Vegan Cusco | The Best Plant-Based Restaurants in Cusco, Peru
If you’re a plant-based traveller you’ll know how hard it is to find good, plant-based food in some corners of the world. This is especially the case in South America, although things are slowly changing. I can’t remember how many times I was offered just a plate of rice, corn and tomato because they had nothing else (in remote areas). Apart from Lima, Cusco is one of the best places to be plant-based in Peru and has so many options that for once, you’ll have to actually have to make a choice. To help you decide, here are my top 5, vegan Cusco recommendations.
Keep in mind that lunchtime is often the best and cheapest time to eat. Many restaurants do a daily menu where for about $5 you get an entré, a main, salad and dessert. It’s great value for money, the food is freshly prepared daily and it’s a great opportunity to try local food.
Here are my favourite 5 vegan places to eat in Cusco. Hopefully, this makes your decision a lot easier. Bon appetit!
Need a guide for what to do in Cusco? Check out the 2 Days in Cusco itinerary here.
GREEN POINT VEGAN
This place is an institution and not just with vegans. Many meat-eaters come here too and love it. For just a few soles the set lunch here is delicious and great value for money. I’d recommend you don’t leave lunch too late though. It’s so popular that these guys sell out fast. If the set lunch doesn’t interest you or you come for dinner, I’d lightly recommend trying their ceviche and causa, two Peruvian dishes that will be difficult to try plant-based anywhere else. The price-quality ratio at Green Point is exceptional. You may be paying a little more than the average local eatery but the food is out of this world. It’s well worth it and is the number 1 plant-based restaurant in Cusco for many. Check out their menu online here.
Where: Carmen Bajo 243, San Blas, Cusco
Price Range: $-$$ Mains from 30-35 soles
CHIA VEGAN KITCHEN
Everything here is natural, organic and health orientated. For 15 soles ($5) they also do a great lunch menu. If you need a Thai food fix then you have to try the massaman curry which is delicious. The veggie stir fry is also a great option. For dessert, I was highly impressed with the quinoa pudding which was local and so creamy it just melts in your mouth. The service too was attentive and the staff really friendly.
Where: Calle Techsecocha 466, Cusco
Price Range: $, Mains from 20-28 soles
EL ENCUENTRO
This little restaurant was so welcoming I just loved its charm (and food of course). Located just a stone’s throw from Plaza de Armas, it’s small but has a large vegan menu and the food is simple but delicious. The menu specializes in a wide variety of Peruvian favourites such as vegan Lomo salteado and Aji de Gallina– both are a must-try when in Peru. Another exceptional choice for a meal in Cusco, especially if you want to try something local, made vegan, which is pretty hard to find in Peru.
Where: Santa Catalina Ancha 384, Cuzco
Price Range: $, Mains from 16-25 soles
SHAMAN RESTAURANT
This restaurant is part of the Shaman Vegan Raw Centre which offers a more spiritual introduction to the Andes and Peru including visiting ancient Power places, energy centres and temples combined with rituals and meditations. They support a 100% plant-based lifestyle, dedicated to shamanic food practises and the restaurant reflects that. It’s decorated beautifully, and it’s really a place to come, eat slowly and relax. They celebrate the idea of community- there are no individual tables, just two large tables encouraging you to take a seat, put away your phone and talk to the people around you. They offer raw and vegan options. I opted for the power salad and it was delicious. Their juices were pretty great too.
Where: Santa Catalina Ancha 366 B
Price Range: $-$$, but they have a great lunch deal.
THE LITTLE BAKE SHOP
This is the place to go for vegan baked goods in Cusco. They serve all kinds of breads, cakes, pastries, cookies, coffee and even acai bowls and vegan yoghurt. It’s owned by the same owners of Green Point meaning you can’t go wrong with this lovely little bakery. It’s the perfect place for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up or to stock up on baked goods for day trips. 100% recommendable.
Where: Calle Carmen Bajo 222, San Blas, Cuzco
Price Range: $, Items from 6-15 soles
Unfortunately, these are all the restaurants I could physically visit during my stay in Cusco and I have to say they were all brilliant and come highly recommended. If you’ve been to any others and would like to recommend it, let me know, comment below.
GREEN STOP
While not a restuarant itself, Green Stop is the perfect place to stop by if you’re plant-based and are self-catering in Cusco. Green Stop is owned by owners of Green Point and here you can find staples like tofu, hummus, breads, vegan cheese, juice and even kombucha.
Where: Calle Carmen Bajo 22, San Blas
Do you have any comments or questions about the best vegan restaurants in Cusco? Let me know below, I’d love to hear from you.
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