Samsara Foodhouse — delicious vegan surprises in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Most people don’t see Romania as a capital for vegan eating and dining, so I was blown away recently on a trip to Cluj-Napoca, Romania when I ate at the Samsara Foodhouse.
Saṃsāra is a Sanskrit word that means “wandering” or “world” and is often seen in a veggie / foodie context to refer to the cycle of rebirth. Which makes a lot of sense, if you think about it. The concept comes up in Buddhism and Jainism, which are also known for their embrace of vegetarianism and a more compassionate diet.
But in case you think calling a vegan and raw restaurant Samsara means it’s going to be serious or somber dining experience, think again. You’ll find a pleasant, fun, atmosphere with attentive service and food that’s flawlessly beautiful and delicious.
Being the only vegan, raw, and vegetarian place in town, Samsara is popular with a young crowd looking for a special meal. There’s so much emphasis here on presentation that you just know it’s going to look great, but the best part was that the food tastes even better than it looks, if that’s possible.
Overall, this was honestly one of the greatest vegetarian or vegan dining experiences I’ve ever had. Menu highlights include a range of noodle dishes, including rice noodles. The soups, in a range of healthy natural flavors, are exquisite, and their veggie burger is just about the most mouth-watering thing you could imagine.
This is a spot you can truly relax in and enjoy your gorgeous meal surrounded by the natural wood-and-brick setting in the middle of Cluj, just a few minutes’ walk from City Hall, Central Park, as well as some of the best nightlife in this city, which is a rising star in Romania’s cultural and intellectual scene. One interior brick wall of this renovated old house is covered in planters, but for the ultimate touch of green all vegetarians long for, there’s an actual olive tree in the middle of the restaurant.
What seriously took my breath away at the Samsara Foodhouse were the incredible desserts. We ended our meal with avocado chocolate truffles — don’t be scared off by the name, they’re incredible! — along with a chocolate and coconut cake that arrived drizzled in chocolate sauce and generously sprinkled with more coconut. They’re both a dessert-lover’s dream. (Bring your camera and get a few pictures before you ruin it by taking a bite!)
It’s always nice sampling local flavors when you travel, and being vegan doesn’t have to mean being limited when there are restaurants like Samsara Foodhouse out there. Cluj-Napoca may never give Europe’s major capitals a run for their money, but if you happen to be in this neck of the woods, you’ll be thrilled to know there’s a one-of-a-kind and delicious local vegan option just waiting for you.
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