A green, appetizing and healthy list
The
Associação Vegetariana Portuguesa (AVP) has put together a
top 10 list of the most vegan friendly places in our country.
The AVP is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote "vegetarian food with a healthy lifestyle", taking into account the well-being of the planet, animals and people. The city of Lisbon stood out in the first place of the list.
Several criteria were taken into consideration for the top of this list: the number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Lisbon, as well as those that, not being a vegetarian nor
vegan restaurant, have adequate options for those who are vegan or vegetarian.
Besides that, they counted the number of events that inform about the veggie lifestyle, and also stores and supermarkets with vegetarian and vegan products.
The article published by the AVP starts by mentioning the increasing number of tourists looking for vegan restaurants in Lisbon - in fact, in the capital as well as for the rest of the territory - in addition to Portuguese who have adhered to this lifestyle, which goes far beyond what can be found in a
vegan restaurant in Lisbon or, better, in the plural - vegan restaurants in Lisbon, because there are many.
Rest assured, there are also many vegetarian restaurants in Lisbon. So, finding healthy restaurants in Lisbon is nothing new anymore.
The good news is that there are more and more people looking for these spaces, free of animal cruelty, sustainable and ecologically conscious, all over the country, which has mobilized for this cause.
Let's see how in this list.
1. Lisbon
According to the AVP, the city of Lisbon has 108 restaurants with vegetarian options, 27 vegan restaurants, 34 vegetarian restaurants, 77 stores with vegetarian products and 3 events dedicated to vegetarianism and veganism, such as Veggieworld, Veganário and VeggieVibes.
There are many healthy options and restaurants in Lisbon - from vegan restaurants in Lisbon, to many others with sustainable options. By the way, we know and recommend an excellent
restaurant in Chiado ;)
2. Porto
This list is not only about healthy restaurants in Lisbon. Porto has 80 restaurants with vegetarian options, 12 vegan restaurants, 19 vegetarian restaurants, 33 stores with vegetarian products and one event dedicated to the theme.
The AVP underlines the "tourist map that facilitates the location of veg-friendly spaces" - the Veg & Go. Besides that, there is also the Veggie Fest festival.
3. Funchal
According to the AVP, the Madeiran city has 27 restaurants with vegetarian options, 3 vegetarian restaurants and 6 stores with vegetarian products.
The Association also underlines the fact that the island is a "paradise for lovers of exotic fruits" and has a great "variety of vegetables" - points in favor for the Pearl of the Atlantic.
4. Braga
Braga has 8 restaurants with vegetarian options, 3 vegan restaurants, 5 vegetarian restaurants, 9 stores with
vegetarian products and 1 event dedicated to veganism.
Braga Vegan "embraces several veganism events in the city: lectures, vigils for animals, S. João Vegan, World Veganism Day and more recently, the Braga Vegan Festival."
5. Lagos
People from Lagos have reasons to smile: the AVP highlights 20 restaurants with vegetarian options in the town, 3 vegetarian restaurants and 6 stores with vegetarian products, in addition to many vegan-friendly restaurants.
There is still no vegan restaurant in Lagos.
6. Ponta Delgada
The Azorean capital has 1 vegan restaurant, 13 restaurants with vegetarian options, 2 vegetarian restaurants, and 3 stores with vegetarian products.
The article highlights the "ideal climate for planting exotic vegetables and fruits", which reveals the Azores' potential for a truly green future.
7. Cascais
The AVP mentions that the people of Cascais have 13 restaurants with vegetarian options, 1 vegan restaurant, 3 vegetarian restaurants and 4 stores with vegetarian products.
Besides that, several flavors of the world - with vegetarian options - are present in the gastronomic offer of the town's restaurants.
8. Matosinhos
This seaside town has 10 restaurants with vegetarian options, 1 vegan restaurant, 5 vegetarian restaurants and 4 stores with vegetarian products.
9. Portimão
Another Algarve town to say present in this AVP list. Portimão has 6 restaurants with vegetarian options, 3 vegan restaurants, 2 vegetarian restaurants and 2 stores with vegetarian products.
10. Paredes de Coura
Paredes de Coura has a special place in this list. Besides 5 restaurants with vegetarian options and 2 events related to the promotion of vegetarianism, the region counts with the Animal Sanctuary - Quinta das Águias.
Those responsible for the Sanctuary, created in partnership with the Paredes de Coura City Hall, also organize the Paredes de Coura Vegetarian Congress.
The AVP article mentions that this event counts every year "with the presence of activists, businessmen, scientists and doctors who come together to talk, define concrete strategies for change and discuss the impact of food on health, the environment and animal welfare.
In the same area there is also Green Weekend.
From a
vegan restaurant in Lisbon, to the example of Paredes de Coura, from events in Braga, to the Algarve coast, Portugal is full of good examples to follow.
Let's live better, look after the planet and take care of the animals?
