Tasteful through Utrecht: on the road with the Vegan Food Tour

The Vegan Food Tour, founded by Daisy and Patrick, has a clear goal: to show that vegan food is tasty, versatile and accessible. After all, for many, eating plant-based is a conscious choice for animal welfare and a cleaner earth. During the 3.5-hour tour, we visit seven vegan hotspots in Utrecht, tasting something tasty at each location. We gather at the statue De Haas on the Neude, where Patrick gives a sneak preview of what awaits us.

Our first stop is at Life's a Peach, a hidden gem in a side street of the city centre. This place is known for perhaps the tastiest focaccia in the world, but today we taste something different: a Portuguese pastel de nata. This creamy pastry contains no animal products. Normally butter is used for the puff pastry, but here it is replaced by vegetable butter. The filling is also unique: no egg, but soy yoghurt, cornstarch for firmness and a pinch of turmeric for colour. Delicious! This pastel de nata brings the sun a little closer on this overcast day.

Vanessa is the face of Life's a Peach. She is part Italian, part Scottish and part Dutch. Her love of food is innate. In fact, her parents used to run an Italian takeaway restaurant where she could often be found. So making people happy with food is really in her blood. That is why she serves her favourite Italian lunch: focaccia, from Liguria, her family's region. But you can also score savoury pies, sweet pastries and grilled vegetables here. Perfect for a vegan lunch in Utrecht.

Utrecht is full of historic buildings that you might normally miss. Every nook and cranny of the city reveals something new. From statues on facades to former hotels among the busy shopping streets.

We walk past the Winkel van Sinkel on Oudegracht. This iconic, monumental building was once a shopping palace where silk, cotton and other special products were sold. It was one of the first big shops in the Netherlands and symbolises a time when people could buy more luxury. Fun fact: the name 'Winkel van Sinkel' is now often used in the Netherlands as a general term for shops where you can find anything. Today, the Winkel van Sinkel is no longer a shop, but an atmospheric restaurant where you can spend all day.

Next stop: FLFL. What awaits us there? Right, a delectable falafel! And believe me, this is truly irresistible! I haven't often eaten falafel, but this one exceeds all my expectations. Stuffed with the freshest ingredients and perfect dough. Everything is made on the day and is packed so you can eat it anywhere without messing around. No wonder FLFL has been named the 'Best Veggie Restaurant in the Netherlands', nominated by the Thuisbezorgd.nl jury. Don't worry if you're not in Utrecht for a vegan lunch or dinner, as FLFL also has locations in other cities, such as Groningen and Nijmegen.

After a long walk, it's time for a well-earned bite to eat. Nienke and I already have an inkling as we approach, and it turns out to be true! We go to BROEI, a popular restaurant for lunch and dinner in Utrecht that appeals to vegans and non-vegans alike. They are even listed in the Gault Millau.

Good to know is that BROEI mainly serves small dishes, so you can taste all the goodies. The menu is 100% plant-based. The interior is warm and inviting. There are cosy corners everywhere where you can sit privately and the comfortable lounge sofas invite you to relax. With every glance, you discover something new: travel books, sculptures, canvases and plants adorn the space. It feels casual and homely. A perfect place to unwind.

Next, we settle down at GYS on the Voorstraat. This is a well-known hotspot for many, as it has been there since 2014. It attracts students as well as families and tourists. The vegan restaurant in Utrecht is best known for its homemade, seasonal dishes such as the ''Ruffle My Truffle'' sandwich with truffle mayo and the vegan-friendly ''Mexican tostadas'' with vegetable cheddar and jalapeño.

On to another gem behind the Dom: Kluts! I myself did not know this place yet, even though it has been there for a few years. Kluts is a cosy coffee bar and vegan bakery where you taste the most delicious homemade, vegan cakes, cakes and biscuits of Utrecht. Today, we get a snicker. It is simply a delicious combination of peanut and dark chocolate. So delicious! Give me ten more, haha.

All products at Kluts show that animal ingredients are not necessary at all. Enjoy a slice of old-fashioned apple crumble cake or opt for a lesser-known treat, such as the pandan coconut cake. Since everything is vegan, it is naturally lactose- and egg-free. In addition, they use only spelt.