Vegan in Mexico
The base of Mexican food — corn, beans, chilli, squash, tomato, avocado — is entirely plant-based. Problems come from lard in refried beans and masa, cheese sprinkled by default, and chicken stock in rice.
Plant-based friendliness
74
Dishes that are already plant-based
Tacos de nopal
Grilled cactus paddle tacos with salsa.
Frijoles de la olla
Pot beans cooked in water rather than lard.
Guacamole con totopos
Reliably vegan everywhere.
Tlacoyos
Masa patties stuffed with beans or fava — ask for no cheese or crema.
Market staples
Corn tortillasBlack and pinto beansAvocadoNopalChilliSquash
Phrases to use
- Sin manteca, por favor
- Without lard, please.
- Sin queso ni crema
- Without cheese or cream.
- Soy vegano/vegana
- I am vegan.
Watch out for
- Lard in refried beans, tamales and some masa
- Chicken stock in rice and soups
- Cheese and crema added without asking
Questions people ask
Are corn tortillas vegan?
Nixtamalised corn tortillas are just corn, lime and water. Flour tortillas often contain lard or shortening.
How do I ask for vegan tamales?
Look for tamales de frijol or dulce, and confirm the masa is made with oil rather than manteca.