Fania Lewando

Fania Lewando was a pioneering figure in the world of vegetarian cuisine during the early 20th century. She owned and operated a popular vegetarian restaurant in Vilna, which is now Vilnius, Lithuania. Her restaurant was not only a place to dine but also a cultural hub that attracted intellectuals, artists, and writers of the time.

Fania was deeply committed to the promotion of vegetarianism as a healthy and ethical lifestyle. She was ahead of her time in understanding the importance of vegetables and fruits in the diet, and she worked tirelessly to educate her community about the benefits of vegetarian food. Her cookbook, originally published in Yiddish in the 1930s, is a testament to her dedication and passion for vegetarian cooking.

Tragically, Fania Lewando's life and career were cut short by the events of World War II. Despite the loss of her and her restaurant during the Holocaust, her legacy lives on through her cookbook, which was rediscovered and translated into English, allowing a new generation to experience her innovative recipes and approach to vegetarian cooking.

Books

The Vilna Vegetarian Cookbook: Garden-Fresh Recipes Rediscovered and Adapted for Today's Kitchen