Going off meat is a an increasingly popular choice in the world of today, and all around the globe people are changing their diet to avoid meat, or even animal products entirely. But being vegan or vegetarian is more than a food choice today. It is a more sustainable lifestyle. And with growing popularity comes growing choice, including here in Portugal! Whether because you've decided to cut out everything animal-based from your life, or simply because of your gastronomic curiosity about this "trend" that seems here to stay, if you want to explore vegan or vegitarian cuisine in Portugal, we have the right suggestions for you. Come and discover the 10 most vegan destinations in Portugal.
What does it mean to be vegan or vegetarian?
Before you can write down the list of vegetarian or vegan restaurants you can visit in the whole country, it is worth clarifying the essential question: what is the difference between vegetarian and vegan?
For many people, they mean the same thing, but the reality is a little different. Although the basis of the two concepts is very similar, the difference lies in the details.
Being vegan is not only a food option. In truth this is a lifestyle refuses products with animal origin or tested on animals, whether cosmetics, footwear, medicines or clothing. Thus, the 'diet' is a diet that excludes food or products derived from animals. In general, people choose to 'go vegan' in a large part in response to the poor conditions and cruelty inflicted in the keeping and transportation of animals.
A vegetarian, on the other hand, follows a freer diet because it only excludes meat or fish. For example:
- If you follow an ovo-vegetarian diet, you can consume vegetables and also eggs and their derivatives;
- If you choose a lacto-vegetarian diet, you can consume both plant products and dairy products, i.e. milk, yoghurt, cheese, butter, etc.
Bearing in mind that 70 billion animals are raised annually for human consumption, this industry not only inflicts cruelty on the animals, it has an enormous environmental impact. Rethinking this system means helping the planet and reducing our ecological footprint and this, of course, means thinking more about what you actually eat and how you eat it.
If you are considering making the jump to this healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, this list of the 10 Portuguese cities that bet the heaviest on a vegan or vegetarian diet will come in handy while you think about it. In all, there are about 860 vegetarian and vegan restaurants spread all over the country, according to a survey carried out by Holidu with data from Happy Cow. So come and discover the most vegan and vegetarian destinations in Portugal.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Lisbon: 375 establishments
The capital is clearly the centre of vegan and vegetarian culture in Portugal, with practically twice as many options as the city of Porto, the second on this list. Besides an increase in the number of vegetarian restaurants in Lisbon, the capital is also the city with the largest number of 100% vegan restaurants.
In addition to the vast offer of no meat establishments, Lisbon also hosts 3 events dedicated to these cultures:
- Veggieworld;
- Veganário;
- And more recently, VeggieVibes.
But if you think that the main courses are enough, you're wrong. As the cherry on top of the cake, you can even taste a vegan version of the famous Pastel de Belém.
Our suggestion: The Green Affair - a vegan restaurant in Lisbon, with dishes inspired by international cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Porto: 186 establishments
In second place is the city of Porto. And since we're talking about food, we have to point out that it already has a vegetarian version of francesinha, the city's typical dish. There are even those who say they prefer it to the traditional one.
In this constant adaptation to the new reality, the city already has a vegan tourism map with the location of veg-friendly spaces: the Veg & Go!
Besides, it also has the Veggie Fest event.
Our suggestion: Vegana by Tentúgal - a small café located inside a totally vegan shop. In this vegetarian restaurant in Porto, while you try the veggie burgers, you can walk around the shop and find vegan products, such as the highly recommended vegan mac'n'cheese.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Funchal: 57 establishments
The city on Madeira comes in third position, being especially notable for the range of fruits and vegetables, many of them exotic, that jump out at the eyes of any vegan or vegetarian.
What's more, thanks to tourism, Funchal has culturally adapted to the needs of modern times and therefore already has 3 restaurants which are 100% vegetarian.
Our suggestion: Mundo vegan - a vegan restaurant with a huge variety of hot and cold dishes. There is a lot to choose from among pancakes, pasta, hamburgers and risottos. And don't go thirsty, in this world you can always opt for smoothies and fresh juices.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Lagos: 47 establishments
Lagos, the city on the Algarve has broadened its gastronomic horizons to be able to conquer more and more of its visitors. To its world renowned grilled fish, Lagos has added an embrace of the vegan-friendly lifestyle and, therefore, opened some exclusively vegetarian restaurants.
With the beach and the heat typical of the Algarve, the focus goes, of course, to the refreshing fruit drinks.
Our suggestion: Poke Lagos - if you're a fan of bowls, you'll want to go here for the vegan-friendly "divine trinity": tasty bowl, iced teas and sun on the terrace.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Braga: 43 establishments
The European Youth Capital of 2012 has invested heavily in vegetarian and vegan restaurants. An example of this is the Braga Vegan project, created by the movement "Braga para Todos" (Braga for all) and by the "Associação Braga Animal Save", which is in charge of vigils for animals, the Braga Vegan Festival and even, the São João Vegan.
Our suggestion: the Gosto Superior Vegetarian Restaurant - Probably the most renowned vegetarian restaurant in Braga, with a great variety of dishes. Here you can enjoy the tarts, the delicious salads or the vegan tapioca. And here's a hint, the tea is free.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Coimbra: 32 establishments
Coimbra is tradition... and evolution. The strong academic side of the city has served to raise young people's awareness of he new ways to sustain the planet and the increase of vegan offerings in the city has been a great ally in the process.
Our suggestion: Cozinha Consciente - located in Galerias Topazio, this vegetarian restaurant in Coimbra is now vegan and multifaceted: besides serving meals, you can participate in workshops and ask the staff for nutritional advice.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Faro: 31 establishments
Back down to the Algarve, as one of the favourite tourist destinations in Portugal, the city's gastronomic offerings have had to become more diversified. Last year, Faro hosted the "Vegetarian Food" seminar with the support of the Algarve Hotel and Tourism School, and the Portuguese Vegetarian Association, as proof of its commitment to a more veg-friendly lifestyle.
Our suggestion: Restaurante Outro lado - located in the centre of Faro, it is a world of vegan options, and so much more. Here you can accompany your meals with organic wines, local craft beers and/or fruit juices. And before you leave, take a look at the little grocery shop where you can buy organic products.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cascais: 30 places to eat
Cascais has embraced vegetarian and vegan cuisine and is increasingly cosmopolitan in this sense. In addition to its vegan and vegetarian offerings, the third edition of Chefs On Fire, where 14 Portuguese chefs cook over a bonfire, also featured vegetarian food. This proves that, increasingly, it is essential to invest in this gastronomic culture.
Our suggestion: House of Wonders Gallery Café - Here you are the boss! You can choose four dishes and personalise them to your liking. We suggest you enjoy the homemade juices and lemonades on the beautiful terrace overlooking Cascais.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Albufeira and São Miguel: 28 establishments
Almostat the end, the ninth place on this list is a tie. On one side Albufeira, a tourist destination with a huge reputation for its bars and discos, but also for its varied gastronomic offerings. And on the other side, and with the Atlantic Ocean in between, the island of São Miguel, which curiously has transformed pharmacies into restaurants, cafés and bars with various vegan options. All of them must be visited for their flavours, but also for the decoration adapted to this more sustainable cause.
Our suggestion in Albufeira: Veggie Café Albufeira - It is one of the must-visit places, with a modern atmosphere that can be noticed in the food variations, for a vegan diet, that it presents, such as vegan sausage and curry, rice pudding or chocolate cake.
Our suggestion in São Miguel: Rotas da Ilha Verde (São Miguel) - here the options are many but the highlight goes to the carrot and turmeric risotto and the banana banoffee for dessert. Those who eat here say they always come back.
Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Sintra: 27 places
Sintra may be last on the list, but that's not going to stop it from being a go-to spot for vegans and vegetarians. The town has travelled a long path towards vegan and vegetarian alternatives, with a big bet on plant-based pastries. The perfect "wink wink" to vegan tourism practitioners.
But it doesn't stop there. Last August, Sintra had a market with more than 30 vegan and vegetarian brands, as an appeal and contribution to the dialogue on environmental sustainability and ways of supporting 100% vegan producers.
Our suggestion: Flores do Cabo café - a two-in-one: art gallery and organic restaurant. Does that alone make you want to get going? You're very welcome and you can take art and cooking classes with organic food, natural cuisine and sustainable gastronomy.
