Cape Verde is known for its flavorful cuisine, featuring traditional dishes often centered around meat, fish, or seafood. However, vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options to enjoy a delicious and varied diet on the Cape Verdean islands. Especially in the more touristy areas, there is a wide range of choices. With a little preparation, you can easily savor Cape Verdean local specialties. In this article, we will share some local vegan and vegetarian dishes you should not miss. Additionally, we will highlight some great restaurants offering vegan and vegetarian dishes, markets where you can buy fresh ingredients, and useful travel tips for vegan / vegetarian travelers.
Barbecue vegan / vegetarian food
Local Vegan and Vegetarian Cape Verdean Dishes
Many traditional Cape Verdean dishes can be easily adapted for vegans and vegetarians without losing their authentic flavors. Some typical Cape Verdean dishes include:
- Cachupa Rica (Vegan)
Cachupa is Cape Verde’s national dish, a traditional stew. Request the version without meat or fish. This hearty dish includes ingredients like corn, beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and spices. - Xerém
This dish is made from coarsely ground corn, often served with vegetables or a simple sauce. It is a wholesome, nourishing meal perfect for vegans. Be sure to ask for the version without meat or fish. - Fajoada with Beans and Vegetables
Beans are the main ingredient in this dish. While Fajoada is often prepared with meat, it is also commonly made using only beans, vegetables, and spices. Specifically request this meat-free version. - Feijão Preto
Black beans served with rice is a classic dish found in many Cape Verdean kitchens. Ask for the version without meat or pork fat. - Stewed Okra
Okra is often cooked in light sauces with spices and tomatoes. Request the version without meat or fish. - Vegetable Dishes
Side dishes like fried plantains (without butter), roasted corn, boiled cassava, and vegetable slices of pumpkin or zucchini are often served separately and can easily be made vegan or vegetarian. Request oil instead of butter during preparation.
Restaurants for Vegans and Vegetarians in Cape Verde
Especially in touristy areas like the islands of Sal, Boavista, São Vicente, and Santiago, you will find restaurants suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Below are some restaurants offering dishes for vegans and vegetarians:
- Giramondo (Sal - Santa Maria)
This spot offers various international dishes with vegetarian and vegan options, such as salads, pastas, and vegetable curries. Customizations can be made—just ask the kitchen. - Garden Grille & Bar (Sal - Santa Maria)
Located at the Hilton Hotel near Santa Maria beach, this restaurant offers healthy options like salads, grilled vegetables, and local fruit. Perfect for a vegan meal. - By Valeria (Sal - Santa Maria)
A cozy Italian restaurant with several vegan dishes on the menu, such as vegan Bolognese with lentils and a vegan club sandwich.
Vegan / vegetarian food restaurant
- Bahia Beach Bar (Boavista - Sal Rei)
This beach bar serves simple dishes like grilled vegetables, fruit salads, and local side dishes. They also offer daily specials with vegan options—just ask the staff. - Cabo Café (Boavista - Sal Rei)
This cozy café offers vegan soups, wraps, and fresh juices. - El Mirador (Boavista - Sal Rei)
A Spanish restaurant with vegetarian options such as spicy patatas bravas, grilled goat cheese, and vegetarian paella. - Pérola d’Chaves (Santiago - Praia)
Ask for the vegetarian menu options, like delicious vegetable stews and vegan side dishes. - Quintal da Música (Santiago - Praia)
A cultural restaurant where you can enjoy live music and vegetarian versions of Cape Verdean dishes. - Nautilus (São Vicente - Mindelo)
Vegetarian tempura and vegetable skewers are recommended at this Italian restaurant in Mindelo. - Taverna (São Vicente - Mindelo)
Another Italian restaurant with various vegetarian options, such as pizzas and pastas. - Black Mamba (Santo Antão - Paul)
A popular Italian restaurant on Santo Antão offering vegan and vegetarian dishes, including vegan pizzas and pastas. - Tortuga (Fogo - São Filipe)
The menu mainly consists of fish and meat dishes, but there are also a few vegetarian options, such as salads and grilled vegetables. - Restaurante Baía Verde (São Nicolau - Tarrafal)
This restaurant offers a mix of Cape Verdean and international dishes. Vegetarian options include vegetable soups and salads—check availability in advance. - Bar Tropikal (Maio - Vila do Maio)
This beachfront bar offers simple dishes like salads and grilled vegetables.
If you want to discover even more great vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Cape Verde, the Happy Cow app is a fantastic resource. This app lists restaurants with vegetarian options, vegan options, fully vegetarian, and fully vegan menus. It also features reviews, photos, and even vegan-friendly supermarkets and businesses.
Corn - vegan / vegetarian food
Self-Cooking: Markets in Cape Verde
If you prefer not to eat out, the best place to buy fresh and local products in Cape Verde is at one of the markets on the islands. These markets often offer a wide variety of tropical fruits, fresh vegetables, and herbs, perfect for cooking. The Mercado de Sucupira in Praia (Santiago) is the largest market in Cape Verde and is renowned for its vast selection of fresh vegetables and fruits. It’s an ideal spot for vegans and vegetarians to stock up on groceries. Another recommendation on Santiago Island is the Mercado de Assomada, a lively market where you can find fresh cassava, cornmeal, and tropical fruits. In the larger city of Mindelo on São Vicente Island, you will find the Mercado Municipal, a colorful market that offers not only local products but also spices and handmade goods. On other islands like Sal and Boa Vista, there are smaller markets available. These markets also provide plenty of fresh ingredients to create vegan or vegetarian dishes.
Use the Vegan Passport in Cape Verde
The Vegan Passport is a handy tool for vegans traveling to countries where they do not speak the language, like Cape Verde. With translations in 79 languages, including Portuguese and Creole, it helps you explain what you do and don’t eat. The guide is available as a book or mobile app and is easy to use. It’s especially helpful for modifying dishes or requesting specific ingredients.
Alternatively, you can write down key phrases in Portuguese and Creole in advance, such as “I don’t eat meat or fish.” If you have internet access, you can also use Google Translate to read menus or communicate with restaurant staff.