Hiltl, Zurich, the world's oldest running vegetarian restaurant as recognised by the Guinness World Records.
Besides classic meat-heavy dishes recreated using meat substitutes, the menu features many Indian dishes and Southeast Asia ones. One of their signature dishes, the Banana Madras is an ode to Indian flavours and spices. A juicy, ripe banana served in a rich curry with a side of rice and pappadam is a popular draw. Other favourites are palak paneer, chole, pakodas and their Indian thali.
back in 1898, when the Vegetarierheim and Abstinence-Cafe came up, such a place was unthinkable. In a country where meat features predominantly across all meals, vegetarian food was both uncommon and mocked at. So much so that the place was nicknamed 'the root bunker' and patrons were reluctant to be seen dining at the restaurant.
Around that time, a Bavarian tailor named Ambrosius Hiltl settled in Zurich. He was diagnosed with rheumatism and was advised a plant-based diet as a cure. Hiltl began to dine at the Abstinence-Cafe and, to his surprise, his health improved tremendously.
Today, the classy building on Sihlstrasse is located right bang in the middle of Zurich's trendiest shopping districts. The massive three level restaurant features al fresco seating at the front as well as plenty of interesting options inside. The ever popular pay-by-weight buffet featuring 100 hot and cold dishes is on the ground floor and the upper floors serve à la carte diners. From when the doors open at 6:30am until shutters close, patrons flock to the restaurant for a variety of juices, salads, mains and desserts.
The restaurant's food received a big thumbs up when Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) approached them in 2009 to provide Indian meals across their flights. Till date Hiltl has catered all vegetarian meals served on intercontinental flights departing from Switzerland.
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Source: Internet
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