Vegetarian Restaurants in Mexico City / Por Siempre Vegana, created to “veganize” tacos
It started as a small tin food stand in 2014. Using three main ingredients—soy, wheat, and mushrooms—they serve vegan tacos, tortas, and gringas.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
Here are two fun facts about vegan food: first, Pythagoras, over 2,500 years ago, was already promoting a diet free of animal products (in addition to inventing that little theorem of his). Second, tofu was supposedly created when, about 2,000 years ago, a piece of nori seaweed fell into soy milk, caused it to curdle, and voilà—tofu was born.
Today, I’m happy to tell you about Por Siempre Vegana, a vegan taquería that began as a modest tin stand on the corner of Chiapas and Manzanillo streets in La Roma. It was founded in 2014 by Luis Rodríguez and Melissa Ayala, who are said to have been pioneers of vegan tacos in Mexico City. Their idea? To “veganize” classic Mexican tacos using three main ingredients: soy, wheat, and mushrooms. From that holy trinity came tacos, gringas, and tortas. For instance, their tacos al pastor are made with wheat, suadero with soy, and cecina with wheat and avocado. Business went well, and they eventually opened a proper restaurant on Coahuila Street (though the little taco stand still operates).
At the restaurant, you can also have breakfast.
Besides the classic tacos, they serve dishes like vegan sausage omelets (not available at the street stand). Highlights include the vegan cheese costra (it tastes just like the real thing!) and the huarache with cecina. To share, try the choriqueso and molcajete—these are exclusive to the Coahuila location.
Their philosophy:
Through Por Siempre Vegana, they aim to promote an “ethical, political, and social” vegan proposal. They also emphasize an equitable work environment for their team and provide meals for people in vulnerable situations.
- What we love and you must try: Tacos al pastor.
- What we didn’t love as much: Not a fan of onions—so I’d skip the sautéed mushrooms.
- Locations: Stand: Manzanillo & Chiapas, Roma Norte, CDMX. Restaurant: Coahuila 169, Roma Norte, CDMX.
- Hours: Stand: Mon–Sat 1:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.; Sun 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Restaurant: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (vegan breakfast), 1:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. (tacos and snacks). Closes at 7:00 p.m. on Sundays.
- Perfect for: Breakfast or lunch.
- Payment: Cash and cards accepted.
- Accessibility: Yes.
- Phone: 5561 625 350 / 5561 166 26.
- Reservations: Not required.
- Nearby transport: Metrobús Insurgentes, Metro Hospital General.
- Pet-friendly: Yes.
- Kid-friendly: Absolutely.
- Vegan options: Obviously!
