Ultimate Travel Guide for Vegans and Vegetarians in Mexico

People often ask me how I “survive” as a vegan in Mexico. I always respond by explaining that one of the main reasons I keep coming back to Mexico is for its incredible vegan food. 

If you’re wondering about what to eat as a vegan or vegetarian in Mexico, you’ve come to the right place. 

Looking for vegan guides to specific destinations in Mexico? Check out these:

Vegan Tulum Guide: Top Tulum Vegan Restaurants Ranked
27+ Oaxaca Vegan Restaurants & Vegan-Friendly Spots (Plus Cooking Classes)
The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Travel in La Paz Mexico
Best Vegan Restaurants in Cozumel | 2023 Cozumel Vegan Food

Eating Your Way Through Mexico on Plant-Based Diet

Beautiful vegan cheese platter served poolside at a rooftop bar in Tulum

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A History of Vegetarians in Mexico & Plant-Based Products

Mexico is an incredibly diverse country, and with so many influences, ingredients, and flavors, the country’s cuisine is difficult to put in a box. 

Although many older Mexicans are unfamiliar with the vegan diet, plant-based food is ingrained in Mexico’s history. 

Plant foods and the Mayans

Ancient indigenous communities, like the Mayans, relied on a diversity of plant foods as staples, such as maize (corn), squash, beans, quinoa, cacao, chili peppers, quinoa, potatoes, avocados, and tomatoes. 

Today on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula you can try sikil pak, a delicious ancient Mayan dip made with fresh tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, lime, and habanero. 

Meat is a luxury in many Mexican communities 

It can be difficult to find meat in more impoverished towns in Mexico. Meat is expensive, and many families view it as a luxury that is reserved for special occasions. Naturally, many everyday meals in these communities are made vegetarian or vegan. 

Soy meat is a staple in many Mexican kitchens

In the 1970s the Mexican government began introducing soy protein as an affordable, nutrient dense meat alternative. By the 80s, Mexico was the second largest consumer of soybeans. Since then, dehydrated soy (similar to textured vegetable protein [TVP] or soy curls) has been a staple in many Mexican households.

I’ve met young Mexicans who have told me that their grandmas continue to cook with soy protein instead of meat in certain dishes.

Dehydrated soy meat is easy to find in most Mexican cities. It’s not usually sold in the “vegan” or “healthy” section of the grocery store since it’s categorized as a traditional ingredient. You can get a large bag of soy meat for around $1 USD, enough to make dozens of tacos at home.

20% of Mexicans have reduced or eliminated animal products from their diet

A 2019 study found that one fifth of Mexicans were making an effort to reduce, or eliminate animal products from their diets. The movement toward plant-based eating is led by young people across Mexico. The impact of this new movement is seen across the country and vegetarian food is now readily available in most cities. 

Happy Cow reports 264 restaurants in Mexico City with vegetarian or vegan options, 81 in Tulum, 73 in Puerto Vallarta, 70 in Playa del Carmen, and 64 in Oaxaca City. I’ve found most Mexican cities to be more vegan-friendly than U.S. cities.  

Most Vegan-Friendly Cities in Mexico

There are so many vegan-friendly cities in Mexico. Just look at HappyCow’s list of Mexican towns with vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Here is a summary of some of the most vegan/vegetarian friendly places in Mexico. 

Mexico City: Mexico City has hundreds of restaurants with vegan and vegetarian options. My favorite places are Fresh & Co for delicious homemade veggie Mexican food, Gracias Madre for vegan street tacos, and Churreria El Moro for churros. 

Tulum: Tulum is a small town packed with vegan and vegetarian restaurants. I rank my favorite vegan food in Tulum in a recent blog post. 

Puerto Vallarta: Puerto Vallarta wowed me with incredible international vegan food. My favorite places are Veggeitalia for incredible pizza, Vegan Ramen Mei for comforting Japanese food, and 100% Vegana Taqueria for street tacos. Bonus: head to Mezcal y sal for beautiful, tasty cocktails and vegan snacks. 

San Cristóbal de las Casas: SanCris is a charming colonial mountain town with loads of delicious plant food. While living there, my husband and I went to Te Quiero Verde numerous times a week (it’s that good). Casa Jasmine has wholesome Asian food, Aguacate Veggie Bar has a flavorful healthy brunch, and you must get a traditional cacao drink from a place like Cacao Nativa in SanCris. 

Incredible cauliflower tacos Baja in Cozumel, Mexico

Beach towns with an abundance of plant-based foods:

Cozumel, Puerto Escondido, La Paz, Playa del Carmen, Sayulita, Mazunte, Bacalar (on a lagoon), Todos Santos, Isla Mujeres, San Pancho, Cancun, Cabo, Tijuana. 

In-land cities that are very vegan-friendly: 

Oaxaca City, Cancun, Monterrey, Valladolid, Queretaro, Hermosillo, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Puebla, San Andres Cholula. 

Must-Try Dishes in Mexico

After eating my way through ten Mexican states, it’s incredibly difficult to narrow down the must-try foods. This list is a starting point, but these are some of my favorite Mexican foods (and drinks) I’ve enjoyed as a vegan. 

Incredible vegan empanadas at a vegetarian restaurant in Tulum

Food to try in Mexico

Mole: Mole is a thick, savory sauce with an incredible depth of flavor. Chiles, chocolate, nuts, and seeds are stewed and blended to make the mole, and then it’s poured over an enchilada or other dish. The best mole is in Oaxaca, but you can get good mole nearly anywhere in Mexico. To make it vegan/vegetarian, order mole at a vegan restaurant or ask for it to be served over a veggie enchilada. 

Tacos al pastor: Tacos al pastor are the taco of Mexico City, but you can find them all around Mexico. Any vegan taco joint will have a plant-based al pastor taco. They’re served with grilled pineapple, which perfectly compliments the pastor’s meatiness.

Enchiladas: Enchiladas are easy to find in the U.S. and other countries, but they are a thousand times better in Mexico. My favorite is usually the verde (green) enchilada, depending on the restaurant. 

Sopa de Azteca (tortilla soup): Sopa de Azteca in Mexico is nothing like the tortilla soup I’ve tried back home. It’s based on ancient Aztec recipes and made with a rich, creamy tomato chile broth and topped with fresh avocado, freshly fried tortilla strips, and cilantro. If you’re ordering this soup at a non-vegan restaurant, check to make sure the broth is vegetarian. 

Pozole: Pozole is another incredible, wholesome Mexican soup. Like Sopa Azteca, Pozole has  ancient roots as an Aztec recipe. It’s a slightly spicy broth with hominy, and sometimes meat or beans. Pozole is often topped with fresh ingredients like radish, avocado, or cabbage. 

Elote: Elote means corn in Spanish, and it also refers to one of the most popular street foods in all of Mexico. Food stalls throughout the country serve corn on the cob that has either been grilled or boiled. It is often topped with lime, mayo, crumbled cotija cheese, and chili. Because of the mayo and cheese, elote is more vegetarian-friendly than vegan-friendly, but vegans can also ask for their corn served without dairy toppings. 

Tamales: Traditional tamales are made with masa (corn dough), stuffed with meat or veggies, and wrapped in corn husk or banana leaf. Tamales have been made throughout Latin America for thousands of years. When it comes to fillings, the possibilities are endless. I love trying different tamales throughout Mexico. 

Aquachile and Ceviche: Aquachile and ceviche are both seafood-based dishes that are native to Mexico. But I’ve loved trying veggie aquachile and ceviche throughout my travels in Mexico. Both dishes have bold, bright flavors and are definitely worth trying if you come across a vegetarian version. 

Tortas: A torta is a common Mexican street food sandwich that I’d never tried before traveling to Mexico. They are typically filled with the same types of ingredients you’d expect on a taco or tostada. Most vegan-friendly taco places have vegan torta filled with delicious savory meat alternatives like grilled mushrooms, seitan, or soy meat. A torta makes a great lunch on-the-go too, so it’s great to grab on the way to a day trip or adventure. 

Empanadas: A baked or fried pastry filled with veggies or meat. I’ve tried several yummy vegan empanadas throughout Mexico, such as an Indian-inspired spied potato empanada in Puerto Escondido and a papa con (vegan) chorizo empanada in Tulum. Empanadas are a great to bring on-the-go to the airport or to the beach.

Churros: Chances are, you’ve had a churro. But if you haven’t you have to try one! It’s a delicious sweet dessert sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Most churros are vegan, but if you’re unsure, ask!

Chile Relleno: A tasty stuffed and fried chile. Typically stuffed with meat but can be found vegan.

Plant based tacos in Tulum, Mexico

Drinks to try in Mexico

Cacao: One of my favorite drinks in Mexico is cacao. It’s like hot chocolate, but healthy, wholesome, and traditional. I’ve found that cacao drinks vary in different areas of Mexico. You’ll find real traditional cacao in Chipasa or Oaxaca. The traditional drink is made with hot water (no milk) and cacao seeds that have been fermented, dried, toasted, and ground. The traditional version has tiny chunks of cacao instead of a powder. It’s a must try if you’re visiting Oaxaca City, San Cristobal, or nearby areas.

Pulque: Pulque is a pre-hispanic fermented drink that’s like a cousin to kombucha. According to my tour guide in Mexico City, pulque used to be an essential part of Mexican culture until aggressive Coca Cola marketing campaigns convinced people that it was unhealthy and gross. Despite these struggles, many Mexicans are working tirelessly to preserve the history and practice of making this traditional drink. It is difficult to find pulque, but if you get the chance, try it!

Tepache: Tepache is another ancient fermented drink that you must try in Mexico. It’s made with pineapple and in my experience, it’s tastier than pulque. 

Horchata: Made from rice milk and cinnamon, horchata is a delicious, creamy drink. Although most horchata is made without dairy milk, some do have dairy milk. Ask if you’re unsure. 

Agua Fresca/Agua del dia: Many restaurants have a “water of the day” or agua fresca. It’s usually fruit and sugar blended with water to make a flavorful alternative to plain water. If you want something simple to enjoy with a meal, order this. 

Spicy Margarita: I would have never thought that I would come to love spicy drinks. However, they’re my favorite now. 

Mezcal: Mezcal is a smokey liquor made from agave. It’s not for everyone, but it’s certainly worth trying if you drink alcohol. 

Tulum is a great spot for vegetarians in Mexico

Animal Products to Look Out For in Mexico

There is an abundance of delicious vegan and vegetarian food in Mexico, but you still need to be careful about certain ingredients. 

There are a few animal products that can get hidden in seemingly vegetarian dishes like rice or beans. If you’re unsure whether your dish is vegetarian or not, about about these specific ingredients. 

Chicken broth: Chicken bouillon is used in lots of dishes in Mexico, from soups to Spanish rice. Be careful about ordering soup or rice at a non-vegetarian place. 

Lard: Lard is pig fat that is used liberally in certain Mexican dishes. Look out for lard in refried beans and baked goods while you travel through Mexico. Some beans might also be cooked with pork, so you may want to ask about that as well. 

It can also be helpful to tell your waiter about your food restrictions because many restaurants top their food with ingredients like Mexican sour cream or melted cheese.  

Authentic Mexican food at a vegetarian restaurant in Tulum, Mexico

Helpful Phrases in Spanish for Ordering Food

Before you go to get food at a non-vegetarian place, make sure you know a few phrases in Spanish.

Say vegan in Spanish = Vegano for males, Vegana for females
Say vegetarian in Spanish = Vegetariano for males, Vegeteriana for females

I’m vegan, I do not eat meat, fish, dairy, or eggs. 
Soy vegano/a, no como carne, pescado, productos lácteos o huevos.

I’m vegetarian, I do not eat meat, or fish. 
Soy vegetariano/a, no como carne o pescado.

Does this have _____?
Esto tiene ____?

Can you make this without _____?
¿Puedes hacer esto sin _____?

A fancy (and delicious) meal at a beachfront vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Cooking Plant-Based Food While Traveling in Mexico

There is no shame in making a few meals at your Airbnb or hotel during your visit to Mexico. Since I work remotely while traveling, I make a lot of meals in Airbnb kitchens. 

Here are some of my favorite delicious vegan meals to make in Mexico. They’re all made with ingredients that are easy to find in most areas of Mexico, and the type of kitchen appliances that are common in basic Airbnb kitchens. 

Vegan recipes to make while traveling in Mexico

Tacos: Fill fresh corn tortillas with beans, grilled mushroom, seasoned soy meat, or scrambled tofu. Top with cilantro, onion, lime juice, and salsa. 

Avocado toast: Mix mashed avocado with lime juice, salt, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast (if you have it). Generously spread the avocado mixture over fresh toasted bread and add delicious toppings like sundried tomatoes, salsa picante, vegan cheese crumbles, and pumpkin seeds. 

Pasta: It’s incredibly easy to find dry pasta and pre-made pasta sauce in most areas of Mexico. I level-up my store-bought pasta sauce by adding in garlic, mushrooms, cooked lentils, and/or other veggies. 

Cold noodle salad: Top cooled noodles (spaghetti and ramen noodles are easiest to find) with freshly chopped veggies like carrots, radishes, and cilantro. Sprinkle on peanuts, cashews, and/or sesame seeds. Crumble in tofu. Drench it in a sweet, savory, and spicy sauce of soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes.   

Torta: Grab some fresh bread from a Mexican bakery and fill it with all the same goodies you’d add to a taco or avocado toast. 

Rice and bean bowl: Make Mexican rice by cooking rice with tomato sauce, veggie broth, and garlic powder. Serve with beans, and top with fresh avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and optional fried plantains. 

Important tips for Cooking in Mexico

You must disinfect all fruits and veggies: Before you eat any vegetable or fruit in Mexico, you’ll need to disinfect it. There are a few ways to disinfect. First, you can soak your produce in water and an antibacterial solution like Microdyne (you can find it in all grocery stores and most fruit stands). Alternatively, you can disinfect by soaking your produce in water and vinegar. 

Do not cook with tap water: Do not cook with (or drink) any tap water in Mexico. This is one of the most common ways people get food poisoning. Your Airbnb/hotel should have bottled water. If not, you can buy a large jug at any tienda. 

Lunch at a vegetarian resort near Puerto Vallarta

Plan Your Next Trip to Mexico

I love being vegan in Mexico. No matter how many places I visit, I’m continually awed by the diversity and beauty of this country’s food. In each city I discover creative flavor combinations, surprisingly brilliant international food, and plant-forward tributes to traditional Mexican meals. 

For more vegan travel tips, check out these vegan and vegetarian travel resources.