Mexican Restaurants – Do They Offer Any Vegetarian Dish That Would Be Suitable?
Mexican Restaurants
When most people think of Mexican food, it’s usually a plate of refried beans, a burrito or taco, sour cream and cheese. Fortunately, that’s not always the case! In the past few years, veganism has become increasingly popular in Mexico. And with good reason — the country’s cuisine is full of flavorful plant-based dishes, many of which are easy to make.
The challenge, however, is finding a Family-Friendly Mexican Restaurant that offers any vegetarian at all. The majority of restaurants in Mexico serve meat-based dishes like tacos al pastor, chicken tinga or carnitas, which can be tricky when you’re looking to transition to a plant-based diet. If you’re a vegetarian, it’s important to be mindful of ingredients when eating out. This includes tamales, which are often made with pork and chicken fillings, and tortillas, which are sometimes fried in lard.
Luckily, most Mexican restaurants can accommodate vegans by making adjustments to their recipes or offering special menu items. If you’re a veggie, it’s also a good idea to ask your server about the ingredients used in their dishes. Fajitas are grilled meats and vegetables served with corn tortillas, a very straightforward, yet delicious option for vegetarians. This dish can be served a la carte or with the usual toppings, such as avocados and guacamole.
Mexican Restaurants – Do They Offer Any Vegetarian Dish That Would Be Suitable?
Tofu, mushrooms and cauliflower are all a great substitute for beef or chicken in fajitas and are even more versatile if you add other vegetables to the mix. The trick is to keep the spices and heat as mild as possible so that you can enjoy the flavour of the meal without compromising your health. One of my favorite fajitas is made with quinoa instead of beef. It’s a little bit outside the comfort zone, but it’s still very delicious!
Another popular option is calabacitas, which is a Mexican soup that uses a variety of squashes (zucchini, yellow or zucchini squash are the most common), tomatoes, and garlic. It’s a creamy, dairy-free option that’s perfect for summer! Tortilla Soup is a creamy and hearty soup that’s typically served with chicken or pork, but can be enjoyed as a vegan alternative. This dish is very easy to make vegan, and you can easily substitute vegetable broth for the chicken or pork base.
Squash Blossom Quesadillas, Avocado Toast (can be with or without egg) and grilled Padron peppers are light options that would satisfy any vegetarian’s diet. If you’re unsure what to order, ask for the “light menu” and see what they recommend. You’ll find a number of options that will fit the bill, including lettuce wraps with grilled vegetables and a guacamole.
You can also get enchiladas with veggies that have been sauteed in tomatillo sauce. These can be made with zucchini, squash or other types of vegetables that are available in the kitchen. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, the Huevos Rancheros are great for breakfast or brunch. They come with rice, black beans and sour cream on the side. If you’re feeling peckish, you can also try the quesadillas which are filled with mushrooms, poblanos and cheese.
