Vegan in Mexico

Sailing over crystal clear water to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, I was most excited about one thing: the delicious food I would eat during my week-long vacation in Mexico. I had done my research and found that the small island in the state of Quintana Roo offered a variety of options that were mostly targeted at tourists. I wanted nothing to do with that. Who goes to Mexico to eat pasta and pizza anyway?

My food sights were set on one thing—finding delicious vegan Mexican dishes. And to make a long story short, it definitely was not a challenge.

Many of the restaurants on the island featured Mexican food that seemed more like Americanized Mexican, rather than traditional recipes, but it was still delicious. Everywhere we went, fresh guacamole and homemade warm tortillas were served in heaping quantities. Fresh veggies were abundant and diverse. And restaurant staff could easily point me toward meat-free menu options.

Here’s a quick peek at some of the food I ate on Isla Mujeres, which not only was a great destination for vegan travelers but also has one of the most beautiful coasts I’ve ever seen.

Guacamole and corn tortilla chips at Don Chepo.

Nopales tacos served on fresh corn tortillas.

Vegetable fajitas that go beyond just onions and peppers—carrots, nopales, and broccoli were included too.

Nopales fajitas have tart flavors not commonly found in American fajitas.

Organic tofu and vegetables covered with herbs, at Elements of the Island.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico