Vegan Vibes in Torremolinos. A Surprising Plant-Based Paradise
I'll admit it, I was worried about a 'vegan' Spain. Having eaten well in Canada, France, Greece, and even Barcelona, I had my doubts about Costa Del Sol. My preconceived notions led me to expect a heavily meat-based culture. But was I wrong? Spoiler alert: Absolutely!
Unexpected All-Inclusive Delights: We arrived at Hotel Parasol Gardens, our all-inclusive spot in Torremolinos. Despite no reply to my email about vegan options, especially for my two young vegans, we were pleasantly surprised.
Breakfast was a vegan's dream: fresh fruit, toast with jam and accidentally vegan spread, hash browns, baked beans, and plenty of coffee. Soya milk was readily available on the buffet. Pro tip: Get up early to enjoy the full spread!
Lunch and dinner were where the hotel truly shined
Forget living on chips and salad – every vegan dish was clearly labelled, and there was always more than one option. The food was exceptionally well-cooked, and I enjoyed different meals at every sitting. My meat-eating companions complained about lukewarm dishes while I happily went for seconds. No food poisoning risk for us vegans!
Even my skin was glowing from all the fresh vegetable dishes. Kudos to Hotel Parasol Gardens for their labelling – they definitely got that right! For the young vegans, the staff provided vegan lollies as an alternative to the standard ice cream.
A vegan restaurant adventure
Using the trusty Happy Cow app, we discovered El Enano Verde, Torremolinos' only vegan restaurant. The food was delicious and well-prepared, but it might be a bit challenging for fussy young vegans or those new to plant-based eating. The staff weren't able to customise the dishes, which left my youngest unable to eat there. It's perfect for seasoned vegans, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal!
On the hunt for vegan ice cream
While sorbet was readily available everywhere (great for adults, not so much for kids craving vanilla), we struck gold in two spots. We found vegan vanilla, chocolate, and even caramel ice cream at an ice cream stand called Helados Alacant at Benalmadena Marina and another in Torremolinos. It didn't take much to find vegan labelled options.
Supermarket surprises
Even the supermarkets impressed me. A quick search in a relatively small Carrefour led me to a dedicated vegan fridge section. Score!
Spain, with its progressive public politics and outspoken culture, offers vegans a more than adequate choice for a culinary adventure. If you've been on the fence about visiting Spain, I'd say go for it! Just be sure to learn some Spanish to help you navigate.
Must-Know Spanish Phrases for Vegans:
- "Soy vegano/a" - I'm vegan
- "¿Tiene opciones veganas?" - Do you have vegan options?
- "Sin carne, pescado, huevos, o productos lácteos, por favor" - Without meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products, please
- "¿Este plato lleva algún producto animal?" - Does this dish contain any animal products?
- "¿Puede preparar esto sin...?" - Can you prepare this without...?
So, if you're planning a trip to Spain, don't let preconceptions hold you back. Pack your sunscreen, brush up on your Spanish, and get ready for a vegan adventure in the sunny Costa del Sol!
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