Is Portugal Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly

Portugal has always been a popular tourist destination, however, in the past for vegans and vegetarians traditional cuisine can pose a challenge. After all, many classic dishes feature meat and fish as the main ingredient. Despite this, there has been a growing trend towards plant-based diets in Portugal, with more and more restaurants and cafes catering to vegan and vegetarian eaters.

Discover if Portugal is Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly

One of the best ways to explore this trend is through Food Tours, that take visitors on a culinary journey through the city's neighbourhoods.

The Vegan and Vegetarian Food Tours:

Vegan and Vegetarian Tours are some of the most popular ways to take in the city and exploring some of the best plant-based eateries. A great place to start is the neighbourhood of Alfama, Lisbon, where visitors can try vegan pastries, plant-based cheese, and fresh juices.

Or why not try the trendy neighbourhood of Principe Real, where you can indulge in vegan burgers, gluten-free pizza, and a variety of vegan desserts. Or the charming neighborhood of Bairro Alto, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and innovative vegan cuisine.

Interesting Facts:

According to a report by Happy Cow, a popular online directory of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, Portugal is now home to over 1,000 vegan and vegetarian restaurants, with the highest concentration in Lisbon and Porto.

One of the most innovative companies is Like Meat, which offers a range of plant-based meats made from pea protein. The company's products have become so successful that they are now available in major supermarkets across Portugal, including Continente and Pingo Doce.

Another notable example is Ao 26 - Vegan Food Project, a vegan restaurant located in Lisbon that offers a range of creative dishes made from locally-sourced produce. The restaurant's vegan cheese plate and tofu steak are particularly popular with visitors.

Sustainability:

In addition to the rise in vegan and vegetarian eateries, there has also been a growing awareness of the environmental and ethical impact of food production. This has led to an increase in organic and locally-sourced produce, as well as a focus on reducing food waste.

Organizations like Agrobio have been instrumental in promoting organic farming practices in Portugal, with over 1,000 farms now certified organic. In addition, initiatives like Re-Food have gained popularity, which allows volunteers to collect surplus food from restaurants and cafes and redistribute it to those in need.

However, it's important to note that Portugal still has a long way to go when it comes to vegan and vegetarian diets. Unlike in countries like the UK and the US, vegan and vegetarian options are not yet widely available in traditional Portuguese restaurants, and it can be difficult to find vegan or vegetarian-friendly dishes in some regions.

It's clear that Portugal is slowly but surely embracing the trend towards vegan and vegetarian diets. With initiatives like Lisbon Food Tours and innovative companies like Like Meat and Ao 26 - Vegan Food Project leading the way, it's clear that the future of food in Portugal is looking more sustainable, ethical, and delicious than ever before.

Portugal may still be known for its meat and fish-heavy dishes, the country is quickly evolving to become more vegan and vegetarian-friendly. From innovative startups to guided food tours, there are now countless options for plant-based eaters to enjoy in cities like Lisbon and Porto. With a focus on sustainable and ethical food practices, it's clear that Portugal is on the path towards a more diverse, inclusive, and environmentally friendly culinary landscape.

Book Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly Food Tours in Portugal with tabl.com

Take a look at our food and drink tours in the likes of Lisbon or Porto. If you see something you like but it's unclear if they're vegan or vegetarian friendly, contact tabl. via our live chat where a member of the team will be happy to investigate further.