Have you ever tasted something that made you feel like you were somewhere else in the world?
In this episode of the World Vegan Travel Podcast, we chat with Chef Adina (Rachel Adina Mullen), a plant-based chef and author of Vegan Flavors of the World. She shares how her travels have shaped her cooking—and how food can connect us to culture, memory, and people.
Cooking Inspired by Travel
Chef Adina creates more than recipes—she creates experiences.
As she travels, she visits local markets, observes traditional cooking, and learns how food is prepared in everyday life. Instead of changing dishes completely, she keeps their meaning and makes them plant-based.
This is what makes her vegan travel inspired recipes so special. They feel real, familiar, and connected to culture.
Spain: A Fine Dining Surprise
One standout moment from the episode is Chef Adina’s experience at Akelarre in San Sebastián.
This three Michelin-star restaurant created a fully vegan tasting menu just for her. Every dish was thoughtful and carefully made.
It showed her that plant-based food can be just as refined and creative as any other cuisine.
Japan: Learning Simplicity and Balance
Japan helped Chef Adina slow down.
She learned that food does not always need bold flavours. Sometimes, balance and simplicity are more powerful.
By using ingredients like seaweed and focusing on technique, she creates depth without relying on traditional non-vegan ingredients.
Italy & Israel: Food That Brings People Together
In Italy, she discovered how simple ingredients can create beautiful meals.
Fresh vegetables, olive oil, and herbs are often enough.
In Israel, she experienced something even deeper—shared meals.
Food is passed around, enjoyed together, and becomes a way to connect.
A Different Way to Think About Vegan Cooking
Chef Adina shares an important idea:
Many traditional meals are already plant-forward.
Instead of replacing ingredients, we can learn from what already exists—beans, grains, vegetables, and herbs.
This makes vegan travel inspired recipes feel natural and easy to enjoy.
About Vegan Flavors of the World
Chef Adina’s cookbook series brings global recipes into one place.
She shares dishes inspired by her travels, making it easier to explore different cultures through food.
She is currently working on the next volume, which will include new destinations like Eritrea and Bhutan.
Travel Tips for Vegan Travelers
Here are a few simple tips from Chef Adina:
- Use apps like HappyCow and TripAdvisor
- Visit local markets
- Stay curious and open
- Keep snacks with you when options are limited
Small steps can make a big difference when traveling as a vegan.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode is about more than food.
It’s about:
- Travel
- Culture
- Connection
And how all of these come together on your plate.
Follow Chef Adina
You can follow Chef Adina and her work here:
Instagram: @adinasdelicacies
Explore her cookbook:
Vegan Flavors of the World
💬 Final Thought
Food is more than what we eat.
It’s a memory.
It’s a story.
And sometimes, it’s a journey around the world—one plate at a time.
🌱 Ready to Travel and Eat Vegan Around the World?
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Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- How travel influences vegan cooking and recipe creation
- Chef Adina’s experience with plant-based fine dining in Spain
- Lessons from Japan on simplicity, balance, and flavor
- The role of culture and tradition in global vegan recipes
- Tips for exploring vegan food while traveling the world
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Beyond the Diet | The Original Vegan on Food & Travel
- Vegan Food Tour Utrecht: Exploring Dutch Culinary Culture
- Vegan Berlin | Culture, Food & Community | Podcast
- Vegan Lake Tahoe Guide | Hiking, Skiing & Hidden Eateries
- Vegan Food Scene in Washington D.C. From a Local
- Vegan Miami Uncovered | Culture, Cuisine & Hidden Gems
