Mexican food is one of the most beloved cuisines throughout the world. Today’s dishes from Mexico are influenced by the rich foundations of the ancient Mayans and Aztecs to more recent European and Caribbean techniques and ingredients.
While you might initially expect Mexican food to be meat-heavy, many dishes are naturally veggie-based or can easily use plants as flavourful meat substitutes.
If you’re planning a trip to this diverse, fascinating (and delicious) country, here are some must-try dishes and 100% vegan restaurants to visit throughout Mexico.
Staying closer to home? You’ll also find ideas to bring an authentic flavour of Mexico to your own kitchen.
1. Ensenada-style tacos
At Paxil
Ensenada in Mexico’s state of Baja California is the home of the fish taco. But as a vegan, how can you taste one of the most popular tacos in Mexico sin pescado?
Fortunately, Paxil in Mexico City has created plant-based seafood nirvana. This South Beach-styled taco stand offers a reimagined Ensenada taco filled with battered cauliflower, pico de gallo and chipotle dressing.
Their inspired menu of fish-less tacos, cruelty-free tostadas, and raw ‘seafood’ includes breadcrumbed avocado, marinated tomato ‘tuna’ and mushroom aguachile.
Even if you’re not vegan, this place may convince you to break up with seafood and leave plenty more fish in the sea.
2. Al pastor
At Rancho San Agustín
No matter where you travel in Mexico, you can’t help seeing al pastor on the menu.
Al pastor refers to food marinated in dried chiles, spices, pineapple juices, and a lip-staining red achiote paste. And it’s almost always topped with golden, sweet, grilled pineapple chunks that cut through the smokiness of the marinade.
Traditionally pork soaks up an al pastor sauce. But this rich marinade offers plenty of opportunities to steep plant-based fillings.
Rancho San Agustín grows jackfruit as a vehicle for al pastor flavour. You can pick up their shredded jackfruit al pastor tacos, burritos, quesadillas and volcanes from their 100%-vegan market stall, or take a pack of al pastor stew to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
3. Mole poblano
At ART Libreria
You will either love mole poblano or hate it… personally, I can’t get enough of it! But no trip to Mexico is complete without trying this mole.
The simplest way to describe mole poblano is a savoury chocolate sauce. But really, it’s far more complex than that.
Sweet and smokey guajillo chillies are toasted and ground alongside fruits, nuts, seeds and fragrant spices like cinnamon and clove. They’re then simmered into a stock and melted Mexican chocolate to create a luxurious sauce that smothers faux meats, vegetables and tortillas.
Mole poblano originates from Puebla in Central Mexico, but you can find this mole across the republic. Say hello to Gerardo at ART Libreria in San Cristobal de las Casas for guaranteed vegan mole and a passionate lesson on making your own.
4. Tortas ahogadas
At Tortas Ahogadas VEGA(N)
Like many great dishes, the torta ahogada was invented by accident. Meaning drowned sandwich, the torta ahogada started life after a street vendor dropped a torta (sandwich) into his vat of spicy sauce. His customer loved the sauce so much that they decided to eat the sandwich anyway. And a trend started after the customer told others how delicious it was!
Tortas are baguette-like sandwiches traditionally filled with pork carnitas. But you can enjoy vegan carnitas using soy strips, seitan or mushrooms seasoned with oregano, cumin, orange and lime. Then dip your sandwich in a tomato and arbol chilli sauce that soaks the fluffy bread.
Alternatively, head to Guadalajara, the home of tortas ahogadas. You’ll find Tortas Ahogadas VEGA(N) who specialises in recreating vegan versions of this traditional dish. Be sure to chase your sandwich down with the national drink distilled in the nearby town of Tequila!
5. Tetelas Oaxaca
At Hierba Dulce
Get a taste of pre-hispanic Mexican snacks with comforting tetelas. This triangle-shaped street food originates from the southwestern state of Oaxaca.
Oaxaca is where much of the produce used in today’s Mexican cuisine originates, including vegan-friendly beans and corn (and chocolate!)
Tetelas look like a cross between a quesadilla and a samosa. Corn tortilla dough, called masa, is stuffed with refried black beans and sometimes (vegan) Oaxacan cheese. The tortilla is then folded into a triangle-shaped parcel before being cooked on a comal (clay griddle pan) for a few minutes on each side.
Eat tetelas with your favourite salsas for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or try them alongside more vegan Oaxacan dishes at Hierba Dulce in Oaxaca City.
Have you tried any of these local vegan dishes in Mexico? Or do you know of any other unique vegan dishes that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
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