I recently became Vegan for many reasons including animals and health. And I know many travelers who visit Riviera Maya are probably wondering if Mexicans even have Vegan or Vegetarian options. We do love with passion all the greasy food just like you do, but guess what, you can still eat like a God and choose vegan choices in Riviera Maya.
This is my top list of places and a brief description of what they have. Their order is from the closest place to Cancun airport untill the end of the world (A.K.A. Sian Kaan):
Puerto Vegan, Siempre Sano In Puerto Morelos
This place used to have a different name and owner and even though is not as good as it used to be, it is still a great option. Their options are the closest you will get to the actual Mexican cuisine but in a Vegan level. It is very cheap to eat good and jummy here, plus the ladies are very nice and ingredients natural and local.
La Senda In Playa del Carmen
Their Tofu a la Mexicana in tacos are supreme. It is nos as cheap as other options but you can be sure their options are very healthy and they are more focused on raw vegan food. Their smoothies are to die for specially the pineapple and spirulina. Good ambiance but it is usually crowded during the afternoons. *Thursdays is Pozole day so I highly recommend you not to miss it.
Bio Organicos in Playa del Carmen
This is another option with good rates and tasty options. You can find from really organic and raw stuff to fast food options like burgers or authentic options like "panuchos". Good service and it is also located just a few steps from 5th Avenue so you cannot miss it.
Marvin´s Burgers in Playa del Carmen
I absolutely adore these burgers, and I used to hate burgers. Even as a meat lover I was always disgusted by the amount of meat in buegers but this place has changed my mind completely. They have one called "chickita" ufff it is really good. The fries are natural not packaged and they use sea salt. They also have "buho cola" which is a natural soda that could make Coca Cola jealous. Sweetened with Agave honey and imported from another state in Mexico.
Turtle Bay Cafe in Akumal
It is not really a vegan place but they have Vegan homemade ice cream and it is a MUST. they can also offer salads and stuff that are meatless. But I meanly listed this place because their vegan ice cream is simply delicious and it is always good that regular business think of an option for "our kind".
Co.Con Amor in Tulum
I travel often to Tulum but for some reason I never tried this place before until a few days ago. Their options are good even though they don´t use salt or barely use it. The rates are impressively good to be a place in Tulum (where almost everything is expensive as hell). The service is probably what I did not like, you practically have to force the girls to smile at you and forget about greeting you or make conversation with you. conversation seems like another thing you have to request from the menu. However, I always say it, don´t care if they are not as "friendly" to me as long as their are kind to the animals and they do rescue dogs. They are pet friendly and have 3 cute dogs (that are also not as friendly) but at least they wave their tales and will get close to you if you stay long enough.
Restaurare in Tulum
This is a high end restaurant, so if you need a place to go with your spouse this would be probably your best option. Yes, rates are no cheap but the service is out of this world and their options.. Oh My God! soo good and healthy. Organic ingredients, almost raw and super tasty. It is located on Tulum beach road.
Charlys Vegan Tacos near Sian Kaan
Last but no least, my favorite place for tacos. I mean who does not love tacos?? They have all kinds of delicious tacos: chicharrón en salsa verde, chorizo, pastor, etc. sauces are so good and the fried banana dessert with syrup is heavenly. It is not cheap and it is not in Tulum town but if you are renting a car or a bike and want to really eat good, please visit them. You have to take the Tulum beach road south and almost close to Sian Kaan you will find them. Totally worth the trip.
Now you know what I know, so you can eat what I have eaten. Hopefully this list will make it easier to navigate the crazy and wild roads of Riviera Maya in a Vegan way. Please don´t forget that you have the power to make a place great or greater so don´t hesitate to leave your comments, updates and your own reviews below. And stay tuned because on August I will be attending to the Vegan Market in Playa del Carmen so I will give you the list of my favs. Feel free to rate on our Vegan trip advisor; Happy Cow about all the places you try in Riviera Maya.
Find me on Twitter as: @PauXtabay and Instagram as xtabay_
