Buenos Aires: How Argentina’s meat-loving capital is going vegan
Veganism is on the rise. Each year more and more people are starting to see animals differently. It’s slow progress, though it’s exciting for us nonetheless.
ELIZABETH SULIS KIM: ‘Although Argentina is still one of the biggest consumers of meat, in particular beef, the times are changing. Today, Buenos Aires has more than 60 vegetarian and vegan restaurants, plus many more that offer plant-based options. “The meat culture in Argentina is still really strong,” says Vanina Compagnet, owner of vegan steak house La Reverde Parillita Vegana. “But veganism is on the rise. Each year more and more people are starting to see animals differently. It’s slow progress, though it’s exciting for us nonetheless”…
Lionel Messi and Sergio Agüero, two prominent Argentinian football players, contributed to changing attitudes by going vegan for this year’s World Cup season. Both players ditched meat, dairy, pasta and sugar, as advised by Italian doctor Giuliano Poser. Agüero said that following the doctor’s advice had put an end to his recurring muscle injuries…
Significantly, it’s not just the young or radical who are changing their minds about vegetarianism and veganism: it’s also happening at the heart of the Argentine state. In July 2017, the Casa Rosada – the Argentine office of the president – trialled Lunes Vegano, or meat-free Mondays, at the staff canteen. And this year, the Casa Rosada plans to bring it back on a permanent basis. A chalkboard outside the canteen last year read: “Meat-free Monday: it improves your health, challenges you to do something new, it’s good for the planet. Eat vegetables. Eat differently”. SOURCE…
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