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I recently returned from my second visit to the lovely island of Puerto Rico. Ahhhh it was fantastic!
But back to the food...
Being vegan I usually travel with a suitcase full of my "rations", no joke and it can actually be quite comical!
Anyhow, during my first visit which took place back in 2010 I couldn't believe that I ate through almost all of my "rations" (which I normally don't ever need to do)...
What I found was that Puerto Rico is a nation that loves meat and eats a ton of it. And when they aren't eating meat they are putting meat or its byproducts into most of their dishes...even the vegetable ones.
So I was screwed.
But back to the food...
Being vegan I usually travel with a suitcase full of my "rations", no joke and it can actually be quite comical!
Anyhow, during my first visit which took place back in 2010 I couldn't believe that I ate through almost all of my "rations" (which I normally don't ever need to do)...
What I found was that Puerto Rico is a nation that loves meat and eats a ton of it. And when they aren't eating meat they are putting meat or its byproducts into most of their dishes...even the vegetable ones.
So I was screwed.
But then on the last night of that vacation, we happened to be in
Old San Juan and I had looked up restaurants that would at least be somewhat vegan friendly.
Coconut Tomato Tofu I came up with Cafe Berlin, and I was so happy that I did!
The only thing I was bummed about was that it was on the last night of that particular trip...but after that meal I knew that I'd be back to try out more of their menu.
Fast forward to 5 years later and only a few weeks ago; It was me making reservations for not just one dining experience - but 3 in less than 24hrs!
Fast forward to 5 years later and only a few weeks ago; It was me making reservations for not just one dining experience - but 3 in less than 24hrs!
They've got a huge menu with several delicious sounding offerings. And yes you read that correctly, we went 3 times in less than 24hrs! Once for Lunch, then we went back for Dinner, and then returned first thing the next morning to try out their Sunday Brunch!
 Veggie "Guava" Loaf The food was nothing less than delicious! While we may not have been able to identify or place a finger on every flavor that was in these unique regional dishes, they sure were good! |  Sesame Tofu |
Not knowing what to expect, we ordered and ate things like Yautia, Guava, Yuca, and Mofongo.
The textures and essence of each unique vegetable and root were incredible and superb!
The textures and essence of each unique vegetable and root were incredible and superb!
 Pigeon Peas Soup  Mofongo  Vegan Sunday Brunch  |  Dumplings   |
I wish that I could've fit more into my stomach.
They even offered a vegan cheesecake for dessert!
They even offered a vegan cheesecake for dessert!
Vegan Cheesecake
Enjoying each and every bite, we stuffed our bellies to the very max.
And with each meal being so incredibly filling we needed take away boxes for almost all of them.
I wish we could've ate more.
And with each meal being so incredibly filling we needed take away boxes for almost all of them.
I wish we could've ate more.
*I will note that there is a huge difference between eating these dishes hot vs cold and hot wins hands down. As much as we looked forward to noshing on our leftovers, it just wasn't the same.
Eat it when its HOT!
Eat it when its HOT!
Now, I know that I always focus on the vegan aspect of things but just so y'all know this is not only a vegan/vegetarian restaurant. And yet the servers are very educated, accommodating and aware of what is vegan, what isn't vegan, and what can be made vegan.
Kudos to Cafe Berlin!!
The service was wonderful during each of our visits, I'd go as far as to say that the service we received here was better than that of any service that we received anywhere else on the island!
Kudos to Cafe Berlin!!
The service was wonderful during each of our visits, I'd go as far as to say that the service we received here was better than that of any service that we received anywhere else on the island!
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From the Cafe Berlin website:
- Café Berlin was created in 1991 and since then has been one of the favorite places in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans and tourists alike have visited for more than two decades. Our exquisite menu has options for everyone, offering a variety of Caribbean, Puerto Rican and Vegetarian dishes.
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The location is lovely, with both an adorable and pleasantly appointed interior as well as outdoor patio seating overlooking the Plaza Colon and within steps from the historic sights of Castillo San Cristobal.
Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or one of those "meat eaters" (LOL) I definitely recommend you go and visit to Cafe Berlin!
Oh and btw any coffee fans out there?
Just for the coffee alone this place is worth trying out! Mmmm...Good to the last drop!
More Tasty Travels,
-T
 | For your information: CAFE BERLIN 407 Cll San Francisco, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico 787-722-5205 www.cafeberlinpr.com |
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