Vegan Food in Mexico City

Vegan Food in Mexico City

Vegan Food in Mexico City

Last Updated November 12th, 2019

A self run vegan food tour in Mexico City, with our favorite places to eat!

Most vegetarians and vegans already enjoy Mexican cuisine as it can very easily be made for a plant based diet.

There is one neighborhood in Mexico City that has done a particularly wonderful job at having great vegan food in Mexico City. The best part- it’s all vegan AND it tastes amazing! Vegan food in Mexico City can easily be found, and lucky for Mexico City visitors is that the city is filled with good food options on every corner.

My sister and I impulsively decided to spend a day enjoying multiple vegan eateries around the Roma/Condesa neighborhood in Mexico City. I’ve included all of the places that we really enjoyed and in an order that follows along a walk throughout the area. Follow along the listed places below for a tasty vegan day!

Read More: Why Stay in Roma or La Condesa in Mexico City

*Note: the order of the places listed were done so to make it as convenient to walk around as possible. No backtracking or out of the way places.

Roma & La Condesa, Mexico City Vegan Food Tour

Chiquitito Cafe’

Simple, beautiful decor matched with equally delicious coffee. Start here to rev up your engines for your marathon day of eating.

Ojo de Aqua

This is a small chain in Mexico City, known for their fresh juices and entrees. Order a large juice from their extensive menu, and sit with a view of the park fountain. *Similar to ordering at Panera, place your order at the counter and receive a number that you bring to your table.

El Pendulo

A beautiful coffee shop and bookstore. You may not need another coffee by this point, but El Pendulo is a neighborhood favorite so spend some time wandering through the aisles of books.

Plan V

Plan V has the cutest interior and an all plant based menu (with an English menu too!). We really enjoyed their enfrijoladas.

El Tako Vegano

Split an order of three of their tacos made with fresh green (spinach) tortillas. Our favorite was the Alhambra taco, and was made even better with their selection of delicious salsas and incredibly friendly staff!

Por Siempre Vegano

Por Siempre Vegano is a vegan food truck. Or should I say, it is the most epic food truck ever. The line for lunch was crazy long, but well worth the 15 minute wait. We ordered the torta with seitan and avocado, and as I write this my mouth is watering. This food truck opens at 1pm and is perfect for lunch.

Mercado Roma

Mercado Roma is a delicious and easily accessible gourmet food market in the heart of the neighborhood. They have a vast array of dining options and a lovely open seating area towards the back. Walk around to see all of the different options, but don’t miss El Moro with the most delicious churros I’ve ever had.

*there is also a spice vendor which is a great souvenir idea for Mexico City

Cucurucho Coffee

A simple, and delicious coffee shop with beans sourced from within Mexico. You can purchase beans here which is a huge plus if you enjoy bringing coffee back home like I do. Bonus- they only use sustainable cups and are pet friendly!

La Pitahaya

Now that you are recaffeinated (or at least stocked up with coffee beans to bring home), stop into La Pitahaya. This vegan eatery is cozy and delicious with an all plant based menu known for their pink taco shells made from beetroot.

Casa Quimera

Casa Quimera is a vegan food market that I have read about online — I have not been here myself. I wanted to add it to this list as it’s fairly close to La Pitahaya and is supposed to have quite a few vegan food options inside.

There are food tours that you can book and pay for in Mexico City. In fact, we took one! However, this is a day that you can easily navigate for yourself. I removed some locations that we went to where we didn’t love the food. So, what you’ve read here are the top places! And I’m sure I’m missing a few more great places.

If you’re walking and see a vegan restaurant that isn’t listed here, be sure to check it out and start creating your own list of vegan food places that must be visited in Mexico City. If you don’t want to spend an entire day doing this, then mark a couple of these places down to enjoy while out exploring. You won’t be disappointed.

If you’d rather go with a tour group then check out these great deals:

TIPS for a self run food tour:

  • If youre doing this with another person, split an entree so you can eat throughout the day
  • If you can only choose one place to eat at, go to Por Siempre Vegano vegan food truck. I still dream about the food from there.

Visiting Mexico City? Check out this Mexico City Travel Guide

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Mexico City Travel Advice

Mexico City Travel Advice

Mexico City Travel Advice

Tips to help you feel prepared for your trip to Mexico City

The most populous city in North America is a staggering characterization to anticipate for a non-Spanish speaking traveler. However tourism is booming here. Each year millions come to explore Mexico City’s many museums, gardens, and clubs, and it’s begun to be spoken about in the same sentences as with London, Paris, etc. Many have a misconception that the city is rife with crime, overpopulation and pollution. To the contrary, Mexico City is a beautiful and colorful destination waiting for you to explore its deep rooted history, culture, and possibly most important, food! After traveling here, I’ve put together my most useful Mexico City travel advice.

20 Pieces of Travel Advice for Mexico City

1. There are (essentially) no rules of the road. People will drive in all directions and nudge their cars through where they want. And adjust your ears for the car horns, as they are extensions of a Mexico City drivers arm.

2. Public Transportation should be avoided if you are not a local. Pick pocketing happens to many tourists, so use Uber instead

[New to Uber? Use this link to earn your first ride for free on me!]

3. Avoid the taxis too (they are pink & white). This may be a preference on the traveler, but I’ve read plenty of stories of Mexico City taxi drivers who skim your credit card information and overcharge non-Spanish speakers. If you insist on taxis, NEVER hail one from a tourist attraction. Go to the stations that have taxis parked, or one that your hotel can call for you.

4. In fact, the ratio of drivers to people living in the city is fairly low, which makes its people more sustainable than most other cities.

5. Overall, Mexico city is very safe for tourists! In fact tourism is booming here; with over 12 million plus visitors coming each year.

6. The city is very vegetarian and vegan friendly!

[ Related: Here is a vegan food tour we did ourselves in Mexico City! ]

7. Mexicans are not fans of sarcasm and can take things very personally. So use caution if your go to humor is sarcastic. (*we were advised of this by a few different Mexico City locals, however I never experienced it firsthand)

8. Cinnamon is a popularly used spice. Embrace it or go home.

9. Mexico City is not for morning people (or so I’m told). They enjoy late nights out, and who couldn’t blame them with their exciting club scene. Lucky for travelers, that just means it is easier to take morning photos since there will be less people out.

10. The city is massive. While on a map it may not look like it will take you long to get there, in real time it will. So, incorporate travel time and traffic if riding in a car.

[ Related: Mexico City Travel Guide ]

11. There are 16 districts in Mexico City, also known as colonias. Each has its own personality, and vibe. Polanco, for example, is one of the wealthiest residential areas with expensive designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and swanky clubs and hotels. While Condesa and Roma are home to hip cafes and bars, quirky shops, and cool art galleries.

[ Related: Wondering where to stay in Mexico City? Here’s why you should stay in Roma or La Condesa ]

12. The city was built on a high altitude lake bed- and it continues to sink… (could this be north america’s version of Venice?) When people speak about pollution in the city this is because the air takes awhile to migrate away from this valley.

13. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, so should not be missed. The gastro scene in Mexico City is booming. You can find a delicious meal on any spectrum of price you’re willing to pay. Dinner typically starts around 9pm.

14. Carry loose change to tip at restaurants. 10% is customary, and it can be left on your table when you depart.

15. Speaking of cash, it’s best to carry small denominations of pesos with you. Use your credit cards for larger purchases.

16. Pack to dress in layers- the weather can be sunny all morning with showers in the afternoon.

17. You cannot and should not drink the tap water. My advice would be to purchase a large jug of water at a local convenience store and refill your own water bottle throughout your trip.

18. Leave your valuables at home. There is no need to flash off your expensive jewelry or handbags. As a visitor, you can easily be targeted. We were even told that many locals won’t wear their nice jewelry out in certain areas of the city.

19. Dress smart. While many may not wear expensive jewelry, as a whole, the people of Mexico City dress professionally.

20. Set aside at least three FULL days in Mexico City. While you could spend weeks here to see it all, the major sites can be done in a weekend. Plus that’s three lunches and three dinners where you can eat your way to happiness here.

If you’re questioning whether you should go to Mexico City or not, the answer is YES, go! The city is very affordable and safe for tourists. Have more questions? Check out my other posts about traveling in Mexico. You can also leave a question in the comments below and I’ll be sure to respond and help you plan your trip!

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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First Time Visitors Mexico City Travel Guide

First Time Visitors Mexico City Travel Guide

First Time Visitors Mexico City Travel Guide

Here are visitor & local favorite sightseeing stops, and neighborhoods to explore and safety tips for first-time visitors.

This page contains affiliate links to products and tours that I have used for my own travels, purchased & enjoyed. Clicking these links does not cost you anything, however doing so will support Blue Eyed Compass and allow the site to continue. THANK YOU!

As a first time visitor to Mexico City it can feel daunting about what to expect.

What do you envision when you think of Mexico?

I visualize lots of vibrant colors, hear tons of happy people walking around me, taste fresh tortas, smoky mezcal, cinnamon sweet churros, and the strum of guitars as part of a mariachi band.

Now imagine a city that has all of that, PLUS beautiful architecture blending old and new, celebrated history seen throughout its streets and tree-lined boulevards leading to city parks, galleries, and vibrant restaurants. This is Mexico City, Mexico – a destination with a combination of your favorite Mexican characteristics.

Here is your first time visitors travel guide to Mexico City!

How to get around Mexico City

Mexico City is a very large city, and one I wouldn’t suggest anyone try to walk the entirety of. Instead start your trip by ordering an Uber, hop in and head to the most interesting places to see in Mexico City:

[New to Uber? Use this link to earn your first ride for free on me!]

Car sharing rides are quite cheap in Mexico City, costing around $3 for a 10-15 minute trip. And something I would suggest over their public transportation.

How long do you need to spend in Mexico City?

There are plenty of restaurants, museums and day trips that you could spend weeks in Mexico City. If you aren’t an urban fan or dying to see the more ‘scenic’ parts of the country and just booking a stopover in Mexico City, I would suggest at least three full days.

First Time Visitors Guide to Mexico City

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Bosque de Chapultepec

A vast and lush park (bosque in spanish translates to park!), Bosque de Chapultepec offers so much for first time visitors. Spending an entire weekend here is possible, it is that large of a park.

Chapultepec Castle

The castle is inside of Bosque de Chapultepec. The Chapultepec Castle is the only royal castle built in the Americas and since its use as a palace it has been home to military academies, presidents and now is the National Museum of History. Pay only 70 pesos to enter the museum and be rewarded with views of the city in all directions. Heads up though, this is a steep climb to the entrance.

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Check out more images of Chapultepc Castle by scrolling through here

Step into the Future Forest

Upon your walk from the Chapultepec Castle to your next stop (see next item below), visitors will find the Future Forest. An art installation done by artist Thomas Dambo, made entirely out of recycled plastic!

The Future Forest can be found within the parks Botanical Gardens. It was created for the annual Flowers and Gardens Festival (April 2018) and is set to remain here until further notice.

Museo Nacional de Antropologica

Also inside of the Bosque de Chapultepec (remember, this park is huge!), is the Museum of National Anthropology. Enjoy this museums free entrance and open courtyard set up to get a glimpse into the way ancient mayans lived and treasures collected from sites like Chichen Itza.

La Feria

Chapultepec Parks own amusement park!

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Centro Historico

Explore all of the Zocalo

Zocalo is part of the historic center of Mexico City. This is where the major picture snapping sights are, and is the heart of the city. Set aside this area as the start of one of your days and explore the following:

Metropolitan Cathedral

This is the lead place for Roman Catholicism in Mexico. Built on top of sacred Aztec space (thanks to Spanish conquistadors), this cathedral is the most recognizable church in Mexico City. And it’s interior is stunning with the golden Altar of Forgiveness gleaming as soon as you step inside.

Check out more images of the Metropolitan Cathedral by scrolling through here

Templo Mayor

These are the remaining ruins of the Mexica people’s place of worship of Tenochtitlan (which is now the city of Mexico City). You can pay to enter, or see it from above by walking to the right side of (if you are facing) the Metropolitan Cathedral.

National Palace

Since the time of the Aztecs, this has been the ruling class’s palace. It is now a government building and museum. Much of the exterior is original and beautifully maintained. The National Palace is free to enter, and you will provide your ID as you enter — don’t worry, you get it back when you exit. Be sure to enjoy the gardens as there are feral cats on the grounds, many of which were very friendly and seeking cuddles! Inside you’ll enjoy The History of Mexico wall mural by Diego Rivera. This massive mural seamlessly intertwines the struggles of the Mexican people throughout history.

*The entrance to the National Palace in Mexico City may be difficult to find. Head towards the Templo Mayor from the Metropolitan Cathedral and go down Prol Seminario. The entrance will be a five minute walk down this road and on the right side of the road.

Check out more images of the National Palace by scrolling through here

Walk down Calle Francisco I Madero

This pedestrian only street, leading from the Zocalo, has many restaurants and stores to shop in. A wonderful place to stop for a quick bite and people watch. Plus it will lead you to the beautiful…

Palais de Bella Artes

Probably the most iconic building in all of Mexico City. The Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning architectural beauty. Tours are available inside, but I prefer the outside beauty and people watching. If you want pictures with less people visit here early in the morning prior to its opening. *If you want pictures of the Palais de Bella Artes from above visit the cafe inside of Sears across the street.

Alameda Central

One of the many public parks in Mexico City, Alameda Central is connected to the Palais de Bella Artes. Walk along the granite walkways, and on the weekends there is usually street food vendors and performances here.

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Roma // Condesa

The Roma and Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City is the perfect place to escape from the hustle of the metropolitan areas.

Walk along Avenida Amsterdam

A round about tree lined street in between the road just for pedestrians. It circles around the main area of the neighborhood, so you can stop off to explore where you feel drawn to.

Read More: Staying in the Roma and La Condesa Neighborhoods

Find the best vegan food

See my guide on our own self run vegan food tour that you can take yourself on. This neighborhood has some of THE best vegan food offerings in the city. There is also a vegan food market called Casa Quimera that has lots of options for fresh produce and restaurant prepared meals.

*Remember the food is phenomenal, the water is not.

Read More: Vegan Food Tour in Mexico City

Wander the streets in search of stunning street art

There is so much great street art in this neighborhood that it is reason enough to grab some shots next to them.

Enjoy the many public parks throughout the city

  • Plaza Luis Cabrera is a small one in the Roma neighborhood, surrounded by restaurants and lots of great people watching.
  • Parque Espana is another small public park in the Roma neighborhood with a mini CDMX sign and street art of the infamous dog, Frida, can be seen too.

*There are so many parks in the city, if you see one allow yourself some time to wander through or go in with a coffee in hand to people watch and understand the culture a bit more.

The remaining suggestions are places that I have not been to, but wanted to share as they were part of my research prior to traveling here.

Polanco

Polanco is an upscale area of the city. Known for its high end shopping and top quality restaurants. In addition to the Centro Historico and Roma/Condesa neighborhood, the Polanco area is very safe for tourists to travel to in Mexico City.

Coyoacan

Coyoacan is a beautifully preserved, popular place to visit in Mexico city (especially on the weekends). Coyoacan is a vibrant area with a few places to enjoy walking around.

Temple San Juan Bautista

A well known catholic cathedral with many beautiful murals.

Coyoacan central square

The main area of this district and it is lined with great restaurants.

Xochimilco

Famous for its floating gardens, Xochimilco is known as the Venice of Mexico. Many first time visitors will go here on the weekends, hop in a colorful boat and float around with drinks.

*We did not go here ourselves, but were told by a few locals that it would be easier to visit here if you spoke Spanish, as many here only speak Spanish. At the very least, bring cash in small denominations with you so you can avoid overpaying.

No matter what you choose to see and do in Mexico City as a first time visitor, it’ll be easy to enjoy yourself. The colorful culture is so bright and the food so delicious, that adding in some historical sites can only make it a better time.

Don’t forget to pack these Mexico City Essentials:

TIPS for visiting Mexico City, Mexico:

  • Be wary of walking around at night. We chose not to go out at night (since we were exhausted at the end of each day) but many locals told us to be cautious as females — this is advice you should carry with you everywhere you go
  • Don’t take the public metro system; Ubers were very cheap and took up much less time. There are also quite a few reports of pickpocketing on public transportation, so avoid dealing with it if possible.
  • Don’t take taxis either; this is a preference depending on who you talk to
  • Read More about Mexico City Travel Advice
  • If you don’t speak the language, stay in safe areas (such as the ones listed above)
  • Book an Airbnb or boutique hotel in the La Condesa or Rome neighborhoods
  • It’s best to carry cash & use credit cards for larger purchases
  • Leave your valuables at home, no need to flash off your expensive jewelry or handbags.
  • Street food is a vibe in Mexico City, and probably the most affordable (and delicious) food you will ever find.
  • Most museums are closed on Mondays

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