Playa del Carmen, located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, is a charming beach town that attracts tourists year-round, eager to experience Mexican culture and indulge in the vast traditional Mexican flavors.
Source: Eating With Carmen Food Tours
While veganism has gained significant global traction, Mexico’s traditional diet has long embraced a wide variety of ancient superfoods. These ingredients shine in tacos, salsas, stews, and sweet delights, all made with the freshest local ingredients from each region. In the present day, México is one of two countries with the highest percentage of vegan population next to India.
Though corn and chiles are the backbone of most Mexican dishes, the menu goes far beyond that. Today, creative Mexican vegan chefs are incorporating new preparation techniques with superfoods, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, legumes, and plant-based foods to transform Mexican cuisine. These dishes are so innovative that they can easily rival traditional meals with animal protein.
In the last five years, Playa del Carmen has witnessed significant growth in the vegan community, extending the practice beyond food and forming conscious groups that advocate for the environment, bringing together vegans from all over the world.
Welcome to Playa del Carmen, your new vegan hotspot, where you can explore a variety of markets, restaurants, stores, and social groups that will help you expand your vegan lifestyle.
VEGAN RESTAURANTS ALL OVER TOWN
If there’s one thing you can count on in Playa del Carmen, it’s food! The variety of culinary styles here will amaze you, and many restaurants now feature vegan or vegetarian options. Thanks to innovative local and international chefs, menus have expanded to include fully vegan eateries offering all kinds of plant-based, gluten-free, soy-based dishes, bowls, smoothies, teas, and juices made from the freshest ingredients from the Riviera Maya and the Yucatán Peninsula.
Plantivoros
A relaxing little spot outside the main tourist area but still close to downtown. The menu offers classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas, chile relleno, tamales, mix mushrooms Pozole, and tacos filled with Baja-style cauliflower or Pibil-style marinated mushrooms with carrots.
Source: Eating With Carmen Food Tours
Comet 984
A 50’s-style diner serving vegan fast food since 2017, right next to Plaza 28 de Julio or Palacio Municipal. Enjoy all-vegan hot dogs, burgers, nachos, milkshakes, and cakes.
Peace & Bowl
A hidden gem in Mercado 30, Peace & Bowl offers dishes prepared with organic, locally sourced ingredients. Their Açaí bowls, smoothies, hummus bowls, pita pizzas, and homemade desserts are just a few of the favorites. They also support sustainability through beach cleanups, waste recycling, and composting.
Coral Plant-Based Pizzas & Empanadas
Coral specializes in innovative recipes using fresh ingredients. From gluten-free tapioca, potato, and chickpea flour pizza crusts to cashew-based vegan cheeses, Coral’s offerings include gluten-free pizzas, empanadas, fresh drinks, desserts, and more. Their mission also includes ocean conservation and coral reef restoration, so when you dine at Coral, you’re supporting these causes too.
Fresco Habito
Offering an extensive superfood menu, Fresco Habito serves house-made almond cheese, smoothie bowls, Buddha bowls, juices, and smoothies. Their quinoa burrito, hummus trio, and 100% vegan Matcha and Cacao waffles are delicious and perfect for your body and well-being.
Corazon Contento
Known for its street food vibes, Corazon Contento offers tacos, tortas, and more Mexican specialties, including one of the best vegan burgers in Playa del Carmen. If you’re looking for something healthier, try their smoothie bowls with original recipes.
Fusion Muza Surf Bar
A popular spot near the beach, Fusion Muza offers a wide menu with vegan and vegetarian options, including hummus (my favorite!), pita falafel, salads, fruit bowls, fresh orange juice, and coconut water straight from the coconut. Perfect for a beach breakfast or a nightlife experience in town.
Taqueria Deja Vu
This couple from Mexico City brings authentic street taco flavors to Playa del Carmen, offering tacos and tortas made from soy and seitan, with spicy, delicious salsas, perfect tortillas, and vegan cheese crusts for sharing. You’ll feel like you’re in a classic Mexican street food experience, but with a vegan twist.
Source: Eating With Carmen Food Tours
Tamales Ciencia Ficcion
These 100% vegan and vegetarian tamales stand out for making their own artisanal nixtamalized corn flour, using olive oil to stay true to the authentic tamale culture and tradition. The menu is diverse, offering everything from tamales filled with zucchini flowers, spinach, portobello mushrooms, plantains, beans, and poblano with cheese, to even pineapple-filled tamales
VEGAN STORES
In the Riviera Maya, your vegan experience goes beyond restaurants and cafés. Each beach town is home to countless markets and street vendors offering authentic, local flavors, from tacos to seasonal fruits and vegetables. These vendors provide a budget-friendly way to support the local community and savor the area’s freshest produce.
Fresh Products Market 25th Av.
Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, this market is a local foodie favorite. You’ll find a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, often sourced from the surrounding Riviera Maya. The market also has a small restaurant area where you can enjoy salads, sandwiches, smoothie bowls, and fresh juices.
DAC Quality Foods
A local market offering everything from dried beans and rice to vegan mock meats, tofu, cheeses, and health products like natural toothpaste. It’s perfect for cooking up a vegan meal during your vacation or picking up local souvenirs.
Mercado de la 30
A true vegan gastronomic market in the “Hollywood” neighborhood, where you’ll find all kinds of vegan and vegetarian options for everyday meals.
Pozol
Pozol is a traditional local drink made from fermented corn, flavored with coconut or cocoa and a bit of sugar or honey. It’s served cold with ice and is naturally vegan, a perfect example of how healthy ancient Mexican diets were. Bicycle vendors drive all around town selling this ancient refreshing drink!
Foto de Carlos Navarro
Mr. Tofu
A vegan grocery store chain offering frozen foods, meat and dairy substitutes, grains, beans, nutritional supplements, and health and beauty aids. They also offer online shopping.
Olio Mercado Vegano
Specializing in cruelty-free, 100% vegan products from local producers, Olio offers everything from homemade stews to eco-friendly products like shampoo, conditioner, solid toothpaste, and even coconut-based cat litter.
Farmer’s Market Playa
This gourmet market brings you fresh, local ingredients directly from producers. Find vegan-friendly products, frozen plant-based foods, olive products, and organic produce.
VEGAN FOOD TOUR
Not sure where to start your culinary journey? Look no further! Eating With Carmen Food Tours offers 2 fantastic vegan experiences, Playa del Carmen’s Vegan Delight and Vegan Delight Tulum! Taking you to local favorites and guiding you through the best vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, gluten-free, soy, and seitan-based dishes at markets, restaurants, and street stands. You’ll have the chance to try traditional Mexican dishes like huitlacoche, vegetarian chile rellenos, tacos, tamales, enchiladas, and more!
Source: Eating With Carmen Food Tours
In the Riviera Maya, your commitment to the planet can seamlessly blend with your travel passion. This Caribbean paradise is becoming a hub for Sustainable travel, Eco-Friendly Escapes, and Vegan-Friendly Experiences, all while promoting environmental conservation. Whether it’s the food, the lifestyle, or the community, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya is the perfect place to explore your nature-conscious journey.
–Abbey
