Souk

As a traveler, it's not always easy to find a decent display of greens on your plate. This is especially true in a country like Argentina, where the measure of a good meal is not found in its wholesome balance, but instead lies in the impressive spread of meat sizzling on the grill in the front of any traditional Argentine restaurant. 

I am not a vegetarian. However, like many of my fellow human beings, I require fresh vegetables on a somewhat regular basis. One day, voracious for a good salad, I sought out Bio. The atmosphere of this place can only be described as tranquilo; the quaint painted tables, the wall of freshly baked multi-grain breads displayed next to a kitchen, which was nothing more than a tiny nook of the dining room where customers could watch smiling, happy cooks taking in the music while preparing the daily selections. 

I knew it was love when the waitress brought me a glass of complementary ginger lemonade.. very refreshing on a hot December day in Buenos Aires. The menu offered a variety of mouth watering dishes, many of which had an Asian Indian style. Making a decision was a challenge, but I stuck to my guns and went with the salad with grilled vegetables; it came with fresh shreds of parmesan cheese and a savory citrus vinaigrette. This salad was.. not only the best salad I had eaten in Buenos Aires, but.. possibly the best salad I've eaten in my entire life (which says a lot.. I do love my leafy greens). Every bite brought me joy, but also sadness that it would soon be over. I was so enthralled by the main course that I opted for dessert, I'm a sucker for flan. The tasty custard was stacked upon a foundation of chewy coconut cake.. a very original concept that worked well for the traditionally simple treat. Note, this is a dessert that could and should be shared. 

As an Argentinian, I know that finding a good and respectable vegetarian restaurant is not easy. Almost all restaurants that include meat related dishes lack the courage to feature at least one vegetarian dish on their menus and this is a really big problem for people like me (specially when I don't want to end up eating a simple lettuce salad!). 

The case of Bio Restaurant is simply different. From the beginning this small but cozy restaurants welcomes you with a small cup of fresh lemon juice which is a marvelous idea to awake your every sense. Then, the nice employees will bring a delicious plate of home made breads which include different flavors and textures.  

But of course, the most important element of this restaurant is its menu: including all kind of original dishes made with fresh and almost rare products, Bio Restaurant offers you an interesting variety of possibilities to try. You have fantastic entries such as Bruschetas with mushrooms, miso soup, small pizzas and some typical Argentinian dishes which are called 'empanadas' and that are made with delicious vegetables covered by a tender baked dough. There are several salads which feature unique ingredients such as green leaves, mushrooms, yamani rice, cheese, marinated onions and other seasonal vegetables. As for the main dishes you will find different ways to prepare rice, tofu and vegetables: they are all complex and delicious options that will leave you really satisfied. The desserts are simple but fresh at the same time and they are a good way to end up such carnival of amazing flavors. 

There is no doubt that Bio Restaurant is a fabulous option if you are willing to eat delicious vegetarian dishes at accesible prices. The atmosphere is quite relaxing and even though the overall space is a bit small, you can still eat comfortably without the noise and stress of many large restaurants in Buenos Aires. The Bio experience is certainly worthy.