Can I find vegetarian or vegan food in Chile?

Post ByAdequate Travel

Summary
If you're planning a trip to Chile, you may be wondering if you can find vegetarian and vegan options while you're there. The good news is that there is vegetarian and vegan-friendly food available in Chile – you just need to know where to look. In this blog, we take a look at some of the best places to find delicious vegetarian and vegan food in Chile. Stay informed about any travel restrictions or travel rules in place, as they may vary depending on your destination within the country.

Yes, you can find vegetarian and vegan food in Chile. Chile is becoming increasingly accommodating to vegetarians and vegans, offering a variety of plant-based options in restaurants, supermarkets, and specialty stores. Here is a detailed breakdown:
1. Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants:

- Several restaurants in major cities like Santiago, Valparaiso, and Concepcion offer dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus. These restaurants focus on serving plant-based dishes and often use different meat substitutes such as seitan, tofu, and tempeh. Examples include El Huerto, Quinoa, and VgVeggie.

2. Vegan-friendly Chains:

- Some international fast-food chains have also started offering vegan options in Chile, such as Burger King's plant-based burger and Subway's vegan sandwich choices.

3. Health Food Stores:

- Health food stores like Jumbo, Unimarc, and Lider stock a wide range of vegetarian and vegan products, including plant-based meats, dairy alternatives, and pantry staples. These stores often have dedicated sections for vegetarian and vegan options. Examples of popular vegan brands available in Chile include NotCo, Garden Gourmet, and Quorn.

4. Farmer's Markets:

- Farmer's markets, known as "ferias," are common in Chile and offer a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. These markets are an excellent place to find local and seasonal ingredients to cook plant-based meals at home.

5. Traditional Chilean Food Adaptations:

- While Chilean cuisine is often meat-heavy, some traditional dishes can be adapted to vegetarian or vegan versions. For example, replacing meat with veggies or legumes in dishes like cazuela (soup), pebre (salsa), and porotos granados (stew) can create delicious plant-based alternatives.

It's important to note that while vegetarian and vegan options are becoming more available in Chile, it may still be challenging to find them in remote or rural areas. However, in most urban areas, you should have no problem locating suitable vegetarian and vegan food choices.While planning your trip, take note of any travel restrictions that may impact your itinerary, such as limited access to certain regions or attractions.

You may also like