This week in our series of interviews with vegan businesses in Mallorca: We’re pleased to interview Victoria and Gastón from Açai Vegan food. Açai is a vegan food truck mainly based in Inca and attending markets, events and doing food delivery in Palma . They also offer plant-based workshops and catering services. Let’s see what they have to say!
Tell us about Açai Vegan Food… What do you do?
Açai Vegan Food is dedicated to disseminating and standardising the diets that are suitable for vegans from various fields. On one hand we have our catering and foodtruck service section and on the other we give workshops for amateurs, trained professionals and advise gastronomic businesses.
How did you discover Mallorca?
Victoria: I was born in Mallorca, more specifically in Inca. And even so, I must say I still have places in Mallorca to discover. Gastón was born in Argentina and at the age of 20, he discovered the island out of love. And he has been living here for 11 years now.
What makes Mallorca a unique place for vegans?
The combination of traditions from Mallorca, quality agricultural products, and easy access to beaches, mountains and good climate.
How long have you been a vegan and what made you change?
13 years ago I became vegetarian for dietary reasons. It was a long transition, until Gaston suggested 6 years ago, for ethical reasons, we make the move to veganism. After seeing the documentary Earthlings, I couldn’t help but support that decision.
What is your star dish and why?
Mallorcan fried food with “votifarron“.
I love ‘veganizing’ traditional island dishes. And this one in particular leaves our customers amazed at how similar the vegetable votifrage is. I like to show, that vegan cooking is able to recreate the flavours we’ve grown up with.
What has been the proudest moment in your career?
I think that, with the difficulties of the current framework, every day your company survives is a source of pride for an entrepreneur. But if I have to choose one… the creation of the first association of vegan chefs in Spain.
What is your favourite local ingredient from Mallorca?
The safarnaria, in Spanish known as carrot morada. It has a slightly sweeter taste than the traditional carrot. It is the main ingredient in one of the oldest fried foods in Mallorca. It became less popular however a few years ago it came back into the market.
If you had to share some advice for someone thinking of starting a vegan business in Mallorca, what would it be?
Never lose the essence of what Veganism means.
Do you think the vegan community is growing on the island? How do you see the future of veganism in Mallorca?
I believe veganism is an ethical choice that is on the rise. Not only in Mallorca but worldwide. Our society is becoming more and more empathic and the new generations are an example of this. However, because of the strong characteristics of Mallorca, it’s also difficult to have such a big community of vegan activism on the island.
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