San Cristóbal is one of those places where you can eat vegan without even trying. Whether it’s a fully vegan café, a veggie restaurant with plenty of options, or a regular place that happens to offer a great plant-based meal, this little mountain town has you covered.
The vibe here is very global. Think sourdough, sauerkraut, and oat lattes, rather than traditional Mexican food. If you’re craving vegan tacos, your best bet is still Mexico City. But if you want to eat well, eat often, and have a choice of restaurants that understand what vegan means, then this place is for you.
Here’s a list of some of the best places for vegan food in San Cristóbal de las Casas:
Te Quiero Verde
Fully vegan, casual café serving big plates for a good price. Expect things like scrambled tofu breakfasts, burgers, falafel bowls, and smoothies.
Try: The BBQ burger or the veggie wrap with extra salsa.
Good for: Filling lunch or easy dinner without checking labels.
La Casa del Pan
Vegetarian with lots of vegan options, and clearly marked. Big garden space, slightly spiritual vibe, sourdough bread and cashew cheese kind of situation.
Try: Their vegan lasagna or their fermented drinks.
Good for: Taking your laptop and pretending you’re going to do some work.
Oh la la!
This one leans more French café than Mexican. It’s not vegan but they have several vegan cakes and pastries. If you’ve been craving something sweet with your coffee, this is your place.
Try: The vegan chocolate cake.
Good for: Mid-afternoon sugar hit.
Cocoliche
More of a world food menu: Argentinean, Thai, Mexican, and everything in between. Loads of vegan dishes or easy swaps. Not everything’s labelled, but staff are clued up.
Try: The Thai-style curry or vegetable stir-fry with tofu.
Good for: Group meals or something a bit more “restauranty.”
Amor Negro Café
Not a vegan place, but one of the best spots in town for proper coffee and alternative milks. They take their brew seriously and won’t blink if you ask for oat milk.
Try: Oat flat white or a cold brew with coconut milk.
Good for: Quiet mornings and strong coffee.
Sarajevo Café Jardin
Bit of a hidden courtyard feel. Fully vegetarian and clearly marked vegan dishes. Expect fresh vegetables, grains, and sauces that taste like someone cared when they made them.
Try: The miso veggie bowl.
Good for: Slower-paced lunch away from the busy streets.
Vita Verde
Totally vegan, totally local. Set menus with changing daily options. It’s a bit hit or miss depending on the day, but when it hits, it’s excellent.
Try: Whatever’s on the menu today. You don’t get to pick, just roll with it.
Good for: Home-cooked vibe without actually cooking.
Kukulpan
Vegan-friendly bakery. Not fully plant-based, but they usually have a couple of labelled vegan options, especially in the bread and pastry department.
Try: Vegan banana bread or a warm cinnamon roll if you’re lucky.
Good for: Something to take back to your Airbnb for breakfast tomorrow.
Yik Café
Chilled little place with loads of breakfast and brunch options. They’ve got smoothie bowls, vegan pancakes, and chia puddings, plus good coffee with oat or almond milk.
Try: Vegan granola bowl with coconut yoghurt.
Good for: A lighter start to your day.
Art Libreria
This place is a blend of vegan kitchen and cultural space, offering traditional Mayan dishes made with local, organic ingredients. Think tacos and mole, all plant-based and deeply rooted in indigenous culinary traditions.
Try: The vegan mole or traditional tacos.
Good for: Experiencing authentic Mayan vegan cuisine in a cozy, bookish atmosphere.
Inina Restaurante Vegano
A fully vegan, gluten-free café that makes everything from scratch, including their own nut milks. The menu is globally inspired, with dishes like sauerkraut-topped bowls, nourishing breakfasts, and standout chunky potato bits.
Try: The granola bowl, a house-made drink, or the chunky potatoes if they have them.
Good for: A nourishing meal in a tranquil setting.
Bonus Tip
Don’t forget that loads of standard local spots will do you veg-based dishes if you ask. Look for terms like sin queso (no cheese), sin crema (no cream), and sin carne (no meat). Tofu isn’t common in the traditional places, but avocado, beans, and rice are easy staples.
Final Thoughts on Being Vegan in San Cristóbal de las Casas
This town is packed with plant-based options. Most of them aren’t traditional Mexican food, so don’t expect street-style tacos on every corner. But if you’re after fresh, tasty vegan meals, you won’t struggle.
Add in the mountain views, cooler climate, and creative vibe, and San Cristóbal de las Casas ends up being one of the easiest places in Mexico to be vegan. It might not be the most Mexican-feeling vegan food, but it is some of the best.
If you’re curious about the non-food side of my travels, you can hop over to sistersuncharted.com for more of the adventure.
Before you go…
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