Raw Cafe has some of the best vegan products in the city. I often go there for raw vegan desserts and they are the best. My favourite one is made with peanuts and dried figs. Besides deserts, they also have fresh juices, smoothies and good coffee. The shop is very conveniently located in one of the city centre's main streets. People there are friendly and helpful. I've also managed to find other interesting products there such as vitamins, food additives and medical products. If you wish to have lunch there, they also have a kitchen and you can order food either 'to go' or to eat there. I've never tried the food on their menu, but if it is as good as their desserts - it is definitely worth checking out. Unfortunately, there are not more than 2-3 places in the whole city that are vegan friendly and I am certain that this is the only Raw Vegan place.
There is however one more 'life hack', if you are a vegan traveller. In Moldova, due to religion, there are periods of the year when fasting is required. In our language it is called 'post'. During these fasting periods, restaurants offer special 'post' menus and a wider selection of 'post' dishes. These are no-meat, no-dairy, no-egg dishes and are exactly what vegan or vegetarian people may be looking for. If you ever end up in a non-vegetarian restaurant, just remember to ask for 'Menu-ul de Post'. Enjoy!
Explore Chisinau like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Chisinau guide.
"Belgian Mussels" in Chisinau is all about seafood and mussels, and their specialty is the boiled mussels. It's ideal for a casual dinner with friends!
By
"Valea Morilor Panorama Point" in Chisinau makes for an excellent hiking trail, especially in summer! Not many people know about it, so it's secluded...
By
"Pegas Restaurant" in Chisinau is a chain of restaurants. Their chicken soup is famous, but I recommend the shakshouka...
By
"CoffeeMolka" is a classic hidden gem. I've lived more than 20 years in Chișinău and I only discovered this coffee place set up like a museum last year!
By
"Sincer - Gastro Market" in Chisinau means 'honest' - it's a great place to enjoy tea, coffee or juice & I love their brunch. Try the chicken with peach!
By
"Il Forno" makes the best pizza in Chișinău and I can attest to that. It embodies well the special relationship between our countries...
By
"Hidden Bar" is the best place in Chisinau to dive in for a few hours and lay back with a shisha or a great cocktail!
By
"Vegan Phi Restaurant" in Chisinau is a vegan restaurant with amazing main dishes, even if you're not vegan! Try the cauliflower steak...
By
"Smokehouse" in Chisinau is a community place with lots of locals and internationals. It's a beer haven with pub quizes on Tuesdays and great food!
By
"Cehov Square" is a green, renovated square in Chisinau in front of the theater. It was the first crowdfunding project of its kind. It's so relaxing!
By
"Marlene Bar" in Chisinau might not even have the best cocktails in town (although I like them), but the atmosphere of this European-style bar is worth it!
By
"Cărturești Books" in Chisinau has everything from books, posters, board games, magnets... I esp. like the reading area where you can sit with a book.
By
87 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 87 Insider Tips from our local Spotters