Argentina: central meat, yes? This is no longer necessarily so. As a committed vegetarian (that means I eat dairy) as opposed to vegan (no dairy or eggs), I was afraid of moving to Argentina and being deprived of vegetarian options. I’d be in carnivore heaven and starve, well maybe not. What could I eat except fried cheese, pizza, and be completely deprived of nutrients? (and about 25 pounds heavier)

I was surprised! There are many vegetarians in Buenos Aires (compared to the US, it’s not that high) and numerous options for vegetarian food and cuisine.

My top restaurants for guaranteed tasty and healthy food include:

Pura Vida Restaurant at Uriburu 1489 and Pena (look for the bright orange awning). This is a juice bar that also serves soup, sandwiches, and salads. It has been opened less than a year ago by two expats from the US. One owner is a strict “raw vegan” (nothing baked) and the other is a vegan. In Pura Vida you will have delicious smoothies or juices. My favorite smoothie is the “Strawberry Fields Forever” which has banana, blueberry, raspberry, apple juice and I ask for spirulina to be added.

The other option, although not only vegetarian but carnivorous, is California Burrito Company in Microcentro at Lavalle 441 and San Martín (4328-3056). This restaurant was also opened by three expats from the United States. This restaurant has an assembly line system to order their food. They claim that 15,000 variations can be created for a fajita, burritio, or taco. As a vegetarian, choose from pinto or black beans, various sauces, spicy mole, guacamole, sour cream (not vegan), and vegetables. The burrito also includes a drink of your choice for less than $20 AR.

In the Colegiales neighborhood, you will find Verde Llama at Jorge Newbery 3623 (4554-7467). This is a raw food restaurant run by Diego, an Argentinian and a staunch believer in the “life food philosophy”. If vegetarianism is radical in Argentina, then raw veganism is sacred. In Verde Llama nothing is cooked. The base of the food is made from cracker like food made from sprouts processed in a “dehydrator”.

The menu includes salads, lasagna, coconut curry, and an extensive juice and wine list. They also have a mate mousse for dessert. Diego is passionate about “foods of life” and teaches classes at restaurants on how to prepare raw dishes at home. One of Verde Llama’s chefs is also a baker and sells his products for $10 AR at the restaurant along with other prepared products.

As a vegetarian, it’s easier to prepare meals at home and then explore what I can and can’t eat from a menu. (It’s also more affordable to eat there!) The Jumbo supermarket chain in Palermo (near the mosque) is a good resource for vegetables, soy sauce, and a few other staples. For more extensive shopping it is worth a trip to Chinatown in Belgrano.

Chinatown is made up of about 2-3 blocks and there are many restaurants (some vegetarian) and shops crowded in this small area. You can always find soy milk in Chinatown. At Asia Oriental Market in Arribenos you will find a wide range of baked tofu, silken tofu, prepared foods such as vegetarian sushi, vegetables and fruits.

I have seen on expat websites in Buenos Aires people looking for coconut oil, sesame milk and other items that are easily found at The Whole Foods market chain in the US. However, these products are not easy to find here. The solution? People are learning how to make their own sesame almond milk. There is clearly a market for a Whole Foods market here in Buenos Aires. There is a growing market to accommodate vegetarians and with all these people opening restaurants and markets, the demand will increase. Perhaps Argentina, land of carnivores, will also become famous for vegetarian life!