My Honest 2025 Plant Power Vegan Food Tour Review

So, you are probably wondering about the new Plant Power Vegan Food Tour. To be honest, I went in with some pretty big questions. I mean, Lisbon is a city I love for its history and its charm, but you know, it’s not exactly famous for its plant-based options. It’s a place of grilled sardines and egg-filled pastries, at the end of the day. So, basically, I was a little skeptical that a vegan tour could really show off the soul of Portuguese food. Well, I just got back from the 2025 tour, and I’ve got to tell you, my thoughts are kind of completely changed. Honestly, the entire afternoon was a stream of pleasant surprises, you know? It’s almost like finding a secret garden in the middle of a busy city street. What they are doing is, actually, something quite special, and I’m pretty much ready to walk you through it bite by bite.

First Impressions and Our Amazing Guide, Sofia

Okay, so our meeting spot was in a really lovely little square, away from the biggest crowds of tourists. First off, I noticed our group was pretty small, just about eight of us, which, you know, felt very personal from the get-go. It wasn’t one of those massive, impersonal tours where you can barely hear the guide, right. And then we met Sofia. I mean, Sofia wasn’t just a guide; she was more or less the heart of the whole experience. She had this incredibly warm energy, and as a matter of fact, she grew up in the very neighborhood we were exploring. It’s almost like she knew every single cobblestone by name. She explained that her family ran a traditional tasca for years, and her mission was, basically, to show that Portuguese food could still be Portuguese without animal products. She just had this way of telling stories that made you feel like you were walking around with a long-lost friend, you know?

Sofia’s approach was really what set the tone. For instance, she didn’t just point at buildings; she told us about the people who lived there and the history behind the food we were about to try. Clearly, she was passionate about both her city and the plant-based movement. Instead of a dry lecture on food history, we got these fantastic little anecdotes. She said something that really stuck with me. She pointed to an old building and said,

“Basically, the food of a place is its memory. We are just making new memories that are, like, a little kinder to the planet.”

Frankly, it was this personal touch that made all the difference. We were all sort of instantly at ease, just chatting and laughing as she led us away from the main square and down a narrow, winding street. At the end of the day, that kind of connection is what you hope for on a tour like this.

The Food Stop #1: Reinventing Portuguese Classics

Alright, our first stop was apparently a place you would never find on your own. It was a bright, modern-looking café tucked away, and you could just smell the fresh bread and coffee from the street. So, the star of the show here was their take on the Bifana, which is typically a marinated pork sandwich. This version, you know, was made with thinly sliced, marinated seitan, and it was seriously incredible. The seitan had this perfect chew, and the marinade was this garlic and white wine concoction that was just so savory, really. It was served on a fluffy, fresh papo seco roll, and honestly, if you didn’t know it was vegan, you just wouldn’t guess. It’s almost like they captured the very essence of the original dish. The feeling of that warm sandwich in my hands was just pure comfort, you know?

But then, like, the real magic happened. After the Bifana, Sofia brought out a platter of vegan Pastéis de Nata. Seriously, this was the moment I was most doubtful about. A good Pastel de Nata is all about that rich, eggy custard and flaky pastry. How could you possibly replicate that? Well, somehow, they did. The crust was light and shatteringly crisp, and the filling was just unbelievably smooth and creamy. As a matter of fact, Sofia explained they use a clever mix of cashews, cornstarch, and a pinch of black salt for that slight “eggy” flavor. I took one bite and I was, pretty much, speechless. It had that beautiful caramelized top and the perfect hint of cinnamon and lemon. It was just a little moment of pure, sweet joy, and we were only at our first stop.

The Food Stop #2: A Hidden Gem for Natural Wines and Petiscos

Next, Sofia led us deeper into the Alfama district, through a maze of alleys that felt a bit like stepping back in time. Our second destination was this cozy, cave-like spot with stone walls and dim lighting, which, you know, was a “petiscos” bar. Petiscos are basically the Portuguese answer to tapas—small plates for sharing. This place specialized in natural, low-intervention wines, and honestly, the vibe was just so relaxed and authentic. The owner came over to our table, and you could just tell he loved talking about his wines. He poured us a glass of a slightly fizzy, orange-hued Vinho Verde that was unlike anything I had ever tried. It was a little funky, super refreshing, and actually the perfect partner for the food to come.

Then, the plates started arriving. You know, it was a real feast for the eyes first. We had a board with these amazing house-made vegan cheeses. One was a soft, spreadable “chevre” made from almonds, and another was a harder, aged cheese from cashews that had a surprisingly sharp flavor. There was also this incredible mushroom pâté, which was so earthy and rich, you know, and a dish of marinated lupini beans, a classic Portuguese snack. We just sat there for what felt like an hour, maybe more, just sipping this wonderful wine and passing around plates of food. It wasn’t rushed at all; in fact, it was the opposite. Sofia encouraged us to just talk and enjoy the atmosphere. At the end of the day, it was less a food stop and more a full cultural experience.

The Food Stop #3: The Grand Finale with a Sweet Twist

So, for our last stop, I was sort of expecting another traditional cafe, but Sofia had another surprise for us. She took us to a place that was part chocolate shop, part art gallery. It was really a very cool space, modern and a little bit quirky. The specialty here was a vegan version of “salame de chocolate,” or chocolate salami. You know, it’s typically made with eggs and butter, but this one used a rich, dark Portuguese chocolate, avocado for creaminess, and crushed Maria biscuits for that classic crunch. It sounds a little weird, but oh my, it was seriously good. It was sliced thick and served just a little chilled. The texture was absolutely perfect—dense and fudgy but with that wonderful biscuit texture running through it. It was the kind of dessert that feels both really indulgent and kind of familiar at the same time.

As we were enjoying our chocolate salami, we also got to sample some carob treats. Carob is apparently very common in the south of Portugal, in the Algarve region, and it’s often used as a chocolate substitute. Sofia explained that it has a naturally sweet, slightly caramel-like taste. We tried a small, dense carob and almond cake that was not too sweet but was incredibly satisfying. It was a great way to end the tour, to be honest. We were all full, happy, and just a little bit buzzed from the wine and the sugar. We just sat around chatting about everything we had eaten, and everyone seemed to be, pretty much, in agreement that the tour had completely surpassed all our expectations. Basically, it felt like the perfect ending to a really memorable afternoon.

So, Is the Plant Power Tour Right for You?

Frankly, after spending an afternoon with Sofia and discovering these amazing plant-based versions of Portuguese food, I would say this tour is for a lot of people. If you are a long-time vegan, you will definitely be thrilled to experience local flavors in a way you probably thought wasn’t possible. You know, you don’t have to just stick to salads. But I think, maybe, this tour is even better for the vegan-curious. It’s almost a perfect introduction because it proves that plant-based eating isn’t about restriction at all; it’s about creativity, you know? It’s also really great for solo travelers. Because the group is small, it’s super easy to connect with people. On the other hand, if you are someone who really dislikes walking or isn’t very adventurous with food, this might be a little challenging. You are on your feet for a few hours, and you do have to be open to trying some new things, right?

So, here’s my honest take on it, more or less.

• You get more than just food: You are basically getting a cultural and historical tour guided by a passionate local. It’s really two experiences in one.
• The food is genuinely impressive: To be honest, they’ve managed to capture the spirit of classic Portuguese dishes in a completely plant-based way. That vegan Pastel de Nata is something I will be dreaming about for a while.
• Discover hidden gems: You just wouldn’t find these places on your own. Honestly, these are spots that only a local would know about.
• It’s great value, really: When you consider all the food, the wine, and the personal guide for three-plus hours, it actually feels like a pretty good deal, at the end of the day.

Read our full review: [2025 Plant Power Vegan Food Tour Full Review and Details]

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