Vegetarian Sao Paulo
Being a vegetarian in Brazil puts you in the minority. But, just because your carnivorous friends have crossed the pearly gates into meat eating heaven doesn't mean that you can't have a little fun too. Here are three of my favorite places to go in Sao Paulo and not eat meat:
Banana Verde- Rua Harmonia, 278, Villa Madelena
Open for lunch daily and dinner Mon-Fri.
The only strictly vegetarian of the three, this charming restaurant is nestled at the top of a hill in one of my favorite neighborhoods. The lunch menu changes daily and is a prix fixe with a choice between two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts. The appetizers are always a soup and a heaping green salad, both of which come with a delicious crisp bread on the side. The entrees vary daily, some recent highlights include sun-dried tomato quiche and brown rice with black beans, tofu, and a side of okra. Dessert is always a treat be it homemade kiwi sorbet or a mixed berry tart, it is the perfect end to your meal. Dinner is pizza every night, with varying veggie toppings, but if you are going to go, I strongly recommend stopping by for lunch.
Orange- Rua Batatais, 388, Jardim Paulista
Open only for lunch Mon-Fri.
This cozy little gem is a small health food store that puts out a killer lunch buffet during the week. Everything is vegetarian friendly save one or two meat dishes that will help appease any non-vegetarians you bring along. For $R14.5 you can fill your plate as many times as you want, making it the best value of the three. And, for just $R3 more you can have what I believe to be some of the best fresh squeezed juices in Sao Paulo. There is always salad, brown rice, and one type of bean. The rest of the menu changes daily and can include such treats as hummus and pita, vegetable cakes, grilled zucchini and pineapple, and pumpkin and shiitake lasagna (made with whole wheat pasta).
Emporio Siriuba- Alameda Franca, 1590, Jardim Paulista
Open for lunch every day but Monday.
The poshest of the three, Siriuba wins for best atmosphere. Walk through the small store at the front to the restaurant which is mostly glass-enclosed giving a very airy feel. Sit at one of the wooden tables in the garden out back if you want to feel like you've left the city entirely. Siriuba's food is all organic, and the menu does include meat. However, they have plenty of non-meat options including one of the best tofuburgers - accompanied by home fries and a salad - I've had in Brazil. My favorite time to go is for Saturday or Sunday brunch for which they put out a delicious buffet.
http://www.emporiosiriuba.com.br/
