Looking for a delicious, unique, and yet traditional dining experience in Paris? We’ve got you covered! Read on to learn about Loly’s experience as a plant based chef in Paris and to get some cooking tips.
Loly hosts in her home in the 20th arrondissement, inviting a number of students and travelers to her table to experience authentic French cuisine, that also happens to be vegan. She is eatwith’s first vegan chef in Paris, and cooks mostly for non-vegans.
Loly’s unique dining experience provides a French twist on healthy and delicious plant based food that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Becoming a vegan chef
Loly’s inspiration to adopt a plant based lifestyle was rooted in changing the idea that vegan cooking lacks something. She says it’s not about ‘cooking without’ but instead it’s about embracing creative cooking using a variety of plant-based ingredients.
For Loly, adopting a vegan lifestyle is about taking care of the Earth, recognizing the impact our food choices have on the environment, and encouraging others to do the same. Her vegan culinary philosophy therefore revolves around ‘raising awareness of the ecological emergency’ our planet is facing ‘and encouraging people to change their eating habits’, promoting a shift towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Loly set up her own plant based catering company and also works as a private chef, cooking up colorful plant based buffets for events.
Loly's take on sustainable diets
Ask Loly what her go-to nutritious plant-based meal is and she’ll say ‘raw food’. It is argued that by eating raw produce you consume the maximum nutritional value of the ingredients and get a taste of the natural flavors in their purest form. It's a delicious and health-conscious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
In the kitchen, Loly makes sure to stock up on local and seasonal vegetables. This not only ensures freshness but is also a way to support local farmers and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food over long distances. You can also limit plastic packaging waste when shopping locally. It's a small but impactful step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to cooking.
Vegetables are not the only source of her inspiration–her travels also play a significant role in discovering emerging trends in the vegan world. Understanding what others eat in different culinary landscapes and cultures, and embracing new ingredients, keep her creations fresh and innovative.
Vegan tips and tricks
When asked how to balance a plant-based meal, and how to create a satisfying and nutritious dish, Loly says the key lies in being creative. Plants offer a number of nutrients–vitamins B2, A, and C, protein, potassium, magnesium, folate, and iron, for example–and experimenting with different combinations, textures, and flavors allows for a diverse and satisfying plate.
Most of her guests are not vegan but are dazzled by her favorite Tempeh Bourguignon, a plant-based take on the classic French dish Boeuf Bourguignon.
Where to find vegan food in Paris? Loly recommends these vegan restaurants in Paris: BrEAThe Vegan Sushi Bar, Soya Cantine, Hoy, Wild and the Moon, and Land and Monkeys.
Embracing a vegan lifestyle doesn't mean missing out or compromising on exceptional dining experiences. At eatwith, there’s a number of culinary activities you can explore from dinners, lunches or brunches, to tastings, food tours, and cooking classes.
Taking a break from dining out? Keep an eye for our hosts’ recipes for more inspiration at home!
