How to Survive as a Vegetarian in Buenos Aires
Okay to be honest, Latin America and especially Argentina is probably not the best culinary country to travel to, if you are a vegan or vegetarian. Meat and sausages are part of the culture and everywhere you go meat-obsession is present.
Finding vegetarian restaurants and products in Argentina can sometimes be hard, cost you a lot of time (and money) and afford time and patience. But don’t be desperate: Here comes the veggie-surviving-introduction-guide through Buenos Aires to manage the veggie lifestyle without spending hundreds of pesos in over expensive hipster restaurants!
1. Barrio Chino
The “Barrio Chino” is actually just one big street located in the district “Belgrano” and famous for oriental restaurants, street food and stores. After you have entered the impressive gate at the beginning of the street you will find a big variety of high quality food products for low prices. Apart from veggies and fruits from all over the world, tofu, veggie burgers, soya products and a lot of different spices are waiting in the Chinese supermarkets to make you happy.
Important facts:
- Opening hours: 9:00–21:00 h
- Address: Juramento (altura 1600) with Arribeños (altura 2100)
- How to get there: Take metro line D from Plaza de Mayo and get of station Juramento
2. Dietéticas
… or just healthy-heaven like my roomy is calling those stores. Searching for goji berries, chia seeds, quinoa or dried mushrooms? Then this is your place to go! Dietéticas are small shops, known for a grand variety of seeds, nuts, super foods and dried fruits, that you can discover here.
3. Bólson orgánico
Still not healthy enough? The “bólson orgánico” is an amazing option, that enable you to satisfy your non-plus-ultra cooking experience.
For 100–250 pesos you can get a weekly varying combination of 7 kg organic fruits and veggies, delivered next to a station of your home. Share a “bólson orgánico” with your roomies and start a big cooking party!
Where to get? Various companies offer it like:
4. Ferias instead of supermercados
If you compare the prices for fruits and vegetables, you will recognize that the prices are often way higher than for example in Europe. It is very common to go to 3 different stores to buy eggs, fruits and milk instead of buying everything in one big supermarket. A good alternative to find cheap products are the big fruit stores like “Alcampo”, where you can find a huge variety to way lower prices than in the supermarkets.
5. Get a member card in a supermarket
In most supermarkets you can get a member card, which gives you access to discounts and special offers. Just ask for a form and the smart shopping can start!
6. Do your supermarket shopping on Sundays
If you are too lazy to go to many different stores to do your shopping, just wait for Sunday! On Sundays a lot of supermarkets offer special prices for veggies and additionally you can have a relaxed shopping experience, avoid queuing with half of the population of Buenos Aires and save a lot of time.
7. The community is your best friend
Feeling like going out for dinner? Before you join the fray, check out…
- Guia oleo — a regional platform with helpful tips for restaurants and reviews
- Happy cow — a helpful list with tasty veggie restaurants
Do you have any veggie tips for Buenos Aires? Share them in the comments below.
Originally published on Ailola by Julia Philips on April 30, 2017.