Eating vegan in Buenos Aires isn’t as difficult as we – or many others – imaged it would be. There are many restaurants which cater to vegans/vegetarians. Health food stores with wider options are widespread (though many sell junk-type food), as are fruit and vegetable shops.
You can even buy the Argentine speciality, empanadas, without cheese. Here’s a selection of some of the restaurants/cafes we have already tried and what we think of them.
Buenos Aires Verde
A real culinary diamond for us amidst all the steakhouses that surround it, this restaurant offers organic vegan and raw vegan food prepared to perfection. You couldn’t imagine a place like it in Argentina.
Portions are considerable and the food is fresh, light and tasty. We go whenever we can. There is so much to choose from. Deserts are excellent, as are the hearty salads. Don’t forget to try the almond milk smoothies. Their almond milk is like no other – creamy and frothy.
It is seldom busy, but, unlike many other restaurants in town, remains open most of the day – Mon-Sat 9am-midnight. The atmosphere is informal (relaxing) and the staff friendly. There is an English menu also. Expect to pay around £20 for two people. Cash only.
Gorriti 5657, Palermo.
Spring
This Chinese-owned buffet-style vegetarian restaurant with plenty of vegan options can be a little heavy on the stomach. With buffets, the temptation is always to get your money’s worth and therefore over-eat. Lots of the food is fried, but it is tasty.
We went there several times for lunch and at 38 pesos (just over £6) per person it’s terrific value (we were charged half price for Zenchai). There is soup and cold salad as well as cooked food. For vegetarians there are plenty of dishes with cheese. It does get busy, so come early, even if there is ample seating.
Bulnes 2577, Palermo Chico
Bio
The food didn’t quite live up to expectation. Maybe we’d been spoiled by the wonderful cuisine at Buenos Aires Verde and in a two-horse race between the two there is only one winner.
We found the food either under or over-seasoned. It never quite hit the button. Even the complimentary bread and dip served before your meal wasn’t up to standard. And yet it’s clearly a popular place, nicely situated with outdoor seating – a nice location for a relaxing meal.
Having been disappointed with our starters and main meals, we gave them another chance by going for desert. But this too, for the price, was substandard. The most expensive pudding, a raw cake, was still frozen around the edges and nothing elaborate or taste bud-dazzling.
On the plus side, the food is organic.
Humboldt 2199, Palermo Viejo (corner of Guatemala).
Quimbombo
Set in the chic district of Palermo Viejo, this restaurant offers a few vegan options, but the setting is more impressive than the food. There’s a stunning porch overlooking the plaza – a great spot for lunch (beware sitting in the scorching sun during summer). There is ample seating elsewhere.
The restaurant is on several levels. We found the service a bit slow and though the food was nicely presented, it wasn’t anything special for us. However, Quimbombo has had excellent reviews, so try it for yourself.
Costa Rica 4562, Palermo. Tel: 4831 5556.
Fly Natural Bar
We stumbled upon this café/restaurant by chance. It’s not featured on any vegan websites or guide listings. But it’s definitely a place to consider, especially if all you desire is a snack.
Situated in the city centre, close to the Argentine Football Federation’s offices, Fly offers a selection of juices and smoothies with superfoods such as maca, goji berries, cacao, bee pollen and spirulina, if that takes your fancy.
They also make vegan muffins, which are tasty, as well as sandwiches, wraps and vegetarian burgers. There are plenty of salads, too, some including quinoa and hummus.
Uruguay 707. Tel: 4519 8655. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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