Vegan restaurant Lekker GEC reopens with a fresh look after renovation: “Buffet concept remains the same”
Het Laatste Nieuws | Mona Loontiens | Foto: Umut Sezer Koç
Lekker GEC, the vegan buffet restaurant at Gent-Sint-Pieters station, has a fresh new look. After being closed for four weeks for renovation, the establishment was festively reopened last Sunday.
Lekker GEC (Gents Ecologisch Centrum) has been located at Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein since 1999. Since 2010, they introduced a buffet concept, which has since become their trademark. Visitors serve themselves and pay by weight. “Thanks to this formula, we can keep our costs low and continue to offer affordable organic food to a wide audience,” explains cooperative member Robrecht. “The concept remains unchanged, but the interior was in urgent need of a refresh.”
The establishment received a thorough update, fully in line with the restaurant's philosophy: as sustainable as possible. The walls are finished with clay plaster and oak paneling, repurposed from a former bank building in Brussels. Curtains and cushions were made from recycled fabrics, while furniture and lighting were selected second-hand. Laptop visitors have also been considered: the restaurant now features custom-made benches with built-in power outlets.
Reopening
Visitors have been welcome again since January 18. The reopening was celebrated festively with live music by Tristan Visser, an explanation by interior architect Kaj Zwerver, and an art exhibition by Umut Sezer Koç, which is still on display.
Naturally, an extensive selection of dishes is available once again. For the buffet, you pay 3.35 euros per 100 grams. Those who prefer to choose a single dish can opt for pasta bolognese or pasta pesto rosso. You are also welcome to have a drink. Furthermore, soup, pastries, and a few snacks are available outside of buffet hours.
Those wishing to discover the renovated interior can stop by from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and on Sunday from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The buffet is open daily from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.