A vegetarian emblem in Barcelona – the story of Biocenter
Cities are made of stories. Stories of people that have shaped how things are going, and have changed the city in one direction or another. If Barcelona is known to be a progressive city, it’s thanks to remarkable people that have initiated this. One as such is the founder of Biocenter. We had a talk to get to know the story of this iconic, pioneering vegetarian restaurant in Barcelona.
Hi Teresa! Could you tell us a bit more about yourself and about Biocenter?
It’s already 37 years ago now that we opened one of the first vegetarian restaurants in Barcelona. It was in the year 1980 and in a different, smaller spot than the current location, yet in the same, emblematic Pintor Fortuny street.
I’m Teresa do Carmo and it’s in 1977 that I arrived in Barcelona coming from Portugal. I was a vegetarian already, and here I got to meet a group of conscious consumers which were concerned about environmental issues and food, which later turned into establishing the association Vida Sana and the Biocultura fair. My work during all these years has been inspired by making people aware of the fact that food is the prime basis for a good health and I’ve been concerned about creating places where one can eat healthy and balanced.
So that’s how Biocenter started. Thanks to many clients, and friends, it has been possible to become a reference in the city and we keep defending the values of healthy food and its endless possibilities. We started with 6 tables and at the moment we have 52! We’re much more than a restaurant, we’re a philosophy, a family, a place where one can eat but also learn and share.
What is the idea, the philosophy you want to share with Biocenter?
Biocenter was established with a goal of sharing a new vision on nutrition, based on vegetarian dishes, ecological cultivation and integral ingredients. Our kitchen is homemade, artisan and with quality ingredients. This philosophy has lasted since the start, and has even inspired many other restaurants.
Besides, we also aim to be a warm and cozy place, one where events can be held: workshops, food courses, meetings, friend gatherings, etc.
Which sustainable change do you aim to bring with your project?
Every day, we’re with more people concerned about food. Allergies and food intolerance’s are all around, so we can no longer look away and act if nothing is happening. The level of consciousness has also increased. Being vegetarian is not just fashionable anymore, it’s a movement that has come to stay. Eating healthy and balanced is not seen as eccentric anymore, it has become a necessity. There’s a growing movement of people that want to eat in a natural way, which is the alternative Biocenter provides. We’re very proud to have initiated this movement, ahead of its times. One can harvest what one sows, and now we can all benefit from it. In Barcelona there are ever more restaurants in this style, and the good news is that there’s a public for all.
How do you think Barcelona is doing when it comes to sustainability? And how is the vegetarian scene evolving?
It’s in Barcelona that the Spain’s organic farming movement started, influenced by France and other European countries, and established by the Vida Sana association. The creation of the Biocultura fair is an icon of this movement, a place where the entire scene meets. They were all private initiatives, and it’s important that the city council and administrations supports and helps small enterprises with sustainable projects. It would be a way to promote responsible consumption, with affordable options for all people. I’ve always been defending small artisans, because they’re the root, preserving the essence and authenticity in a world which is constantly more influenced by an in-personal, mass industry.
As for the new vegetarian restaurants that are opening in Barcelona, I think it’s good news. I’ve visited some, and I’m always happy to eat at places that are different than my house, especially on Sunday night when Biocenter is closed. And the vegetarian movement also encourages us to improve every day. There’s more competition, but we’re very creative and innovative and want to continue going forward and contributing our knowledge, which we have integrated as our way of living. What we do is what we believe, because it comes from the heart. We want people to be well, to feel good.
Do you have any sustainable tips for people that are living in / or visiting Barcelona?
We love to visit Sunsais, which is a sustainable fashion store in Gràcia with lovely, quality items and fair prices. We also really like in Raval, which offers all kinds of finely selected European craft beers. And the Ciutadella Park is the most pretty park of the city, a place you should never miss visiting when you’re passing in Barcelona.
Thanks a lot for sharing your story and the great tips!!
Find our full review of Biocenter here.
More sustainable places: in Barcelona or Europe
Good Goal is an independent guide to vegetarian restaurants and other sustainable places in Barcelona and various other European cities. We visit every place ourselves and only list the most innovative ones. Our guide is made so that everyone can easily find the sustainable options, those that benefit local people, sustainable innovators and that show you the real and local side of the city. To keep yourself updated, please like our