated details making the restaurant a cozy and inviting place. Yoga classes, exhibitions and other events are organized at Roots & Roots, the space is divided into different areas to allow groups to gather for special occasions.
The menu is exclusively plant-based, meanwhile, they tend to not focus their communication on that as their mission is to introduce veganism to the general public through delicious recipes instead of using activism and forceful speeches that might scare people away.
There is nothing traditional or simple about the menu–aesthetic presentations and mind-blowing savors seduce and convince that Roots & Rolls deserve its reputation. The combinations are definitely daring, innovative and surprising.
Some of the most creative starters are the Cauliflower Popcorn with togarashi seasoning, the Okonomiyaki Pancakes filled with seaweed, vegetables and accompanied with an aioli sauce, and the addictive Gyozas filled with sesame, tofu and shiitake mushrooms.
Interesting dishes that you don’t see anywhere else compete to win your heart. Or perhaps you will be the one fighting against the desire to order everything… Colourful Poké Bowls packed with flavours, the enchanting BBQ Jackfruit Bimbimbap of Korean origin, the rich Kari Coco, a sweet memory of the Thai kingdom, how can one make his mind up?
And if it wasn’t already hard enough, the stars of the menu are obviously the rolls! Almost two pages are dedicated to Makis, Sushis, Urumakis, Futomakis, Temakis,…
Thankfully, Roots & Rolls has the solution to all your problems, a lunch and dinner tasting menu enabling you to have a taste of a little bit of everything.
We have also picked out our favourite rolls to make your life even easier; the Crunchy Uramaki, the Pickly Pear Uramaki, the ChickPea Uramaki, the Mushroom Uramaki and the Futomaki!
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.
