alnabati

A vegan and vegetarian guide to the Bazaar in Beverwijk

Image from tripadvisor.com

What is the Bazaar?

The Bazaar is a large market area in Beverwijk, Noord-Holland, the Netherlands, operating mainly on Saturdays and Sundays. According to its website, the Bazaar consists of 1200 shops, more than 60 food stands, and represents more than 40 cultures. Large areas are dedicated to cheap and second hand clothes, electronics, and other miscellanea, but the truly unique feature of the Bazaar is the multitude of restaurants, grocery stores, and produce from all over the world, with a strong emphasis on the middle east. Somewhat surprisingly, Afghanistan is one of the most well-represented cultures in the Bazaar, as well as Turkey and Syria. But the Bazaar is truly very diverse, featuring cuisines from, among others, Suriname, Morocco, Somalia, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Kurdistan, Iran, India, China, and of course, the Netherlands. It is truly a wonder, and also a bit surprising and weird, to find this mix of cultures in the middle of Beverwijk, of all places. It may sound like a cliché, but spending time in the Bazaar, with all the colours, noises, and smells, really feels like being transported to another place. I’m not sure where exactly, but it surely doesn’t feel like Noord-Holland.

For foodies, at least those with an open mind and an appreciation to street food, the Bazaar is of course a paradise. At the same time, and especially if you happen to be vegetarian or vegan, the Bazaar may look at first sight like one big grill. There is, admittedly, a lot of kebabs and doners and other types of grilled meat in the Bazaar. But a closer look reveals a variety of flavors, also for vegetarians and vegans. Truly anyone who visits the Bazaar has an opportunity to taste something they have never heard of before.

Why this guide?

A visit to the Bazaar can be slightly overwhelming. That is part of the fun, of course, but if you are there to discover new foods, it can also be a challenge. An obvious way to start is by simply strolling through all the shops and food stands, but if you do that, you will probably be exhausted by the end of the round, still unsure where to eat. Another issue is that menus – and even restaurant names! - in the Bazaar tend to be quite enigmatic: they are often made for those who know what they’re coming for, and an outsider might have no idea what’s on offer. You might try to find some guidance on the website of the Bazaar, but that will really not help much (good luck trying to use the online map - especially from your phone!). With this guide, I hope to sketch out what is actually available in the Bazaar, especially for vegans and vegetarians, and help uncover some of the hidden gems.

Lastly, and most importantly, unfortunately one can only eat so much on one visit to the Bazaar. You might be tempted to try everything, and find yourself stuffed after the first roll of falafel. Therefore, my number one tip for a visit to the Bazaar: bring friends! And share food so you can get a taste of the many things that are on offer. You will not be able to try everything in one visit, but that’s alright. If you’re anything like me, the Bazaar will leave you with a sense of wonder that will have you urging – once you don’t feel so damned stuffed – to come back for more.

Some disclaimers

I cannot guarantee that all my statements about vegan or vegetarian food are always accurate. Things change, and even the same dish at the same restaurant may suddenly change ingredients. If you want to be sure, always ask about ingredients/allergies when ordering or buying.
This guide will probably never be complete or fully up to date. I will add here what I can whenever I can (and I do not visit the Bazaar that often). There are surely many things that are not (yet) included in this guide. Which brings me to the last point…
Part of the fun in the Bazaar is the feeling of being slightly lost, followed by a sense of understanding or discovering something new. You may choose not to read this guide at all before going, and let the place wholly surprise you. And if you find something new, do let me know! hyafim@gmail.com

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