By Priscilla Broadwater
See: http://www.vrg.org/athlete/FIFA_WORLD_CUP.pdf
As many of us know, the excitement of soccer will return this June 2014.
The FIFA World Cup, which occurs every four years, will take place in
Brazil this time. Millions of soccer fans from all over the world will
be watching soccer matches, cheering for their team, and living and
enjoying the passion of the sport. Other soccer enthusiasts have decided
to travel to Brazil and take their experience to a whole new level.
Let the games begin!!!
According to the CIA and the World Factbook, Brazil is slightly smaller
than the United States with an area of 8,514,877 sq Km, and a population
of 201,009,622. This wonderful and majestic country has something to
offer to everyone who visits.Given that many people will be packing their
suitcases and heading to Brazil this summer, I thought it would be a great
idea to list some useful information, phrases, and some restaurants where
you can find vegan and vegetarian options.
I spoke with my Brazilian friends and from what they told me, Brazilians
are big meat eaters, which could make things a bit difficult for
vegetarians and vegans. But don’t feel discouraged; this doesn’t mean
you won’t be able to find options. My advice is, “always be prepared.” You
may want to bring with you: nuts, granola bars, and all your favorite
vegan snacks, especially if you plan to bring your little ones along.
Here are a couple more facts I would like you to be aware of: Some
restaurants in Brazil are hard to find because they don’t look exactly
like a restaurant, but more like a house. Yes, I know that is a bit
strange, but that is just part of the culture. Some other restaurants
may not have a proper sign, or may simply be slightly to the left or
right of what your GPS tells you. Thus, be prepared and ask someone if
you need help. Brazilians are very friendly and would be glad to help
you. Secondly, use your own judgment and be careful. Every country has
safe areas, and areas you want to avoid. Thus, do some homework before
you go. Perhaps you can borrow or buy a book that will provide important
information you need to know. If you get the chance to speak to a native
Brazilian, do so. This could be very helpful to you. Or, find reliable
websites where you can obtain ample information. When going to a
restaurant, make sure you have cash with you since not all restaurants
accept credit cards. Check the hours before you make the trip to a
restaurant. Some open from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and others will open
from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
As I already mentioned, Brazil is a vast country. Depending on where you
are in Brazil will make vegan options more accessible than in other
locations.
Useful Phrases
‐Hello = oi
‐How are you? = Como vai você?
‐Brazilians typically greet you by saying “Tudo bem?” which literally
means “is everything good?”
And the answer to that is, “Tudo bom” or “Tudo bem.” Which means “I am
doing good, or everything is good.”
‐My name is… = Meu nome é…
‐Pleased to meet you = Muito prazer
‐Thank you = men say “Obrigado” and women say “Obrigada”
‐See you later = Até mais
‐I don’t speak Portuguese = Eu não falo Português
‐I am American = Eu sou Americano
‐Where is the bathroom? = Onde é o banheiro? / Onde fica o banheiro?
‐I’m hungry = Estou com fome
‐I am a vegetarian = Eu sou vegetariano (for male), and Eu sou
vegetariana (for female)
‐I don’t eat meat, fish, or fowl = Eu não como carne, peixe ou frango
‐I am vegan = Eu sou vegano (for male) and Eu soy vegana (for female)
‐I don’t eat anything prepared with animal products = Eu não como nada
preparado com produtos animais
‐I don’t eat dairy products, eggs, or honey = Eu não como laticínios,
ovos ou mel
Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
Dona Vegana
This restaurant offers vegan food.
Address: Av. Marechal Floriano, n° 13, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Telephone: 2223‐0303
E‐mail: donavegana@gmail.com
Website: www.donavegana.com
Refeitorio Organico
This restaurant offers vegan food.
Address: Rua Dezenove de Fevereiro, 120, Botafogo, Zona Sul, Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil
Telephone: 2537‐0750
Website: www.donavegana.com
Vegetariano Social Clube
This restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan food.
Address:Rua Conde de Bernadotte, 26/ Loja L‐ Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Telephone: 21‐2294‐5200
Website: www.vegetarianosocialclube.com.br
São Paulo
Banana Verde
This restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan food.
Address: Rua Harmonia, 278, Vila Madalena, São Paulo, Brazil
Telephone: 11‐3814‐4828
Website: www.bananaverde.com.br
Apfel
This restaurant offers vegetarian food, as well as vegan friendly food.
Address: Rua Bela Cintra, 1343, São Paulo, Brazil
Telephone: 11‐3062‐3727
Website: www.apfel.com.br
Goa
This is a vegetarian restaurant that offers vegan food as well.
Address: Rua Cônego Eugênio Leite, 1152 Pinheiros, São Paulo, Brazil
Telephone: 11‐3031‐0680
Website: www.goavegetariano.com.br
Belo Horizonte
Salada Saudavel
This is a vegeterian restaurant that also offers vegan and raw food.
Address: Av Olegario Maciel 742, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Telephone: 31‐9912‐5367
Website: www.saladasaudavel.com.br
San Ro
This is a vegetarian Chinese restaurant. They offer vegan food as well.
Address: Rua Professor Moraes, 651 ‐ Funcionários, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Telephone: 31‐3264‐9236
Salvador
Health Valley Brasil
This restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan food, as well as snacks.
This restaurant is buffet style, thus you pay certain amount and you eat
all you want.
Address: Rua Direita da Piedade, 17 ‐ Dois de Julho, Salvador ‐ BA,
40060‐300, Brazil
Telephone: 71‐3329‐2176
Website: www.healthvalleybrazil.com
Recife
O Vegetariano
This is a buffet‐style restaurant. They offer vegetarian food and vegan
options including vegan desserts.
Address: Rua Conde D’eu, 118, Boa Vista Recife, Brazil
Telephone: 81‐3423‐3638
Cantina Vegetariana
Another self‐service restaurant in Recife. They offer vegetarian and
vegan food, soul food, pizza, and more.
Address: Rua Arcenio Calaça, 102, San Martin, Recife, Brazil
Telephone: 81‐3228‐2502
Fortaleza
Veg Gourmet Delivery
This is a vegan restaurant that brings food to your door. You need to
order one day in advance. The chef at Veg Gourment Delivery will amaze
you with his wonderful vegan dishes.
Telephone: 85‐3212‐0282
A Fantástica Cozinha da Carol
Reservations are required, and you must bring cash. The owner of this
restaurant can show you that vegan food is delicious!!
Address: Rua Júlio César, 1364, Damas, 60425‐808 Fortaleza, Brazil
Telephone: 85‐9986‐7073
Brasília
Girassol
This restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian food. Soups, salads,
sandwiches, and more. This is also a buffet style restaurant.
Address: CLS 409 Bl. B Lj. 15/16 Brasília, Brazil
Telephone: 61‐3242‐1542
E‐mail: girassol@restaurantegirassol.net.br
Website: www.restaurantegirassol.net.br
Boa Saúde
This vegetarian restaurant offers salads and hot dishes. They also sell
pizza made with Brazilian vegan cheese.
Address: SRTVN 702, bloco P, loja 128, Edifício Brasília Rádio Center,
Asa Norte, Brasília, Brazil
Telephone: 61‐3328‐6958
Porto Alegre
Bonobo
This is a vegan restaurant. At Bonobo they care about our environment.
Bikers are welcome at this restaurant. There is parking spaces for bikes.
Address: Rua Castro Alves, 101, Bonfim, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Telephone: 51‐3013‐1464
E‐mail: bonobo@cafebonobo.com.br
Website: www.cafebonobo.com.br
La Rouge Bistro
Here you can find vegan food. They offer mostly organic food including
raw dishes and a variety of organic teas.
Address: Ave Mariland 1587, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Telephone: 51‐3019‐7638
E‐mail: larouge@larougebistro.com.br
Website: www.larougebistro.com.br
Govinda
This is a casual restaurant that offers vegetarian and vegan food. At
night, you can try their tasty vegan pizzas.
Address: Av. José Bonifácio, 605, Bomfim, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Telephone: 51‐3332‐1704
Curitiba
Bouquet Garni
This restaurant offers a vegetarian buffet, as well as vegan food.
Prices vary on the weekend.
Address: Alameda Carlos de Carvalho, 271, Centro, Curitiba, Brazil
Telephone: 41‐3223‐8490
E‐mail: contato@restaurantebouquetgarni.com
Sorella Restaurante Vegetariano
This is a vegetarian restaurant with plenty of options. They offer all
kinds of salad, and also delicious fresh bread.
Address: Rua Marechal Hermes, 728, Centro Cívico, Curitiba, Brazil
Telephone: 41‐3026‐5794
E‐mail: sorella@sorellacentrocivico.com.br
Website: www.sorellacentrocivico.com.br
Other Resources
The World Factbook:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the‐world‐factbook/
Happy Cow The Healthy Eating Guide:
http://www.happycow.net/
Since restaurants open, close, and change menus, you may want to call
ahead.
For information on eating in the U.S. see
http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php
For other international eating info, see
http://www.vrg.org/links/restaurant.htm
For information on athletes and vegetarian diets, see
http://www.vrg.org/athlete/