The Tijuana region is an adventure to explore and has a surprising number of veggie-friendly options. Let’s start off on a sweet note: bakeries are big in Mexico, and two local businesses offer not only the anticipated heavenly smell upon entering but a few vegan treats. Panaderia Integral La Alegria, on Paseo de los Heroes in Zona Rio, sells veggie sandwiches and some alternative meat products. Walking distance from there is La Flor de la Vida–a vegetarian restaurant with a healthy meal of the day, a bakery, and a store.
Another Panaderia Integral La Alegria on Paseo Ensenada in Playas de Tijuana has a bigger selection of vegan stuff, along with gluten- and sugar-free items. While in Playas de Tijuana, don’t miss the charming restaurant Aderezo Conejo (pictured above, update: closed) which serves delicious veggie food in a relaxing setting, with a live DJ at times. Also in Playas, the cute La Veggicheria (update: closed) restaurant is lucky to have amazing ocean views for those enjoying their culinary offerings. Huerto Urbano Organico is a cozy store with tasty vegan brownies and Semilla Madre Organica is filled with snacks and drinks herbivorous folks would love.
Photo courtesy of La Veggicheria
Farther from the beach in Tijuana, in a friendly food court called Foodgarden on Boulevard Sanchez Taboada (update: moved to Telefonica Gastro Park), enjoy some veggie burgers, fries, and other nutritious fare at Veggie Smalls. Down the street, you’ll find authentic Indian food at Punjabi Indian Cuisine. If you hop in the car for just a few minutes to Calle Novena, check out Verde y Punto’s (update: closed) desserts, non-dairy yogurts and cheeses, and other goods.
This is just a sampling of the places you will find in this area; using google and happycow.net can work wonders. Don’t miss out on journeying just across the border from San Diego–you will have fun, find beauty at the lively beaches, and encounter numerous dining options.
Note: Here’s a more detailed version of this article on The Vegan Atlas!
