Vegan Food Guide to Porto, Portugal
Porto is a vibrant city in the north of Portugal known for its stunning architecture, picturesque streets, and of course, its delicious food! For vegans, finding plant-based options can sometimes be challenging, but fear not! Porto has a growing vegan scene, and there are plenty of options available for those who choose to follow a plant-based lifestyle.
Is Porto, Portugal good for vegans?
Porto, Portugal is becoming more and more vegan-friendly with each passing year. While traditional Portuguese cuisine is heavily centered around meat and seafood, there are still many options available for vegans in Porto.
There are a growing number of vegan restaurants in Porto that specialize in vegan and vegetarian cuisine, as well as many traditional restaurants that offer vegan options on their menus. Additionally, there are several health food stores and markets throughout the city that sell vegan products, such as plant-based milk, cheese, and meat substitutes.
With a little research and planning, vegans in Porto can enjoy a variety of delicious and satisfying meals while visiting this beautiful city.
What food is Porto famous for?
-Francesinha: This is a sandwich made with different types of meat, covered in cheese and a special sauce, and served with french fries. It's a popular dish in Porto, and you can find it in many restaurants throughout the city.
-Port Wine
And of course, no trip to Porto would be complete without trying the city's famous port wine. Porto is famous for its production of port wine, which is a fortified wine that is sweet and rich in flavor. You can find many different types of port wine in Porto, and there are several port wine cellars that offer tours and tastings. (Link to Get Your Guide)
Most port wine is vegan, but be sure to check with the staff at the winery to make sure. Some wineries also offer vegan food options to pair with your wine tasting.
Where can I eat breakfast in Porto as a vegan?
A good brunch option can be hard to come by in Portugal especially as a vegan but Cafe Do Comercio is such a hidden gem! The place is quite small with only a few tables inside but it is very quaint and cozy! My favorite items we ordered on their menu were the lavender oat milk latte, tofu scramble breakfast with vegan bacon, and the blueberry pancakes breakfast. Both of these options came with a side of yogurt and granola as well. You definitely have to put this spot on your list to try while in Porto!
Where should I eat lunch in Porto as a vegan?
Kind Kitchen in Porto is a completely Plant Based restaurant and you’ll find tourists and locals alike here to enjoy the delicious food. What I love most about this place is its soothing vibes not to mention the incredible vegan chocolate chip cookies…which yes you have to try and even take a couple with you to go.
You can find a variety of international dishes here in a vegan version, so you have plenty of options to choose from for whatever you’re in the mood for. I personally recommend their vegan shrimp tacos, the vegan tofu nuggets, and the Thai tofu bowl.
I know this may sound crazy, but when in Porto you must take a moment to stop by what many people describe as the Fanciest Mcdonald’s in the world!
This McDonald's in Porto is located on Rua de Santa Catarina, one of the busiest shopping streets in Porto. The building was originally constructed in the early 20th century and has a beautiful art deco façade that has been well preserved. The interior of the restaurant features a modern design with comfortable seating and plenty of natural light.
In reality however, this McDonald's location is not upscale or fancy, but it does offer a unique atmosphere that combines the charm of a historic building with the convenience of a fast-food restaurant…and it makes for a great Instagram moment, so why not go check it out!?
And yes, even as a vegan you can have a bite to eat at this McDonald’s and all McDonald’s currently as they now offer the McPlant - just be sure to hold the mayo and cheese. Also, fear not, you can even enjoy french fries as the McDonald's restaurants in Europe don’t use beef flavoring which is a standard ingredient for the McDonald's French Fries in the US.
Is there a vegan bakery in Porto?
You are in luck! There is a fully vegan bakery in Porto called My Green Pastry. The cafe is absolutely adorable and definitely worth a visit to just get some cute photos in addition to some delicious pastries and beverages like a cappuccino or Rainbow milk. You can’t go wrong with any of their desserts but my absolute favorite were the vegan eclairs!
Is there vegan gelato in Porto?
There are several gelaterias and vegan cafes in Porto that offer vegan gelato or sorbets but Amorino is always our favorite place to stop. Their vegan options are always clearly labeled and they present it in the shape of a rose - it’s almost too pretty to eat, but I recommend that you do!
There is also an Amorino location right next to the famous Livraria Lello, also known as the library that J.K. Rowling, who lived in Porto for a few years, drew inspiration from for her Harry Potter series. So be sure to grab a book next door and enjoy it with your vegan-friendly gelato!
Where else can I eat vegan in Porto, Portugal?
DaTerra: DaTerra is a part of a buffet restaurant group in Portugal, with self service style. They offer an affordable, all-vegan spread with a variety of dishes for lunch and dinner.
Jardineiro: If you want to treat yourself to an exquisite plant based meal and immaculate vibes, you need to experience Jardineiro. You’ll be blown away by their innovative dishes and incredible service.
Celeiro: While not a restaurant, if you are in need of groceries during your time in Porto, Celeiro is a health food store chain in Portugal and has plenty of vegan friendly options!
Zenith: This restaurant has multiple locations in Portugal. Although it is not fully plant based, they have plenty of vegan options available and are clearly marked. They also serve delicious cocktails and coffee. This is a great place to enjoy brunch as well!
Is it hard to travel as a vegan?
Although traveling, especially when traveling through new countries, can be challenging, it’s incredible to see how quickly places around the world are embracing plant based cuisine! Not every city will be vegan friendly but with enough planning you can travel and enjoy yourself as a vegan traveler.
Whenever I travel I use The Happy Cow app, which is a mobile application designed to help people discover vegan, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly restaurants, cafes, and other food establishments in their area and around the world. It provides users with a comprehensive directory of plant-based and cruelty-free dining options, as well as reviews and ratings from other users.
The app allows users to search for restaurants and cafes by location, cuisine type, price range, and dietary preferences. It also includes a map feature that shows nearby vegan and vegetarian options, making it easy to find a suitable place to eat while traveling or in an unfamiliar area.