Last weekend was the second gathering of Seoul Vegan Potluck, a relatively new but growing community event in Seoul. SVP began organically over the dinner table when friends of photographer and vegan cook Claire Harris began to ask for advice on preparing healthy, vegan meals. Like many people, they were curious about what it means to be vegan and had some reservations about preparing foods that they felt were foreign to them. The potluck started as an gathering to help them to become more familiar with vegan food and has blossomed into a community event open to everyone and supported by local businesses in Seoul.
Seoul Vegan Potluck is a way for herbivores and omnivores alike to come together over great food. The purpose of SVP is to show how easy it is to prepare inexpensive and healthy vegan meals even in the land of galbi. Those who may be unfamiliar with vegan food can learn more about it and seasoned veg veterans can share dishes and practice new recipes all while making some cool new friends and eating some damn good food.
The September potluck was hosted at , a great community center in Kyungnidon used for everything from art workshops to yoga classes to kombucha making lessons! The potluck had about 40 people in attendance making the atmosphere cozy and communal. Of course, there was LOTS of food including walnut and fig salad, spring rolls, chana masala, pumpkin tofu scramble, pasta salad, fresh fruit, quinoa, kimbap and even chocolate chips cookies and soy milk! The big hit of the day was the zaalouk, a Moroccan eggplant salad which was prepared by the owners of , a fantastic Moroccan sandwich shop in Haebangchon.
We couldn’t even get a picture of it before it was almost gone! As the numbers grew inside SPACE, some people slipped off to the roof for some impromptu acroyoga. Just the thing for a stuffed belly (okay, maybe not but it looked awesome!).
Directions to Casablanca: Line 6, Noksapyeong Station exit 2. Walk straight until you see the kimchi pots on your left. Follow the road left and walk up the hill for about 5 minutes. You will see Casablanca on your left. About 10-15 minute walk from the subway station.
