Restaurant Whatever is an Asian-inspired lunch restaurant close to the centre of Tampere, located on Itsenäisyydenkatu. The owner, Vu, grew up in a small Vietnamese village helping in his parents’ vegetarian restaurant, and he brings the same philosophy here: food is cooked from scratch using fresh ingredients, keeping oil use moderate and flavours bright. At lunchtime, Whatever operates mainly as a buffet-style restaurant, with a salad table, soup, several warm dishes, rice and noodle options, vegetables, multiple tofu and soy-based dishes, small desserts and drinks. The flavour profile mixes influences from Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and other East and Southeast Asian cuisines, with fragrant herbs, curries, stir-fries and lightly pickled vegetables. A large part of the selection is plant-based, and vegan dishes are clearly marked and grouped together.
Guests appreciate that despite being a buffet, the food feels carefully prepared and varied rather than generic. Reviews highlight crispy tofu, rich aubergine stews, fresh summer rolls, well-seasoned curries and good value for money, as well as the friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. The restaurant is popular on weekdays with local workers, students and families, and its location near the station makes it easy to visit during a day in Tampere. For travellers, Whatever is a convenient stop if you are looking for a generous, flavourful lunch with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options in a relaxed setting.
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