Editing Bucharest (section)

===Vegan Places===

Unfortunately, Bucharest is not a vegan friendly city. There are only two vegetarian restaurants and both are quite expensive, especially for Romanian standards. Mandala (http://www.happycow.net/reviews.php?id=19098) is the lesser expensive of the two, but it does not have a very wide range of vegan food, most dishes contain milk, cheese, eggs, etc. The manager says he is going to change the menu to include more vegan food in September 2010. The other more expensive restaurant is Casa Satya (http://www.happycow.net/reviews.php?id=15198)

You will be able to find vegan/vegetarian selections in almost every restaurant. One with a wide choice of recipies is New York Pizza, at Nicolae Grigorescu Metro station. They offer pizza, pasta, traditional food and even sweets, all in vegan variety. A good advice for vegans is to also try the international fast food chains that allow you to create your food (like Spring Time or Gregory's) and also traditional libanese, indian or chinese restaurants. A very good local fast food with traditional turkish food is Alice Kebap at Rosetti Square (Universitate Metro station), that offers the best falafel in town. In any other restaurant, you will be able to find side dishes (rice, potatoes, vegetables) and a variety of salads for you to eat. Some restaurants (City Grill/Cafe) have even included some veggie sandwiches and soups in their menues, although there is not so much to chose from.

Regarding the traditional food, most of "Romania's best" is food that includes meat and cheese, but not exclusively. Mamaliga (polenta) for example, is a sort of corn bread, usualy ate with cheese and sour cream, but can also be eaten with garlic sauce. Sarmale, the traditional excelence, can be found in vegan variety (soy, rice and champignons instead of meat) in many restaurants.
In any supermarket you will find vegan products (from the usual fruits and vegetables, canned or raw, to soy products or international delights). Some of the best are Mega Image and Cora. Do read the labels (some might be labeled as vegan although they have gelatine or milk proteine). The usual vegan pastry stuff is that filled with champignons or fruit (Fornetti, Princess), but don't be afraid to ask for more options!

The good way to ask for vegan food is "Ce aveti de post?" (meaning "What lent food is there?"), romanians not being very familiar with vegan/vegetarian lifestyle.
Enjoy!

There is a free vegan barbeque in a bar/club called Underworld (http://www.myspace.com/underworldpunkclub) every Sunday. Check with them for the time as it changes.