My name is Alejandro Teus, I’m the co-founder of Responsible Travel Peru, and in this article I’m going to put together my personal recommendations for those that look for alternative food options in the three cities, with which almost anyone who travels to Peru, comes across during their visit.
In these times, where the tribes of consumers are increasingly aware of their decisions and where there is a greater cult to take care of themselves and the impact that their habits have on the planet, we see that certain businesses like ecological stores, wellness centers, and vegan/vegetarian restaurants begin to increase.
In Peru, as in the rest of Western countries, these businesses are taking up more and more space, but in our case, the conditions of our surroundings are more than ideal, we are the top country in variety of potato (more than 3000), we also have 36 corn ecotypes, 623 types of fruits and 84 of the 117 recognized life zones in the world are in Peru, which translates to throughout the entire year you can find a variety of products and culinary proposals. All of this makes us the third country in the number of vegetarians in the region, which added to the great migration received from Europe and from Asian countries such as China and Japan, which made the mixture exponentialize the possibilities of recipes, from which we take advantage of all those that omit animal products.
At RESPONS we are defenders of responsible consumption, but without fanaticism, knowing that science is increasingly supporting the benefits of a change in food, translatable into benefits for our body, but at the same time, for our planet and why not: for tourism, giving the possibility to our travelers to know the origin of the product, such as: knowing our Route of the Many Things that takes you to Machu Picchu getting to know producers of fruits, organic coffee, and tea. Not to mention that RESPONS collaborates with more than 70 communities and families – projects located in different regions; coast, mountains and jungle, architects that we can count on for the precious food we receive daily at our tables.
Next I will list some places with specialized concepts of vegetarian or vegan food. Not to mention that currently, many traditional restaurants add both options on their menu.
Lima
–the capital of Peru is like a flavor magnet, so don’t miss the offer with the most variety of all
Raw Café
Their menu is elaborated by chefs and nutritionists that worry about 80% of the plate being raw, as well as making sure that the maximum cooking temperature is 48°C to avoid losing the vitamins and minerals. They also offer a variety of detoxing beverages.
Here you can see their menu and prices, I also recommend reading something on their blog, where they offer relevant information about the benefits of a healthy diet.
They have 5 locations;
Three in Miraflores Calle Independencia 596 // Calle Mariano Odicio 432 // Av. Mariscal La Mar 1034
One in Surco Av. Primavera 1821
And another one in La Molina Calle Los Sauces 511
Veggie Pizza
An original proposal that came to be because of the Melgar brother’s (the creators) need to lose weight. Their pizzas have the option of replacing mozzarella with avocado cheese, making them an original option for vegans.
Address: Jirón Colina 112, Barranco
Veda Restaurante
Percy García, a yoga and Ayurveda teacher trained in India (for 12 years), directs the new Miraflorian space under Ayurvedic feeding principles, which should be consistent with your lifestyle and body type, his simple menu has 6 entrees and 9 dishes that can be combined at a price of S /. 29, including the beverage of the day.
Address: Calle Schell 630, Miraflores
Germinando Vida
A great option for veggies in the heart of Barranco. Among the most applauded dishes you can find things between spaghetti made with zucchini, with broccoli and peppers sauteed in pesto or red sauce, to a healthy quinoa and chia burger.
Address: Avenida Grau 209- B, Barranco
La Bodega Verde
With a charming atmosphere, surrounded by a cozy garden and located near the puente de los suspiros of Barranco is, without a doubt, one of the best options to enjoy a good vegetarian meal and dessert. Ideal to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, accompanied by your pet or for a bike ride. It has several proposals made with quality products: juices, desserts, sandwiches, among others; but, their biggest attraction is their breakfasts, especially for athletes, the runner breakfast is another great option at the location in the park of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) of Barranco.
Address:
Jr. Sucre 335A, Barranco (Pet-friendly)
from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Park at the MAC Av. Grau 1511, Barranco
from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
La verde Bio Factoría
If you want to take a break in your Miraflorine visits, I recommend eating in this warm place, where you can sit with your book accompanied by good music and feel at home. You can find vegetable and fruit extracts, sandwiches, desserts and lunches, all absolutely vegan, as well as many gluten-free and raw options.
Address: Calle Gral. Recavarren 315, Miraflores
El Almazen
One of the best places to enjoy vegetarian dishes without sacrificing good taste. It presents a wide variety of options such as starters, main courses, desserts and the infallible infusions. Each dish is made with great creativity, fresh and seasonal products. In addition, it has a special environment that conveys peace and tranquility, ideal for enjoying a conversation and eating healthy.
Address: Calle Recavaren 298, Miraflores
Arequipa
– The “other capital” of Peru, known for its traditional cooking that now is open for alternatives
El Buda Profano
Milk and its derivatives do not approach this small great restaurant, due to its vegan practice and where a great Budha welcomes you, which predicts a nirvanic experience in charge of the inspiration of chef Jimbo Echevarría (winner of Master Chef Peru 2012) and the Canadian Alan, who came to Peru for love (like many) and decided to open a concept of sushi, sashimis, futomakis and nigiris that will not make you miss the originals.
Address: Calle Bolívar 425
Omphalos
The following note is brief as is the proposal of Omphalos, vegetarian – vegan cuisine without too many pretensions, but with affordable prices and a pleasant service. Definitely a good option for those with tight budgets.
Address: Calle Bolívar 107
Prana Vegan
I must start with a warning to the purest vegans, I am sorry to say it’s not only vegan cuisine, but also vegetarian. I mention this so you’re not surprised when it’s time to see their long menu and begin to order the impossible, so I recommend taking a deep breath and as the song says “Do not worry, be happy” and enjoy the moment and the many positive things that the space offers; good music, good prices, good drinks, a good menu, a good terrace, and the good company I leave to you my dear comensal.
Address: Calle Ugarte 109
Cusco
– Where everyone, absolutely everyone, comes and goes and returns and of course, eats
Green Point
The success of this temple of vegan food comes from the genuine conviction that no longer eating food of animal origin is beneficial for you and our planet, without this detrimental to the taste and with an original proposal that combines international cuisine and interpretations of Peruvian classics such as the ceviche trio, causa of fungi and the blunt tacu-tacu. To further delight your taste buds click here for more details about the menu.
Address: Calle Carmen Bajo 235 San Blas
The following list offers vegetarian and vegan options, but they are not 100% pure on their menus;
Belonging to the largest chain of gastronomic venues in Cusco <Cusco Restaurants>. In this case, Greens is their proposal for healthy cooking where most of their products come from their own organic gardens, located in the Lamay area, I recommend it, especially if you are accompanied by diners who are more flexible in their way of eating, another tip is its terrace that offers beautiful views of the Plaza de Armas.
Address: Santa Catalina Angosta 135 Floor 2, Plaza De Armas
We know that Lima, Arequipa and Cusco, even if they are the main cities of Peru, are not everything, and that in a country as large and diverse as ours, we need to try to cover all options.
It is here that we turn to you, dear reader, because if you have traveled to other parts of the country where the vegan / vegetarian variety is recommended, please let us know with a comment on this blog (scroll down), so that we can consider your opinion for new articles from other regions.
Greetings,
Alex.
Cover photo courtesy of the Hefting family
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