In current 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 certain businesses like ecological stores, wellness centers, and vegan/vegetarian restaurants popping up more and more.
In Peru, as in the rest of Western countries, these businesses are taking up more and more space. In our specific case, the conditions of our surroundings are more than ideal. We are the top country in variety of potatoes (more than 3000) and we also grow 36 types of corn and 623 types of fruits. 84 of the 117 recognized life zones in the world can be found in Peru. Thanks to this, you can find a variety of products and culinary proposals throughout the entire year. No wonder we have become the third country in the number of vegetarians in the region, which in turn led to a great migration movement from Europe and from Asian countries such as China and Japan. The mix of cultures we can now find here has resulted in an exponential increase in the possibilities of recipes, from which we can take advantage.
At RESPONS we are defenders of responsible consumption. However, we refuse fanaticism, knowing that science is increasingly supporting the benefits of a change in food consumption. This change increasingly translates into benefits for our body, but at the same time, for our planet and why not for tourism! In the last case, responsible consumption is about giving our travellers the possibility to know the origin of the product. We do this in our Route of the Many Things, for example, a tour that takes you to Machu Picchu while you get to know producers of fruits, organic coffee, and tea. RESPONS collaborates with more than 70 communities and families (in projects located in Peru´s different regions; coast, mountains and jungle) that we can count on for the precious food we receive daily at our tables.
To help you explore the various options Peru has to offer, here´s a list of some places with specialized concepts of vegetarian or vegan food. Not to mention that currently, many traditional restaurants add both options to 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 arouse from the creators´ (the Melgar brothers) need to lose weight. They offer to serve their pizzas with avocado cheese instead of mozzarella 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 place under Ayurvedic feeding principles, which should be consistent with your lifestyle and body type. His simple menu has 6 starters 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 options like spaghetti made with zucchini, broccoli and peppers sauteed in pesto or red sauce, or a healthy quinoa or 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, this place is, without a doubt, one of the best options to enjoy a good vegetarian meal and dessert. It is ideal to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, accompanied by your pet or after a bike ride. It offers many dishes made with quality products: juices, desserts, sandwiches and more, but their biggest attraction is the breakfast menu. One breakfast is specially designed for athletes. The runner breakfast (located at the park of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) of Barranco, is another great option.
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
Arequipa
– The “other capital” of Peru, known for its traditional cooking that is now open for alternatives
El Buda Profano
Milk and its derivatives can’t be found in this small great restaurant, due to its vegan practice. Here, you are welcomed by a great Buddha, which predicts a nirvanic experience thanks to the inspiration of chef Jimbo Echevarría (winner of Master Chef Peru 2012) and the Canadian Alan. The latter came to Peru for love (like many) and decided to open a restaurant offering 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. Pretensions are kept low, and so are the prices. The service is pleasant! This is 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 “Don’t worry, be happy”. 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 good company, I leave that in your hands, my dear guest.
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 animal products is beneficial for us and our planet. Leaving such products off the plate is, however not at all detrimental to the taste of the dishes you can get here. This restaurant offers 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.
Address: Calle Carmen Bajo 235 San Blas
The following list offers vegetarian and vegan options, but they are not 100% pure on their menus;
La Boheme
La Bohème proposes healthy cooking with most of its products coming from its own organic gardens, located in the Lamay area. We especially recommend it, if you are accompanied by diners who are more flexible in their way of eating. It is a very cosy place and its terrace offers some beautiful views of the mountains surrounding Cusco city.
Address: C. Carmen Alto 283, Cusco 08003
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 travelled to other parts of the country where the vegan/vegetarian variety is worth mentioning, 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.
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