does anybody know where to buy vegetarian food ( not restaurants). Intermarche seem to have stopped stocking it and couldn't see any in Modelo ,Plus or Carrefour.

Have you tried Continente?

Yes Thunderbolt have tried Continente at Algarve shopping centre but no joy . Someone said they are the same company as Modelo and must admit their products are similar but no veggie food. Intermarche used to stock some Linda McArtney frozen products albeit very expensive but alas no longer.

Possibly being a little na'i've here but why would you want to buy 'vegetarian food' from a supermarket which is full of chemicals and additives when all you need is fresh veg and pasta or rice to make some wonderful veggie grub, healthy and you know what has gone into it....

Lesley, I think cereza is probably looking for substitute meat products.
My oldest lad is the same. Hes been a vegetarian for many years now (about 16 I think)..and though he eats a lot of fresh veg, pasta, rice etc, he readily confesses to missing certain meat dishes ( a bacon sarnie, sausages, meat pie etc)..
so he does buy the veggie versions of these meals..as cereza said 'Linda McCartney' products etc....
he also buys 'kosher' veg products that produce a type of bacon.
I was wondering if cereza eats fish?If so, theres nowhere better than Portugal to indulge in fish meals

Hi Ellie, maybe you are right, but still for a short time in Portugal then surely it is not so important? If the 'veggie' eats fish then as you say can't go wrong in Portugal. I have seen Quorn and tofu for sale in Modelo, Silves. So it is out there if you want. My girls would rather have something like roasted aubergine stuffed with rice, peppers, mushrooms and herbs rather than going for a substitute. But each to there own. I don't like all the additives and inhibitors which the packaged foods contain, they do so much harm to some who are unable to tolerate them. Give me natural any day

Apart from growing your own fruit & veg and knowing it isn't sprayed, you can't be sure of any that you buy either in the supermarket, greengrocers or in an open market...what chemicals have been used for growing..spraying..fertilisers etc.
Although some folk may be allergic to additives I think we're all well-used to them now.
But I do buy mine mostly from a health shop that sells locally grown organic fruit and veg...and do try to buy organic meat where possible.
Its bit of a headache when Jeff come to stay and I usually end up making him spinach & caramalised onion quiche

Additives are not good for people who have certain medical conditions, as you know about my family situation, S is not able to tolerate certain food additives and chemicals at all, makes her very ill.

I always try to buy organic and local farm produce, at least it helps.

Hi Lesley
yes I realise it must be very difficult with S and you have to be careful. But you're a great mum and you do your best.
A friend of mine had a child with wheat intolerance (some years back now) and I don't know how she managed. Theres a lot more choice these days.
suppose its same with anyone who has nut allergy?Must be a worry.
Im going veggie tonight ( I love veg anyway), with fresh pasta..but will add meat for the fellas.

Have you tried Food Fayre in Messines. They have several vegetarian products there.

well thanks for the replies . We stay in portugal for quite long periods and I have a difficult keeping to my veggie diet whilst feeding my carnivore family. I do eat a lot of pasta , fresh veg and fish but as Ellie says its nice to have a meat substitute sometimes to make up for example my own veggie spag bol while cooking the real thing for the family and especially to satisfy the torture of smelling a bacon sarnie ! As I said Intermarche used to stock it but no longer - but I will certainly try Modelo in Silves as mentioned. I probably will have to revert to bringing some out with me.

Thanks Ann . Will certainly try there.

Modelo in Lagoa have the same selection as Silves, just to the right of the checkouts.

cereza said " its nice to have a meat substitute sometimes to make up for example my own veggie spag bol while cooking the real thing for the family "

Having had two daughters being veggie (now only one) I found it so much easier to make my spag bol sauce and lasagna using Quorn mince, cooked with onion, garlic, grated carrot and courgette, sliced mushrooms, Italian seasoning, canned chopped tomatoes and a jar of veggie pasta sauce. We have had many meat eaters have this for supper and have loved it never knowing it is veggie. Saves the whole making two meals for the family.

Thsnks LJ for the recipe only question I have is back to my original one "Where can you buy the Quorn?"
Thanks to Jaylay - I will be out in 2 weeks and will visit Modelo Lagoa then .