VEGNEWS.COM^ VegNews 77
Modern day Mexico City—commonly
referred to as CDMX—has grown above
the ruins of the Aztec-constructed city
of Tenochtitlan, with reminders of this
culture dotted throughout the city.
Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1519,
and by 1521, had almost completely
destroyed it. In the centuries since, it
has transformed into a true melting
pot of old and new, a place where
indigenous and colonial cultures have
merged to create one of the most unique
locations on the planet.
Global ciudad
Visitors to CDMX marvel at glistening
skyscrapers sitting blocks from ancient
ruins and are gripped by masked Mexican
wrestling matches—but for the plant-
based traveler, it’s this city’s rapidly
expanding vegan scene that really dazzles.
There are currently more than 70 vegan
restaurants, cafés, food trucks, bakeries,
and grocery stores across the capital, and
the young Mexican entrepreneurs driving
the movement aren't just focusing on
traditional Mexican foods, but looking at a
wider range of influences for inspiration,
from Asia to the US and beyond.
V-Ramen is the city’s only Japanese
vegan restaurant and a true foodie hotspot.
Owner Sonia Téllez was trained in Japan
in the art of ramen preparation, and it
shows. Diners choose from a lineup of
noodles ranging from chili-spiked to green
kale to gluten-free, plus their choice of
broth. Standouts include the Japanese
golden curry sweetened with caramelized
apples, and the umami-laden Tonkatsu
made with seaweed, soy milk, potatoes,
and sweet carrots. Téllez says her most
popular option, however, is the traditional
ramen—hearty noodles swimming in a
miso broth infused with a combination
of ginger, garlic, and kelp—and one taste
will help you see what makes it such a
customer favorite.
The sides at V-Ramen are enticing
enough for you to end up with a full table
of food before you even get to the mains.
Shiitake mushroom sushi is a must-
order, while the donburi bowl (sticky
rice topped with chewy tofu, onions,
bell peppers, and sweet and sour sauce)
is perfect for sharing.
For something sweet, make the trek to
Peace of Cake vegan bakery in the upscale
Polanco neighborhood for vegan soft-
serve ice cream, extra gooey brownies,
decadent tiramisu cupcakes capped with
thick swirls of frosting, and sprinkle-
topped doughnuts in creative flavor
combinations (try the rose chocolate).Street life
Informal curbside eating is a crucial
component of the capital’s identity, and
taco trucks and fresh fruit stands do brisk
business in every corner of the city. In
the morning, you’ll see busy commuters
grabbing breakfast sandwiches from food
stands outside the entrances of Metro
stations. And after dark, it’s late-night
revelers stumbling out of bars in search of
the sobering properties of fresh tacos.
For a truly authentic street-food
experience, head to Por Siempre Vegana
Taquería in the tourist-friendly Roma
Norte neighborhood. This legendary
vegan spot offers two dining options in the
rapidly gentrifying area southwest of the
historic downtown. Stop by their standing-
room-only street stall for irresistible tacos
stuffed with seitan and soy meat that taste
disarmingly similar to their animal-derived
counterparts. Your tacos al pastor are made
even better with dripping vegan quesoXochimilco V-RamenRevolution Monument