Best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen
Learn about all the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen including some vegan-only options from a local vegan in Playa del Carmen for the last four years.
I’ve been living in Playa del Carmen for four straight years now and vacationing here for many years before. It’s possibly one of the most vegan-friendly places to visit and its strongest attraction is that you can easily find vegan versions of local cuisine.
Saying that, if you’re new in town or just new to being vegan, it can be tough to figure out where to eat in Playa del Carmen and that's where I come in!
This list of the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen are either all-vegan or very vegan-friendly and as you can see there are a lot of options. It’s a veg fest over here! Plus, these are just the ones I’ve tried personally or those that consistently make the lists of the best food in Playa del Carmen so it will be great to hear of any great vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen that you find in the comments.
Fresco Habito
Vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen
These are the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen that only serve vegan food. So no meat, dairy or other nasties are on the menu at all.
Note: I’ve kept the opening hours vague because restaurants in Playa del Carmen tend to open and close when they want and it’s common to turn up somewhere, only for them to still be closed half an hour after opening time. Check out the restaurant’s Facebook for the most up-to-date times (or when they’ve decided to take a cheeky day off).
1) The Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant
This is my number one choice when it comes to places to eat in Playa del Carmen. I take all my guests here, vegan or not and it doesn’t fail to impress. It can get a little pricey but if you stick to local options like my favorite — chilaquiles — it’s actually on par with most places.
A lot of menu items are made in-house and are freshly prepared including the vegan egg, cakes and sauces. I think everything is good on the menu but usually stick to the all-day breakfast options where you can have indulgent items like the french toast made with a French-style brioche, the croissant sandwich or the croque monsieur. There are also tons of healthy options for when you want something light.
Note: They do tend to run out of items and service can be slow so I wouldn’t suggest the Pitted Date if you’re super hungry or in a hurry.
Open: Breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner
The Pitted Date menu - Website - Facebook
2) Plantivoros
Probably the best vegan restaurant in Playa right now, Plantivorous has a varied menu of Mexican classics like tacos, enchiladas, tortas along with lots of healthy eats made vegan.
Plantivoros is located in a breezy open-air setting in a small cafe a short walk outside of the tourist zone. Bright murals, enticing eats and warm service make it worth the trip.
Honestly, I tend to either eat in or get delivery here at least once a week now and I can say with my hand on my heart that vegan food in Playa del Carmen doesn’t get any better than this.
Open: Lunch and dinner
3) Comet 984
This Playa restaurant is a fun place to visit even if you’re not vegan. Vegan junk food served in a 50’s diner with burgers, hot dogs and corn dogs featuring prominently. Give their Snickers a milkshake a try and you’ll see why I avoid this place like the plague. That thing is way too good and I still need to fit into a swimsuit occasionally.
Open: Lunch and dinner (closed Sunday)
4) Peace & Bowl
This is a tiny, little, colourful spot in the back of Mercardo 30 that does bowls — smoothie bowls, salad bowls and (my favourite) hummus bowls — toasts with delicious toppings, juices, smoothies and desserts. Everything is super fresh and homemade and the presentation is beautiful.
Open: Breakfast and lunch
5) Fresco Habito
I am not a fan of this place but it is very popular and might be worth a try for you if you are nearby. They have multiple locations along the Riviera Maya and do juices, smoothies, toasts and bowls. Much the same offering as Peace & Bowl so if you wanted to support a small, local business with a lot of heart, I’d head there instead.
Open: Breakfast and lunch
Vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes in Playa del Carmen
These are also great places to eat in Playa del Carmen that are either mostly vegetarian or have clear vegan options on the menu.
Bio-Organicos
Another personal favourite, this quiet spot off Fifth Avenue is mostly vegetarian with eggs on the menu. Most things are vegan, though, or your can easily veganize it. The food style feels very much like home cooking and I often come here when I’m seeking some comfort food.
There is also a mid-size health food store attached with some vegan options on offer.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
La Ceiba de la 30
A small cafe located inside of DAC fruit and vegetable shop that serves up healthy and affordable juices and smoothies along with a bunch of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These are in my top two places to get chilaquiles in Playa (along with The Pitted Date). Make sure you tell them you’re vegan so they can eliminate the cream and cheese.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trujillos
Creative cocktails, a lively atmosphere and Mexican food like you’ve never tried before. What more could you need? Trujillos is a fun place for cocktails and appetisers or for a sit down meal on my favourite street in Playa del Carmen, Calle 38. After your visit, make sure to head down to the beach for a stroll in the sand.
Open: Dinner
Bio-Natural
Popular enough to have two locations, this Playa restaurant is all vegetarian with clearly-marked vegan options. There is a huge variety to choose from with Mexican specialties along with international favourites and the large store inside is stocked with vegan goodies along with health and wellness products.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Bio-Natural menu - Facebook - Website
Piola
Another favourite on Calle 38, Piola is all about Italian food. The best part is, they have vegan cheese and tons of veggie options to choose from. Regular specials keep me coming back for more including their 2 for 1 margaritas on Thursday night.
Open: Brunch, lunch and dinner
Piola menu - Facebook - Website
Eat Bar
A small restaurant close to the centre of the city who understands vegan well. They have really tasty falafel pitas, hummus and a Beyond Burger option. Vegetarians can try the shakshuka or omelette baguettes.
Open: Late breakfast, lunch and dinner
Uno Japanese
If you’re craving Asian food in Playa, you’re likely to find a giant sea of sub par sushi and a few Thai options. Uno opened last year with a refreshing change to the scene and, thankfully, tond of vegan options on the menu. I’m a big fan of the ramens, gyoza, bao and dumplings.
Open: Lunch and dinner
Po Thai
Clearly-labelled vegan options are on the menu and the staff are eager to tailor dishes to meet most dietary requirements.
Ojo de Agua
One of the most popular restaurants Playa del Carmen, Ojo de Agua has big fresh juices and smoothies with delightful combinations, huge sandwiches that come with an equally large salad and super creative breakfast options. Definitely worth a visit at least once!
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Falafel Nessya
If you’re craving falafel, this is the place to come. They’ve got falafel pitas and hummus and that’s about it. They obviously stick to what they know and it shows.
Open: Lunch and dinner
Jonny Como Pizza
While many of the vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen serve their own version of pizza, if you’re craving the real thing, make a beeline for Jonny Como. Or better yet, give them a call and get them to deliver it. It’s one of the best vegan pizza Playa del Carmen options and they really understand what vegans do and don’t need.
Open: Lunch and dinner
Fresco Habito
Chez Celine
A French cafe that’s great for breakfast, brunch and delicious vegan treats. Try their vegan omelettes, baguettes, salad bowl and parfaits. Check out the bakery inside for take away options and vegan pastries. Service is friendly and super quick.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Website - Facebook - Chez Celine menu
Choux Choux Cafe
Another French cafe that has some big fans in Playa and I can see why. It’s in a great location, there are some creative vegan options on the menu and the coffee is really good.
Vegan waffles, omelettes and tartines are all served with a French touch. Service is usually awful here, though so make sure you’ve got some time to kill when you visit. You’ve been warned.
Open: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Choux Choux Cafe Vegan Molettes
Les Amis
If you’ve got some time on your hands, and I mean at least 20 minutes, this is a tasty sandwich spot where you can customise your fillings. The owner is super friendly and always up for a chat and he’s also got some yummy juices, smoothies and mostly vegetarian breakfast options as well.
Casa Sofia
A lively Italian restaurant with almost nightly events, Casa Sofia offers several vegan options including some of the best vegan pizza in Playa del Carmen, several vegan pastas, and even some appetisers.
Restaurant Nativo
This one makes the list because of its super cheap smoothie options. A one litre cup of whatever fruit and vegetable combination you can think up is just $40 and there are a whole lot of options. The downside is that takeaways are served in a styrofoam cup so bring along your own container if you’re going to grab one on the go.
Xquitelicious
A bit out of town but worth it if you’re keen to try the popular Mexican street food of esquites. Esquites are traditionally made with a base of sauteed mature corn and topped with a combination of lime juice, hot sauce, chile powder and mayonnaise.
Xquitelicious offers a vegan alternative with fresh corn, sauteed organic tofu, mushrooms, grated vegan cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds and roasted garlic vegan mayo. My mouth is watering just thinking about.
Open: Lunchish
Vegan enchiladas - La Cueva Del Chango
La Cueva del Chango
This is one of the best vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen that isn’t actually vegan! At La Cueva del Chango you’ll find a full-page vegan menu filled with Mexican specialties like chilaquiles, enchiladas, and sopes along with a ton of other options. The vegan plate gives you the chance to try a variety of their yummy fillings and the fresh juices (or a margarita or two) are a great way to round off your meal.
Moshe Cube
If you’re craving falafel or hummus, this is my current go to. Bonus points for being fast and very filling.
Sakura Ramen
Very new on the scene, these guys pump out traditional ramen with a big smile and have a vegan option on the menu.
Open: Lunch and dinner
Las Hijas de las Tostadas
There are three of these guys in Playa and I’m a big fan. Especially when you’re dining with seafood-loving friends because there are plenty of choices on the menu for vegans. You’ll find hot and cold tostada options and a portobello burger (minus the cheese) plus lots of yummy cocktails.
Open: Lunch and dinner
Vegan stores in Playa del Carmen
Mr Tofu
Some say it’s the most pricey place to buy vegan products but it’s certainly the most vegan grocery in Playa del Carmen. Everything in store is vegan and you’ll find tons of vegan meats, cheeses, convenience meals and beauty products.
DAC Playa del Carmen
When looking for any hard to find ingredients, most people will point you in the direction of DAC. A large selection of market fresh fruits and vegetables, international grocery items, vegan cheeses and meats and spices, nuts and other goodies you can purchase by weight.
Vegan bakeries in Playa del Carmen
Basic Foodie
A cafe as well as a bakery, you’ll find vegan loafs, bagels, cookies, mollettes, savory and sweet toasts, desserts.
Open: All day Monday to Friday and for breakfast and lunch on the weekend
Shoebox bakery
Vegan cupcakes and cakes are on offer at this adorable bakery in the centre of town.
Open: All day Monday to Saturday
Panneria
All sorts of tasty treats including breakfast, lunch and a ton of bakery items.
Open: All day Monday to Saturday
Das Brot
A popular German bakery which has a handful of vegan loaves and yummy granola.
Open: All day Monday to Friday and until 2pm on Saturday
Carlotta Home Bakery
A smaller selection of vegan goodies than the rest but they do have salads, sandwiches and fresh juice also on hand. If you’re in the market for any reusable coffee or tea mugs, cute tea cups and other adorable odds and ends then they’re worth a peek.
Open: Breakfast and lunch
Vegan burgers in Playa del Carmen
These Playa del Carmen burger restaurants all offer at least one veggie burger option on the menu. Make sure you advise that you are actually vegan as standards can be a bit lax when it comes to burger spots.
3XL Burger: There are four veggie and vegan options and you can customise your burger
Branton Burger: A more local spot that was one of the first to offer a veggie option with a Portobello burger. Now you can also get one made with Beyond meat
Mu Burgerhouse: This is a popular burger restaurant but the ‘No Como Carne’ is just vegetarian sadly
ALV Tacos: Along with tacos and tortas, ALV Tacos has some great vegan burgers with some interesting twists.
Mamalonas Burgers: A decent selection of tasty vegan and vegetarian burgers.
Beach bars in playa del carmen
One of the great pleasures of living by the beach is grabbing a bite to eat with your feet in the sand. The following beach bars have at least a couple of vegan offerings:
Lido Beach Club: This is my favorite beach bar with comfy beds that you can spend all day laying out on. There are nice big fresh juices and smoothies to drink and for eating you’ve got a whole bunch of vegan options including a cauliflower and mango ceviche, fajitas, tacos, nachos and chilaquiles with jackfruit, mushrooms, and other yummy toppings. They also have vegan cheese that you can add to everything.
Mamitas Beach Club: One of the fancier beach clubs and possibly the most well-known, you’ll have to pay a fee to use the beds here. On the menu, you’ll find a couscous or quinoa salad and a vegan burger.
Fusion Beach Bar: Fusion is known for its nightly fire show at 11pm. Definitely worth a visit and you only really need to grab a drink and chair to see the show. If you’re hungry, though, vegan options include baba ganoush, hummus, falafel, guacamole, a few salads, a veggie burrito (minus the cheese), and a couple of pastas. They also usually have some live music going.
Zenzi: Breakfast is your best bet here when you can find fruit salad or chilaquiles without the cheese and cream. After breakfast, you’ve got guacamole and nachos minus the cheese. What they’re lacking in food options, they make up for with live music and regular salsa nights throughout the week.
Vegan delivery services
One positive that came out of the pandemic that shall not be named was the rise of in-home vegan delivery services. Now you can sit back and order vegan junk food, vegan versions of Mexican meals and healthy vegan choices all from your phone. No pants required!
Here are some of my favourites:
Chillin Chilaqil
Vegan On
Pichis
Corazon Contento
La Tamaleria
Vegan Rock
Hecho Con Love
Lusanti
Gourmet Hummus
Playa Pop
Vegan Playa del Carmen tips
Portions tend to be on the large side, presumably to cater to the American tourists, so I like to carry a small Tupperware container with me for the inevitable leftovers. Most places on this list will have environmentally friendly containers but it’s still a great idea to reduce waste where you can.
Most coffee shops in Playa have at least one non-dairy milk option, usually an almond, coconut, or soy milk.
Unless you’re in one of the specific vegan or vegetarian restaurants, make sure to highlight that you’re vegan and what you don’t want to eat. While Playa is a very vegan-friendly place, mistakes do still happen, especially if you happen to get a new employee.
Plantivoros tacos
Vegan Playa del Carmen resources
Read my full Playa del Carmen Vegan Guide for more on where to shop as well as all the necessary vegan Playa del Carmen tips and resources
Happy Cow is a great tool here
Kay Tours is a sustainable ecotourism company that offers small-group and private tours in Playa del Carmen and are happy to cater to vegan travelers. (website: www.kay.tours)
Facebook groups to join for all Playa del Carmen food love
Veganos en Playa del Carmen (mostly Spanish but great for keeping up with events)
Share your favorite vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen
Now that you can see all of my favorite vegan food Playa del Carmen, it’s time to share your own! Whether you’re visiting or live here, there’s plenty to discover as a vegan in Playa del Carmen with new options popping up every day. If you notice any changes or you find a new gem, please share your vegan restaurants in Playa del Carmen that you find in the comments below. Happy eating!
Belize travel - First impressions of my time in Belize
After 10 years of travel in Central America, I finally made it to Belize, my elusive last country. Here are my very first impressions after spending a few weeks there.
Belize was the last country on my list in Central America and after 10 years of travelling through the region, I finally made it there.
Known as British Honduras as recently as 1973, Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America and is often a quick stop for people travelling from Mexico to Guatemala.
All I had heard about the place was that it was the most expensive in Central America and that I should visit San Ignacio and Caye Caulker. I knew that it was supposed to be a good spot for snorkelling and diving and full of adventure activities.
So here are my very first impressions after spending a few weeks in the country. I’ll work on some individual posts about each of my favourite things over the next few weeks but this should be a good first taste for now.
My first impressions of Belize
1) Belize Zoo is a must see
This place almost made me cancel the rest of my plans and move in permanently. The Belize Zoo is not really a zoo and the name doesn’t really reflect all the amazing work that they do for native wildlife.
It was started in 1983 to provide a home for a bunch of wild animals that were used to make a documentary about tropical forests. The founder of the zoo quickly realised that its local visitors were unfamiliar with many species of local wildlife and committed to creating a space for wildlife education.
The zoo keeps animals which were orphaned, rescued and born at the zoo, though breeding is not a focus and today the zoo exhibits over 175 animals, representing over 45 native species.
I stayed almost two weeks at the adjoining Tropical Education Centre (or The Belize Zoo Lodge). They offer basic cabañas, fancier houses facing their pond and even dorm style rooms. All meals are served at the lodge and they made me some of the best vegetarian food I had in Belize. You can even do some animal spotting at the lodge where agouti, pacas and even the resident croc are easy to spot and if you’re a birder then they have lots of dedicated walks and an elevated platform for easy spotting.
I’ll write a dedicated post about the zoo and the lodge soon but for now, just know that this is a must visit when you’re in Belize.
2) I’m in two minds about Caye Caulker
I spent just three nights in Caye Caulker and really wanted to stay longer but it wasn’t really for me. For anyone who’s been to the Bay Islands in Honduras or the Corn Islands in Nicaragua then you’ll see that it has a very similar feel.
I arrived on the night of Super Bowl Sunday so my first impression of the island was that it was loud and full of drunk Americans. I could have turned around straight away but decided to give it an extra night.
I grew to like it more in the light of a new day but it still feels very much like less of a real place where people live and more like a dedicated tourist destination where you might go to unwind for a week or two. It has the feel of tiny Playa Del Carmen when I really wanted it to be more like Mazunte, my favourite beach spot in Mexico.
The island is tiny and you can easily walk around it in a couple of hours. Some people rent golf carts and there are also bikes for hire to get around but it’s completely unnecessary. On the main side of the island there aren’t any traditional beaches but if you’re happy to swim off a dock or jump into “the split” that separates the island then you’ll be fine.
I booked in for the famous snorkelling tour around the islands and the reef that includes a visit to Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan Marine Reserve and a small shipwreck. If you’re lucky and there in the right season you could see manatees along the way, I was not but I did get to hang out with some friendly nurse sharks, sea turtles, rays and loads of tropical fish. This trip was a whole lot of fun but you are often surrounded by boatloads of other tourists at the same time all staring at the one sea turtle.
Caye Caulker is slightly more expensive than the mainland which makes sense given they have to get all their supplies shipped over but it’s possible to eat on the cheap, especially if you like the ubiquitous fry jack.
I probably could have given Caye Caulker more of a chance but it lacks the more flashpacker style accommodation I’m used to and the pricier hotels were out of my budget. Airbnb’s are spread out around the island but a lot of the best ones were booked out well in advance.
Sunsets at Caye Caulker are pretty special
3) San Ignacio has so much to do!
My legs and shoes after Crystal Cave
You could spend a whole week here and not run out of things to do in San Ignacio. It is very well geared towards tourism but still retains a lot of its authentic small-town feel. I started my trip here and it was a good decision. It gave me a deeper insight into the mixed cultures of Belize and I got to do some cool activities.
One of my favourites was the Crystal Cave day trip which involved a 50-minute hike through tropical forest to the cave entrance, where you scramble down 15 feet into the cavernous entrance. Caves played a very important role in the Maya culture, considered to be a supernatural realm where their ancestors' deities resided.
I got to see the shimmering formations in the cave that give it its name, slide and wriggle my way through tight openings and sometimes just grip onto ledges for my dear life. I’m not going to lie, this way one of the toughest things I’ve done in my life and part way through, I really just wanted to throw my things down, have a tantrum and demand to be airlifted out of there. Or however else an ill-equipped over consumer of brownies and pasta gets out of an underground cavern.
I’m glad I did it though and while I was sore for days afterwards, still kind of am, I think, I highly recommend that you try this or any of the other cave experiences while you’re in Belize.
My next favourite thing was the Green Iguana Conservation Project. Created in 1996 because of the decreasing survival rate of Green Iguanas in Belize caused by overhunting, the owners decided to start a program that would both protect the species and also educate locals and visitors about these very cool reptiles.
The project follows a continuous course of rearing the Iguanas from the egg to juvenile stage and then later sets them free by releasing them into their natural habitat. There are some special long-term guests who can’t be released because of permanent injuries or because they were raised as pets and are now too comfortable with humans.
I got to learn a bunch about them and also had the opportunity to pet and hold some of the more chilled out ones. At first, I was terrified to even reach out and touch them but by the end, I was holding my little friend for over 20 minutes and didn’t want to put him back.
4) Accommodation is geared to the super budget traveller or more high-end visitors
Belize is filled with eco-resorts and jungle lodges and these are supposed to be great, if you can afford it. There aren’t many hostels in the country and if you’re outside of the tourist hotspots you’ll be lucky to find one.
Most towns will always have some basic budget lodging so if your standards are low and you’re happy with a place to rest your head at night then you’ll be fine. I skipped some places, though, because of their lack of quality mid-range or even high-end budget options.
I’m sure as tourism picks up, this will improve but just be warned that if you’re looking for quality budget or mid-range places to stay then you might be disappointed.
5) Eating vegetarian in Belize is relatively easy
I definitely was spoiled by my time at the Tropical Education Centre where they made me all sorts of local-style food with fresh veggies and locally made meat alternatives. When I was travelling around though, I could always find the staple rice and beans, potato salad and plantains and stuffed fry jacks were also a favourite quick snack.
Many tourist towns will have good spots with separate vegetarian sections on a menu or will be happy to make something special for you. Don't forget my #1 tip for eating vegetarian while traveling - when in doubt, try breakfast for lunch.
6) Buses are basic but get you can get where you need to go
If you’re happy taking basic chicken buses around the country then you’ll be fine. Shuttle transfers are pricey so I tried my best to avoid theme especially when it costs no more than $10 to get from one side of the country to the other.
The one issue I did have was there’s no clear timetable or schedule and there are loads of different bus companies servicing each region so you have to rely on often outdated advice online. You could end up waiting up to an hour or more for a bus if you haven’t timed it well and some routes (like the Dangriga to Placencia route) only have one or two buses a day.
If you’re hitting the two main tourists spots of San Ignacio and Caye Caulker then you’re not going to have an issue taking local transport. Buses are as frequent as every half an hour and ferries are hourly during the busiest times.
Once you want to get a little off the beaten track though, you’re at the mercy of the transport Gods. All I’ll say for now is try not to travel on a Sunday when everything slows down even more and don’t just turn up expecting that you will get where you’re going. I relied heavily on the often updated Belize Bus website which is run independently and relies on user submissions for timetable changes.
7) You’ll still get to practice your Spanish
One reason I wasn’t super keen one Belize is that I thought it would interrupt the Spanish immersion that I was getting in the rest of Central America but that was so wrong.
Even though the main language is English, you’ll mostly here a mix of Creole and Spanish as you travel around. The Belizean people are made up of Maya, Kriol, Mestizo, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite and Chinese. There are also a large number of expats in areas like the Cayes and San Ignacio.
Sometimes I wasn’t sure which language to start off with but you’re usually fine with English and most people were happy and able to chat in whichever language I chose. The Belizean Creole is very different to what I learnt in Trinidad but if you know you’re creole then you should be able to understand what’s going on.
Overall I will say that I kept trying to compare Belize to its neighbouring countries but you can't really do that here. Belize is really in a class of its own. While it's easy to say I recommend Nicaragua over Guatemala and mainland Honduras is best left to more seasoned travellers (or anyone who's keen!), Belize for me is difficult to rate or describe.
If you love wildlife, nature or adventure activities then Belize would be a great place to visit. It's friendly English speaking residents make it an easy place to navigate and it's definitely worth at least a week of your time.
That’s all for now and I hope you enjoyed a quick taste of what I experienced while I was in Belize. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the country whether you’ve visited or you’d like to go. Let me know in the comments!
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What Are The Best Vegan Gift Ideas
This guide for vegan gift ideas should clear up any doubts and gives you some clear suggestions of great vegan gifts for her, vegan gifts for him, some practical vegan travel gifts and even a few funny vegetarian gifts.
I’ve aimed to include some unique items that your vegan friends might not have seen before so your gift will really stand out! Most items are under $50 and all are under $150.
I’ve been vegetarian for most of my life and know the plight of many of my friends and family when it comes to getting gifts for vegetarians especially travellers! There seems to be so many rules and labels and many people struggle to think of good gifts for vegans. I personally am vegan at home and tend to add dairy to my diet when I travel but still maintain a cruelty free stance when it comes to cosmetics and clothes. Other vegans and vegetarians have their own guidelines that they live by and it really is a very personal choice.
This makes coming up with vegan present ideas tricky! This guide for vegan gift ideas should clear up any doubts and gives you some clear suggestions of great vegan gifts for her, vegan gifts for him, some practical vegan travel gifts and even a few funny vegetarian gifts. I’ve aimed to include some unique items that your vegan friends might not have seen before so your gift will really stand out! Most items are under $50 and all are under $150. If you have any suggestions for a vegan friendly gift please let me know in the comments so I can add it to the list.
Jump to:
Who could eat this little cute little guy?
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links included are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.
What Not To Give A Vegan
Being vegan means different things to different people and there are many ways to live a vegan lifestyle. In a nutshell, Vegans seek to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.
What this means for you when buying vegan presents is to avoid three main things:
Animal based foods like meat (inc. fish, shellfish and even insects), diary, eggs, and honey,
Non-food products that are made with animal materials, like fur, leather, silk, and wool, and
Products that have been tested on animals, usually common in cosmetics.
This can sound pretty complicated so to help you out here are some definite no-nos that are 100% not vegan friendly gifts that can seem like a good gift idea to the unsuspecting:
Beeswax candles
Makeup, bath or body products tested on animals or containing animal products
Jewellery with feathers or pearls
Down coats or bedding
Leather purses
Non-vegan wine or alcohol - some drinks can be filtered through things like bone marrow or fish bladders
Vegan Friendly Gifts
So now you know what not to give, here are some of the best gifts for vegans and of course these make great presents for vegetarians as well. For the traveller in your life, think small useful gifts they can take on the road or things they can use at home that will actually add value.
Vegan Gift Ideas - Gift Baskets
Vegan Gift Baskets
A gift basket or hamper is one of my favourite types of gifts! It’s like getting a bunch of different presents all in one and it can be very easy to make your own vegan hamper maybe using some of the suggestions on this page or by adding some of your friend’s favourite products.
A gift basket or hamper is one of my favourite types of gifts! It’s like getting a bunch of different presents all in one and it can be very easy to make your own vegan hamper maybe using some of the suggestions on this page or by adding some of your friend’s favourite products.
Here are great vegan gift baskets that you can find online from retailers like Etsy or Amazon.
Vegan Jerky Sampler Gift Box this is a great one to take as a snack when travelling!
Vegan makeup
Makeup is a very personal thing for most women but there are a few things you can buy that will be happily accepted and are generally universal. A great place to go to in person is your local Sephora store, they stock a lot of vegan makeup brands; or if you’re into online shopping you should find most on Amazon.
Vegan lipstick
Pacifica Devocean Natural Lipstick
Lime Crime Unicorn Lipstick
Zuzu Luxe Lipstick Allure
Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick
Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick
Vegan Mascara
Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mascara Supernova Top Choice on Amazon
Aquarian Gaze Water Resistant Mascara
Wet n Wild Mega Length Mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Vegan Makeup Brushes
Brushes are a really important part of a woman’s makeup routine and most people don’t realise that they’re traditionally made from animal hair, like squirrels, minks, and horses. Synthetic brushes are easy to find if you know what to ask for. Here are some of my favourite good quality vegan makeup brushes.
Qivange Makeup Brushes
Flawless Beauty 10 piece
Bamboo 4 piece
Ecotools Cruelty Free Set
Amoore Makeup Brush Set
Vegan Lip Balm
Hurraw! Lip Balms
Lush Key Lime Pie Lip Balm
Crazy Rumours Lip Balm
PETA Vegan Lip Balm
Eco Lips Bee Free Vegan Lip Balm
Vegan Hiking Boots
For the vegan traveller in your life, these could be the best gift you could get. I’m always on the hunt for a great pair of hiking boots that will travel well and last. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a trek, out in the middle of nowhere and have your boots fall apart.
For the vegan traveller in your life, these could be the best gift you could get. I’m always on the hunt for a great pair of hiking boots that will travel well and last. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a trek, out in the middle of nowhere and have your boots fall apart.
Finding a great pair of vegan hiking boots can be tough because they’re not always advertised as vegan. Here are my top three recommendations for great vegan hiking boots at three price points but still under $150 making it a perfect vegan Christmas gift to go under the tree.
Will’s Vegan Shoes
These boots are a great price from a company that is wholly vegan. I love how plain they are, as I’m not a fan of outlandish design or loud logos splashed across my clothes.
Check out the latest prices on Men’s and Women’s
Altra Lone Peak 3 Mid Neo Running Shoes
These shoes are a lightweight dream and get consistently excellent reviews online.
Check out the latest prices on Men’s and Women’s
La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX Boot
This award winner gets top reviews on Amazon and are full featured but still lightweight.
Check out the latest prices onMen’s and Women’s
Vegan cook books
Vegan Food Gifts
For the vegan chef in your life one of the best gifts you could give is one that helps them put together their own favourite vegan meals. Here are some of my favourite products for the kitchen and some of my favourite vegan cook books.
Vegan cook books
Thug Kitchen 101 (my personal favourite)
Beautifully Real Food: Guilt-Free, Meat-Free Recipes to Indulge In
The First Mess Cookbook: Vibrant Plant-Based Recipes to Eat Well Through the Seasons
Vegan for Everybody: Foolproof Plant-Based Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and In-Between
The No Meat Athlete Cookbook: Whole Food, Plant-Based Recipes to Fuel Your Workouts—and the Rest of Your Life
Clever kitchen items for vegans
Blender - for morning smoothies and healthy soups - Ninja Professional Blender
Food processor - for making dairy free pesto - Hamilton Beach 8-Cup Food Processor
Cast iron skillet- every kitchen should have at least one! - Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Ice cream maker - give your friend the joy of dairy free ice cream - Cuisinart ICE-21
Pasta maker - egg free pasta at their fingertips - Marcato Atlas Pasta Machine (Made in Italy)
Cute and Funny Vegetarian Gifts
Here are some really extra ideas if you want to be really creative with your gift giving ;)
Hopefully this guide makes your shopping easy for your vegan loved ones. You should be able to find some great vegan birthday gifts or vegan Christmas presents that they will love.
Please let me know if you have anything you would like to add in the comments or if you found something new to buy!
Home made vegan dessert - yum!
Pin for later!
Vegan Resorts and Hotels for the Conscious Traveler
If you're the kind of person that gets excited by the mention of "scrambled tofu" then this one is for you. With this list of vegan resorts and hotels, I hope to inspire you to get out there and explore this beautiful world of ours and not feel like you’re limited by your choice to be vegan.
If you're the kind of person that gets excited by the mention of "scrambled tofu" then this one is for you. Over the last 13 years of travelling around the world I have had the delight of staying in some hotels and resorts that happily cater to vegans. These places have been a beacon of light when I’m travelling through some of the more remote locations in my never-ending travel bucket list.
With this list of vegan resorts and hotels, I hope to inspire you to get out there and explore this beautiful world of ours and not feel like you’re limited by your choice to be vegan. This guide provides you with a list of some of the best vegan resorts, hotels, and b&bs around the world, some are vegan-friendly and will happily provide you with vegan meals and some are 100% vegan.
Vegan Resorts and Hotels Around The World
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort (Mayan Riviera, Mexico)
I couldn’t start this round-up without introducing you to the only resort I know that has a vegan restaurant on-site. This resort is especially special to me because it’s where my little sister recently chose to get married. We’re both vegetarian and knew that we wanted our family to experience an eco-resort with real sustainable values while surrounded by nature, a beautiful beach and plenty of space to explore.
Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor
Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com
Apoyo Lodge (Laguna De Apoyo, Nicaragua)
A health and wellness boutique hotel found on the shores of the magical waters in Laguna de Apoyo. Apoyo Lodge provides 100% organic plant based meals, yoga, dance and fitness classes, and lake and forest view cabins.
Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor
Check out the best prices: Booking.com
For a more budget friendly, option check out this backpacker resort in Laguna De Apoyo nearby.
Ylang Ylang Beach Resort (Montezuma, Costa Rica)
Ylang Ylang is the area's only resort right on the beach and they have a vegan and raw food menu at their on-site restaurant. Think white sand beach and lush gardens surrounding the property with the chance for spotting monkeys in the trees. A real gem for vegans and vegetarians in Costa Rica.
Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor
Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com
Serenity Sands (Corozal, Belize)
If you're looking for something off the grid but still appreciate the allure of a resort then Serenity Sands in Belize is a great option. You'll feel at home on this small property and will be well looked after by your host, Penny. Best part is that breakfast is 100% vegan.
Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor
Check out the best prices: Booking.com
The Stanford Inn by the Sea (California, USA)
A tranquil, private and sustainable inn on the pacific coast. The Stanford Inn offers canoeing, biking, and vegan cheesemaking classes in a beautiful respite on the sea. Pets are also welcome!
Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor
Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia
Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve (Lake Atitlan, Guatemala)
Combine luxury and sustainability with a stay at Laguna Lodge. Located on the beautiful Lake Atitlan and accessible only by boat, you know you will have complete peace and quiet here. Lake Atitlan is also the most beautiful lake I have ever seen and is said to have magical properties by the alternative minded travelers that flock here. Check out my full review of the popular Indian's Nose hike where you can get a sunrise view of the whole lake.
Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor
Check out the best prices: Booking.com
Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort (Nova Scotia, Canada)
Cabot Shores is a private sanctuary on 55-acres with stunning views. It offers a variety of comfy accommodation (chalets,, yurts, domes, tipi and a treehouse!) and an on-site bistro specialising in vegetarian fare using fresh, wild, and local ingredients. Cabot Shores is also pet friendly so you can bring your furry family member.
Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor
Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com
Waterfall Villas Wellness Retreat (Dominical, Costa Rica)
A beautiful Balinese-style vegan paradise, Waterfall Villas is a huge advocate for vegan food in Costa Rica. The Waterfall Villas is also the perfect place to let your creative energy flow, with special workshops on topics such as Chinese Watercolor Painting, Astrology, Tai Chi, and Feng Shui. Dominical is a great spot to base yourself in Costa Rica because you have easy access to the stunning and remote Osa Peninsula.
Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor
Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com
Raphael Hotel (Rome, Itlay)
You can find this classic hotel nearby the Pizza Navona in the heart of Rome. The vegetarian-friendly onsite restaurant has more vegetarian options than you could try during a week's stay and offers dining on a terrace with a view over the city.
Read the latest reviews on Trip Advisor
Check out the best prices: Hotels.com | Expedia | Booking.com
Please share your favourite vegan friendly hotels and resorts in the comments below. I would love to check out more and share with you as I travel.
This post includes affiliate links. When you make a purchase via these links, I receive a small percentage at no additional cost to you. Very small but very appreciated.
How to Survive with Dietary Restrictions When Travelling
Anyone with dietary restrictions might have serious doubts about travelling in a developing area. Those doubts are definitely founded but with a little bit of preparation and some helpful advice you should be able to get by just like everyone else and walk away with a full tummy.
Anyone with dietary restrictions might have serious doubts about travelling in a developing area like South America, Africa or India. Those doubts are definitely founded but with a little bit of preparation and some helpful advice (mine!) you should be able to get by just like everyone else and walk away with a full tummy.
Be prepared
Rule #1 of a restrictive diet is to always have something to eat on you. This could be a granola bar, nuts or fruit; just try to make sure it has some sort of nutritional value so you’re not going to be hungry again in 20 minutes.
Even if you follow all of the tips below there will be a time when you can’t find something to eat and you’ll be glad for the pre-packaged sustenance. If you're anything like me, once that hunger hits you won't be able to do any sort of rational thinking until you get something in your stomach.
Know what to expect
Just like with other aspects of the culture you are visiting, it is important to do some research into what you can expect in your chosen location.
What does a regular breakfast, lunch or dinner look like?
How late or early do they eat?
What is the street food like?
Will there be modern-style grocery stores or do you have to rely on markets?
Is the diet predominately meat?
What vegetables are grown locally?
What are the traditional dishes?
What are the basic ingredients of a meal? Is peanut oil used? Lard instead of butter? Do they like ham in their potato salad?
Once you know what to expect you can start thinking about how you can adapt your diet to the culture.
You can also consider reaching out to other veggie travellers through groups on facebook or find some while travelling to help get a better idea of what you should know for your next destination.
A vegetarian Japanese meal in a small town in Guatemala
Learn the basics
If you are travelling to a non-English speaking country, learn how to say what you can and can’t eat in the local language. Even better write out your restrictions so you never feel rushed in a situation where there are many people ordering quickly, like with street food. I have even seen some travellers with severe allergies carry a card with a picture of their allergy with a red cross through it. That should get the point across!
Always advise your requirements when ordering! My little sister is allergic to nuts, amongst other things, but dislikes drawing attention to it when she eats out because she doesn’t want to make a fuss. Sadly, she’s been caught out a few times by mystery ingredients that have made her unwell.
Remember, even if it looks safe on the menu it’s always worth it to double check that they’re not going to add something that you can’t eat. You might be pleasantly surprised and get something special prepared off-menu by an eager chef.
Don’t use labels
Due to variations in certain diets, people can be confused or previously misled by what you may or may not eat. As a vegetarian I am often offered fish, chicken and even pork because other “vegetarians” have eaten those things. I recently met a vegan who ate dairy and eggs "outside of home" and even ate shellfish “because they don’t feel any pain”.
Everyone has different reasons for eating what they do but just be aware that simply stating that you are a part of a certain group of people leaves your meal up to interpretation. Be specific!
Understand what you will missing
Having dietary restrictions often means you will miss out on having some of the traditional dishes of a country. No need to despair though! Usually if you head to any tourist hub you can find alternative versions of local dishes.
When studying Spanish in Cusco, I ate a lot of my meals at a vegan restaurant that made vegan dishes of the local meals. I even got to have a mushroom ceviche!
You could also try to find a local cooking school that is willing to help you adapt a particular dish and learn how to cook it yourself.
If it doesn’t change the recipe drastically (like no peanut oil for a stir fry), you can try to direct the restaurant or food vendor to emit a particular ingredient. In El Salvador and Honduras where the pupusa and balleada are cheap and tasty streets foods, it’s very easy to get vege-only versions.
Think about your nutrition
When I’m travelling I find it especially difficult to make sure I’m getting a balanced diet each day. Some days I’ll get to midday and have no energy and just want a nap. More often than not I’ll realise that I’ve had no protein, thus the lack of energy.
Make sure that whatever you are eating every day has a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins as well vitamins, minerals and lots of water!
Find health food stores to stock up on nutrient-rich foods that you can eat on the go or add to your meals. I genuinely recommend chia seeds because they are rich in fibre. Research other so-called “super foods” to supplement nutrients that you might otherwise be missing out on.
Health food stores are also great places to find alternatives like soy and nut milks for those who don’t eat dairy. If you like a light breakfast you could consider buying some protein powder and mixing that up with some water for a quick meal that you can also take on the go.
Typical Nicaraguan breakfast - filled with proteiney goodness
Top tip: Breakfast for lunch?
This is my favourite piece of advice! It’s true, breakfast is the best meal of the day and if you have dietary restrictions, it’s also the easiest way to accommodate them.
For a person with dietary restrictions, breakfast can be your saviour. If you’re a celiac, then you can have fruit salad or a breakfast without the toast or tortillas. If you’re lactose intolerant then just avoid the yoghurt and any butter-heavy meals. Vegan? Just skip the eggs and enjoy something more continental.
I have found that even in the smallest towns I have been able to find something enjoyable and filling for breakfast. It’s also the easiest thing to cook for yourself if you have access to a kitchen. Usually, I will try to eat my full at breakfast and then just have a light snack at lunch.
Importantly, if you’re stuck for something to eat at lunch or even dinner, try asking if you can have a breakfast dish instead. This has worked for me in a pinch and as breakfast is my favourite meal it never feels like I’m missing out. Most places will be happy to prepare a breakfast dish for you, especially if you let them know that it’s because you don’t have many other choices on the menu.
Other helpful tips
1) Find a place with a kitchen so you can cook for yourself. Think hostels, Couchsurfing or Airbnb. Google is your friend here and can help you find those unique properties like this gold option I found when searching for where to stay in Sayulita.
2) When in doubt head towards places that you know will have food that you can eat. Italian, Indian and Middle Eastern food are usually my safe bets and you should be able to find one of these in any bigger city.
3) Browse markets for fresh fruit and veg that you can eat on the go. Often there are chopped and bagged fruit ready for you to snack on or take on-the-go.
4) Use websites like TripAdvisor, Foursquare or HappyCow to find specific food types in your location.
5) Be prepared to be bored with your choices. In some places, you might find that there really are just not that many options for you. In the Amazonian jungle region, I have often found that the choice was rice and fish or just rice. Luckily, I had my handy bottle of hot sauce to spice it up as well as a few pieces of fruit and veg to keep me going.
6) Get ready to have many a conversation about your chosen diet. More so than at home, people will likely want to delve into your diet, why you’ve chosen it, how it works etc. In some places, locals might be baffled and genuinely confused about why you eat what you do.
7) Raw oats! These are a great option for an on-the-go quick healthy meal. Just add hot water and you’re good to go. I have been able to find some variety of these in most places I’ve been to. Also check out other local grains available, like quinoa in South America or Teff in Ethiopia.
Vegetarian ceviche in san jose, costa rica
As someone who’s been plant-based for over 18 years and who enjoys getting out and exploring the world, I admit that sometimes I have come across some tricky food situations. I have learnt over time that the most important thing is to be prepared and you should be able to overcome most obstacles. If all else fails, you should always have a granola bar or piece of fruit handy that can keep you satiated until you find another option.
Just remember to stay positive and enjoy getting to know the culture around you. Even if you’re not getting to eat everything that locals do, keep in mind that some locals have dietary restrictions too! Have you got any tips for surviving with dietary restrictions while travelling?
