JJ’s Go-To Vegan Restaurants and Markets in Mérida

Jennifer “JJ” Johnson left LA for Yucatán, but since fitness is her career, committing to a vegan diet and keeping healthy in the land of panuchos meant looking beyond the low-hanging fruit, so to speak. Here are vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Mérida and some other resources she’s found.

Brunch

Muchas Vidas, Calle 49 546, Barrio Santa Ana, Centro

Pastries

Yvitta Cakes, Calle 42 490b between 57 and 59, Centro

Pizza

Pizzeria Distrito Vegano, Calle 50 83, Col. Francisco de Montejo

Burger

Flamante for Quinoa or Magic Mushroom burgers, 64 and 47, Centro

Café

Buen Confidente, C. 39 142, Montes de Amé; 

and Jajajana, Calle 70 490E, Barrio Santiago, Centro

Fast food

Crush, Calle 60 446, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro

Lunch delivery

Fitorade, fitorade.com 

Markets

Mr. Tofu, Calle 18 46 at 1H, Col. México Norte

Ya’axtal, Prolongación Paseo de Montejo, Altabrisa and Temozón, yaaxtal.com

Blue Deer, Calle 33 294, between 40 and 48, Col. Francisco de Montejo

So it’s not impossible to find vegan food in Mérida if you know where to look!

JJ also shares the recipe that starts her day.

Bangin’ Body Recipe: Açaí Bowl

Serves 1

1 açaí packet (unsweetened)

¼ cup spinach

1 banana

2 tbsps all-natural peanut butter

½ cup unsweetened almond milk

½ cup ice cubes

2 scoops of plant-based protein powder

3 tbsps topping of your choice (coconut flakes, cacao nibs, banana slices, chia seeds, berries)

Blend all the ingredients except the toppings. Use less liquid to start. The thicker the better. 

Pour into a bowl once at desired consistency. Add toppings and enjoy like it’s ice cream!