BODHI’s Story

LEUVEN ROOTS

Our journey started over a decade ago in Leuven’s vegan scene, with one of the city’s first plant-based restaurants on Tiensestraat — a Loving Hut location that quickly became a favorite for locals. It was here that I‑Wen Liu, born and raised in Leuven with Taiwanese roots, discovered her passion for plant-based cuisine. With no prior restaurant experience, she left her desk job to dive into the culinary world.

Expanding and Growing

A few years later, she opened a second Loving Hut (Veganarie) location on Rector De Somerplein in Leuven. Around the same time, she launched LIU Lin in Brussels, which became one of the city’s most successful vegan restaurants, known for fresh, bold, plant-based dishes and a devoted following.

Family and Partnership

In Leuven, I‑Wen met Pankaj, who had come from India to study engineering. Growing up in a traditional vegetarian family, he gradually embraced a vegan lifestyle for health and ethical reasons. Together, they welcomed their first child and strengthened their shared vision for plant-based cuisine.

Challenges and
New Beginnings

Like many local businesses, the pandemic brought difficult decisions, and the Leuven Loving Hut locations eventually closed. But Leuven had become home, and the pull to return was strong. Inspired by their younger child, Bodhi, they opened a small takeaway on Mechelsestraat — a way to continue sharing vegan Asian cuisine while balancing family life.

BODHI Today

After two years, the dream grew. They moved to Parijsstraat in Leuven, creating a welcoming space where locals and visitors can enjoy fresh vegan noodle soups, curries, woks, and shareable plates. Bodhi Plant-Based is a story of family, dedication, and the belief that plant-based eating nourishes body, mind, and community.