CLOSED: El Encuentro - Choquechaca - Cusco | Review "Delicious and inexpensive" by TheHealthyBackpacker

Lomo saltado, Peru's national dish: seitan-like stir-fried strips with onion and mushroom in a hearty brown gravy, flavored with a touch of soy sauce. Also pictured: vegan 'chicharrones', crunchy bites that soak up the fresh pico de gallo. at El Encuentro - Choquechaca in Cusco

CLOSED: El Encuentro - Choquechaca
(6)
2

Closed
Vegetarian

Vegan-friendly

Lacto

Ovo

Western

Peruvian

One of 3 locations, this one offers all vegetarian and vegan meals (per March 2013 report) and occupies a much larger space than the Sta. Catalina Ancha location. Mostly vegan except some honey and dairy products used in the desserts. OCT 2014 REPORTED SHUT THIS OUTLET.

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6 Reviews

First Review by TheHealthyBackpacker

TheHealthyBackpacker

Points +36

Vegetarian

26 May 2010

Delicious and inexpensive - Edit

I ate their twice for dinner. Each time, the set meal of soup, rice with stew, bread, and tea, cost 4 soles (less than $1.50). The meal was delicious and healthy. The atmosphere is intimate, the service friendly, and the food of good value. They also sell locally made granola and honey.

DynaMo

Points +103

Vegan

02 Mar 2014

best chips and guac EVER - Edit

Seriously, the chips tasted like someone's abuela (grandma) made a tortilla and then fried it up five seconds earlier. The guacamole is fresh and flavorful. My non-veg friends loved this place, especially the chips & guac and the pisco sour (tasty lime cocktail). If you want to try a vegan version of the Peruvian national dish lomo saltado, try it here: rich and delicious.

Pros: large varied menu, extremely reasonable prices, good portions

Cons: all desserts have dairy, eggs or honey

HeatherMeagher

Points +94

Vegan

28 Jul 2013

skip it. - Edit

Maybe i was there on an off day, nut my lentil burger was like a hockey puck. The strawberry juice was good though.

Marissat1

Points +20

Vegan

12 Apr 2012

Casual Vegan Fare - Edit

As a vegan, I so appreciated the 3 branches of El Encuentro in Cusco (all separately owned with same menu).

-low key, casual atmosphere
-fresh juices, homemade herb teas, soups, veg takes in Peruvian dishes, great crepes
-try the chips and guacamole--so good we ate it daily during our trip
-quinoa/veggie soup and lentil soup were fantastic
-great value for vegan fare
-would not recommend the vegan version of Cusco dish chicharones or lentil burger (dry)

Aside from a few misfires listed, we would highly recommend!

bobbyarroyo

Points +108

Vegan

20 Jun 2011

False Advertising - Edit

"El Encuentro" is advertised as a vegetarian restaurant on their business cards, flyers, and posters - but some non-veg items are listed on the menu (e.g., "Saltado de Atun").

The "Primavera spaguetti" ordered was sub-standard and included watered down tomato sauce. The fruit salad was the best part of the meal. It was served with sweet-tasting, fresh fruit.

El Encuentro is a mostly-vegetarian restaurant; but the food is not that appetizing to begin with.

Pros: Decent fruit salad

Cons: Slow service, Non-tasty food