The Grassy Hopper – a vegetarian restaurant or a vegan philosophy?

Veggy Malta met up with Yasmin Degiorgio, owner of The Grassy Hopper to see what was the inspiration behind this venue.

So what kick started The Grassy Hopper? Yasmin had come back from abroad bringing with her all the experiences at vegetarian and vegan restaurants abroad. This inspired her to want to open a vegetarian restaurant in Malta and make vegetarian and vegan food more accessible.

Yasmin is a vegetarian herself believing that vegetarianism is about love. Love for our planet, for animals and ourselves. Interestingly enough Yasmin was relatively uninterested in food before becoming a vegetarian. It was the step towards vegetarianism that opened her up to the food world. Opening a relationship with vegetables, superfoods and the pleasure of eating.

The aim behind opening The Grassy Hopper was (and is) to inspire people about healthy (vegetarian and vegan) food which is colourful and tasty. All this though without being judgemental and accepting all.  This means that whilst it is a safe place for vegetarians and vegans, it welcomes all and promotes vegetarian and vegan food through taste and experience. I can identify with this as it is a parallel with what Veggy Malta is all about.

Yasmin believes that The Grassy Hopper is not a place to eat but a philosophy. This what makes the energy inside the restaurant so good.

The Grassy Hopper produce all their food in-house, including their own vegan cheese. There also is a selection of organic coffee, teas, juices, chai syrup, fresh wheat-grass juices, vegan organic and gluten free beer and wines.

For those who want take-out, they provide the food in fully compostable packaging.

4 most popular dishes at The Grassy Hopper

So what are the top 4 most popular dishes at The Grassy Hopper.

1. Portobello Mushroom & Buckwheat Burger @ €10
2. Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich @ €12
3. Chilli non Carne €9
4. Vegan Burito wrap €6

Where to find The Grassy Hopper

You can find The Grassy Hopper in Gzira. Follow this map. Opening hours: Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays between 9.00am and 4.00pm. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 8.00am and 10.00pm (kitchen closes from 4.00pm till 6.00pm). They have a facebook page and a website.