Mexico is known for its dynamic culture, beautiful beaches, rich history, and great food. Although many traditional Mexican dishes do include meat and dairy, the country has opened up to vegan and vegetarian options. In places like Mexico City and Playa del Carmen, as well as popular beach spots such as Tulum and Cancun, travellers may enjoy a great choice of tasty, plant-based foods that also showcase authentic flavours.
Whether you are on your first trip out or you are a returner looking to see more of the country, this guide will help you out in your search for the best vegan-friendly foods, useful Spanish phrases to know, and practical tips for healthful eating during your stay in Mexico.
Is Mexico Vegan-Friendly?
Mexico is a very easy place for vegans in Latin America, with popular tourist spots that are the best to visit. Traditional Mexican food is heavy in fresh veggies, beans, corn, rice, avocados, herbs and chili, which in turn means many of the dishes are very easy to put on a plant-based menu.
Large in urban centres and as a feature of tourism is the growth of vegan options, which can be found in stand-alone vegan restaurants, cafes, and on the menu at food trucks. Also, we see traditional family-run restaurants that are more than willing to adapt their menu by taking out cheese, cream, or meat at the request of the customer.
In cities like Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Oaxaca, you’ll find the best in vegan dining.
Helpful Spanish Phrases for Vegans
In many cases, learning some basic Spanish terms will improve your food ordering experience, which in turn will be even more true in the towns where less of their population speaks English.
I am a vegan.
Sin carne – Without meat.
Sin pollo – Without chicken.
Sin pescado – Without fish.
Sin queso – Without cheese.
Sin leche – Without milk.
Sin huevos – Without eggs.
Do you have vegan choices?
Also note that some may not include fish and chicken in their definition of meat, which is why it is best to specify what you do not eat.
Must-Try Vegan Mexican Dishes
Mexico has a great attribute in the fact that many traditional dishes can be put to use in vegan preparations. In which meat is replaced by beans, mushrooms, cactus, potatoes, or soy-based options, which, at the same time, preserve the very robust flavors that are a mark of Mexican cuisine.
Chilaquiles
A favourite way to break fast in Mexico is to include crisp tortilla chips that are simmered in red or green salsas. In addition to traditional elements of cheese, cream and eggs, which are present in many homes, we also have great vegan options in many restaurants, which include beans, avocado, vegetables, or soy protein.
Vegan Burritos
Stuffed with seasonal beans, rice, grilled veggies, guacamole, salsa, and fresh herbs, vegan burritos are affordable and very much a part of the food scene across the country.
Nopales
Nopales are a type of cactus pad that, for years, have been a part of Mexican cuisine. They have a mild taste with a zesty note and are put in tacos, salads, burritos or with beans.
Tamales
Tamales are prepared with corn dough, which is wrapped in corn husks and steamed until soft. Though they often have a meat filling, what we are seeing is a great variety of vegetable, mushroom, bean and chili fillings for tamales.
Enchiladas Verdes
Soft corn tortillas filled with veggies or beans, and we serve them with a flavorful green tomatillo sauce. Order them without cheese and cream for a vegan option.
Molletes
These traditional open faced sandwishes have toasted bread which is topped with refried beans and cheese. Also present in many cafes are the vegan versions, which include dairy-free cheese, avocado, roasted veggies, or mushrooms.
Sopa Azteca
This classic version of tortilla soup includes tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and crispy tortilla strips. Note: see if the chicken stock is used in the base before you order.
Delicious Vegan Street Food
Mexico’s food scene from the street is a big hit with tourists and also features many vegetarian options to try.
Elotes
Grilled corn cob seasoned with lime and chilli powder. We usually put mayonnaise and cheese on top, but if you’d prefer no dairy, go ahead and get it that way.
Tostadas
Crunchy tortilla chips filled with refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa, onions, and pickled veggies. Pass on the cheese and sour cream for a healthy vegan option.
Vegan Tacos
Today, many of the taco vendors are offering up a variety like mushrooms, cactus, potatoes, beans, soy protein, and grilled veggies. Also fresh salsas, onions, cilantro and lime to finish it off.
Churros
These, which break from the bite of these crispy pastries, are also usually vegan; however, do check to see what oil or milk is used in the dough.
Fresh Produce You’ll Love
Mexico’s tropical climate, which is on the warmer side, produces a great variety of tropical fruits and vegetables that are often better in terms of freshness and taste.
Don’t miss trying: Don’t pass on:
Papaya
Watermelon
Mango
Pineapple
Rambutan
Dragon fruit
Guava
Jicama
Chayote
Fresh produce is at the front of local markets and at street stalls, which also offer it dressed in lime and chili for that extra kick.
Tips for Eating Vegan in Mexico
As vegan options are growing in number, a bit of preparation will still see you through to having a smooth dining experience.
Check out apps such as HappyCow, which will help you find nearby vegan restaurants.
Before you leave for your trip.
Take along easy-to-carry snacks for rural travel.
Do you use lard in bean dishes? Some old recipes do.
Check that soups and sauces are made with vegetable broth instead of meat stock.
Visit local farmers’ markets for a great choice of fresh produce, homemade salsas, spices, and authentic Mexican ingredients.
Best Destinations in Mexico for Vegan Travellers.
If you are looking to travel for food, these destinations have some of the best vegan options.
In Mexico City, there are over a hundred vegan restaurants that offer everything from tacos and tamales to fine dining.
Playa del Carmen has a mix of beachside relaxation and a large array of vegan cafes, smoothie bars and international restaurants.
Tulum has grown into a health and wellness destination that features organic cafes, vegan bakeries, smoothie bowls, and fine plant-based dining.
Cancun has a wide choice of vegan restaurants; in addition to this, traditional Mexican restaurants will also cater to special dietary needs.
Oaxaca is a great choice for food lovers, as it has seen many restaurants putting a vegan twist on traditional dishes.
Final Thoughts
Travelling in Mexico as a vegan is more than most visitors think. Out of the country’s large variety of fresh produce, like beans, corn, avos, herbs, and spices, which many traditional dishes consist of, it’s easy to put together a nutritious meal that is also true to the local flavours. Also in the mix is the very fast growth in the number of vegan restaurants in metropolitan centers and tourist areas, and so Mexico has become the best case study for the plant-based traveler.
As you tuck into cactus tacos from a local street vendor, break your fast with vegan chilaquiles, try tropical fruits at a lively market, or sit down to dinner at a dedicated vegan restaurant which looks out to the Caribbean coast you will see that beyond the great food what Mexican cuisine also gives is an authentic cultural experience which is at once very bold in flavor, very warm in spirit and full of unforgettable memories.
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