Argentina: meat central, right? This is not always so any longer. As a committed vegetarian (that indicates I do consume dairy products) unlike vegans (no dairy or eggs) I feared moving to Argentina and being deprived of vegetarian options. I would be in predator heaven and starve, well possibly not. What could I consume except for deep-fried cheese, and pizza and be completely denied of nutrients? (and about 25 pounds heavier).

I was surprised! There are many vegetarians in Buenos Aires (compared to the USA it’s not that high) and numerous vegetarian dining and cooking alternatives.

My leading dining establishments for a guaranteed healthy and delicious meal consisting of:

Pura Vida Restaurant on Uriburu 1489 and Pena (look for the intense orange awning). This is a juice bar that likewise serves soup, sandwiches, and salads. It has actually been open less than a year ago by two ex-pats from the United States. One owner is a strict “raw foodist” (nothing baked) and the other is a vegan. At Pura Vida, you will have scrumptious liquados (shakes) or jugos (juices). My preferred healthy smoothie is the “Strawberry Fields Forever” which has banana, blueberry, raspberry, and apple juice and I ask for spirulina to be included.

The other option although not entirely vegetarian but carnivore friendly is California Burrito Company in Microcentro on Lavalle 441 and San Martin (4328-3056). This dining establishment was also opened by three ex-pats from the United States. As a vegetarian, you select from either pinto or black beans, different salsas, spicy mole, guacamole, sour cream (non-vegan), and vegetables.

In the Colegiales community, you will discover Verde Llama on Jorge Newbery 3623 (4554-7467). This is a raw food dining establishment run by Diego, an Argentine and staunch follower of the “living foods approach.” Then raw foodism is sacrilegious if vegetarianism is extreme in Argentina. At Verde Llama nothing is prepared. The base of the foods is made from cracker-like food made from sprouts processed in a “dehydrator.”.

The menu includes salads, lasagna, coconut curry, and a substantial juice and white wine list. They also have a mate mousse for dessert. Diego is extremely passionate about “living foods” and gives classes at restaurants on preparing raw food meals in the house. One of the chefs at Verde Llama is likewise a baker and offers his items for $10 AR at the dining establishment together with some other all-set-made items.

As a vegetarian, it’s easier to prepare meals from the house than scout out what I can and can not consume from a menu. (It’s likewise more cost-reliable to eat in!) The supermarket chain, Jumbo in Palermo (near the mosque) is a great resource for buying veggies, soy sauce, and some other staples. For more extensive shopping it’s worth a journey to Barrio Chino in Belgrano.

Barrio Chino is comprised of about 2 or 3 blocks and there are many dining establishments (some vegetarian) and stores stuffed into this little location. You can always find soy milk in Barrio Chino. At Asia Oriental Market on Arribenos, you will discover an extensive supply of baked tofu, silken tofu, and ready foods such as vegetarian sushi, vegetables, and fruits.

I have seen on expatriate websites in Buenos Aires that people search for coconut oil, sesame milk, and other items quickly discovered at The Whole Foods market chain in the USA. There is a growing market to accommodate vegetarians and with all of these individuals opening up dining establishments and markets, the demand will increase. Maybe, Argentina’s land of carnivores will become famous for vegetarian living too!

As a dedicated vegetarian (that indicates I do consume dairy items) unlike vegans (no dairy or eggs) I feared moving to Argentina and being deprived of vegetarian options. Barrio Chino is made up of about 2 or 3 blocks and there are many restaurants (some vegetarian) and shops crammed into this little area. At Asia Oriental Market on Arribenos, you will find a comprehensive supply of baked tofu, silken tofu, and ready foods such as vegetarian sushi, fruits, and veggies.

There is a growing market to accommodate vegetarians and with all of these individuals opening up dining establishments and markets, the demand will increase. Possibly, Argentina’s land of predators will end up being well-known for vegetarian living too!