Top Vegetarian Mexican Street Foods: Our Irresistible Favorites from 88 Days in Mexico
We've raved about Mexico's welcoming people, vibrant traditions, and idyllic beaches, but nothing compares to our obsession with its street food. Unknowingly, over 88 days in the country, we developed a deep addiction. Crossing into Belize meant quitting cold turkey.
As budget vegetarians, Mexican street food was perfect: affordable, flavorful, veggie-friendly, and serendipitous—our meals depended on the stalls we stumbled upon. From day one in Mexico City, our three-month street food spree delivered zero disappointments.
The foundation of most dishes: tortillas (flour or corn, varying sizes), beans, tomatoes, guacamole, onions (meat optional for omnivores). Cheese plays a supporting role, unlike the cheese-dominant Tex-Mex versions north of the border.
These basics yield countless delicious variations, nearly always under MX$24 / ~US$2. Beyond variety and taste, we cherish the communal atmosphere: locals and travelers alike perch on tiny plastic stools around simple metal carts, devouring quesadillas or tacos in minutes. Here are our top vegetarian Mexican street food picks, drawn from hands-on experience.
Tacos de Canasta: Simple fillings like potatoes or beans (chicken or beef for non-vegetarians) tucked into folded tortillas. 'Canasta' (basket) refers to the towering stacks steaming in massive baskets all day, topped with spicy green or red salsa.
Avg: 4 for MX$20 / ~US$1.80
Flautas: Rolled corn tortillas stuffed with potato, beans, cheese, or meat, then deep-fried to crunchy perfection—much like U.S. versions but fresher and better.
3 large: MX$15 / ~US$1.20
Tlayudas: Pronounced tricky but simple to love: a massive, thin, crunchy blue-corn tortilla (12 inches long, oval-shaped) layered with beans, spicy poblano rajas, cilantro, and mild green salsa.
1 for MX$15 / ~US$1.20
Tamales: Iconic cornmeal parcels stuffed with corn or beef (often not vegetarian), wrapped in husks and steamed.
2 for MX$8 / ~US$0.65
Quesadillas: Not oversized cheese pizzas, but taco-sized with veggies/meat and modest cheese. In Mexico City, we loved Flor de Calabaza—stuffed with edible yellow squash blossoms.
1 for MX$7 / ~US$0.70
Elote: Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, chili, lime, and cotija cheese powder—the ultimate indulgent street snack.
MX$12 / ~US$1
Esquites: Elote's kernel-only cousin in a cup, mixed with mayo, chili, lime, and cheese.
1 for MX$12 / ~US$1
Chalupas: Far superior to fast-food imitations: tiny fried tortillas (silver-dollar size) slicked with red or green salsa and dusted with cheese.
5 for MX$15 / ~US$1.20
Tortas: The crown jewel—hefty rolls piled with cheese, lettuce, tomato, omelet, deli meats (veggie subs possible), bacon, avocado, mayo, and more. Mexicans masterfully overload without mess.
MX$24 / ~US$2
Guatemala's street food—tostadas, pupusas, bean-stuffed fried plantains—shows early promise. Stay tuned as we explore more.
