Cafe Bonobo

Since 2001, Shannon Wu has been a vegan backpacker travelling throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe. To get a taste for what it’s like to live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, check out her blog at www.chegringa.com

Shannon recently visited Brazil and enjoyed a meal at Cafe Bonobo. After reading her post, I’m sad I missed the chance to eat there while in Brazil. We even made it to the Porto Alegre bus station!! So close, but so far away…

In the heart of Brazil’s gaucho country, the lucky vegan can find respite at Cafe Bonobo. If there ever existed an all-in-one vegan cafe, shop, library, art gallery, community space, and epitome of DIY greatness, Cafe Bonobo would be it. Founders Val and Marcelo created Bonobo as more than just a restaurant or meeting place–now, this former art gallery is a space for learning, exchange and of course, enjoying all things vegan. There is a collection of vegan books and animal rights literature and in the DIY spirit, all of Cafe Bonobo’s furnishings and housewares are salvaged, reclaimed and repurposed. Plus, nearly all of the drawings, paintings and art pieces that adorn the walls are by Val or Marcelo’s hand.

Cafe Bonobo

But, let’s not forget the food! Bonobo’s menu is free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and everything (except for the alcoholic drinks) is made in house. I tried the veggie burger ($9.00 Brazilian Reals or $5.10 USD) with organic homemade bread, and banana cacao shake ($4.00 Brazilian Reals or $2.27 USD). For dessert, I had two of the many flavors of homemade vegan ice cream: strawberry and cacao with hazelnuts. Mmm! They also have a pay-what-you-wish cake or dessert of the day, what a cool idea!

Veggie Burger and Banana Cacao Shake

Cafe Bonobo Menu

Cafe Bonobo
www.cafebonobo.com.br
Rua Castro Alves, 101 – Rio Branco
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Wednesdays – Saturdays 4:30 – 10:00 p.m.