Finding vegan-friendly restaurants on Ambergris Caye has proven a lot easier than I thought it would be. Ever since I decided to live a vegan lifestyle it’s taken a little more planning to eat out. I thought I’d save our vegan readers the hassle and create a list of the things I’ve had when I eat out besides your obvious salads. So here goes…
Awesome Vegan Food Finds on Ambergris Caye
1. SandBar Vegan Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza? It was the one thing Madi thought she would miss when she went vegan. I was determined to come up with the best pizza recipe to make it easier for her, until we found Sandbar Vegan Pizza. The creamy hummus gives it that cheesy feel and of course it’s topped with veggies.
2. Elvi’s Veggie Curry
Talking about favorites, I have not met a single person that doesn’t like Elvi’s Kitchen Curry, but I had no clue they had a vegetarian option until recently! Caution: This stuff is addicting! Elvi’s Kitchen now offers a Vegetarian Menu where you will find the GuacaBean Wrap, Vegetable Pasta and Black Bean Soup, just to name a few. Most items on their Vegetarian Menu can be Veganized by removing cheese or cream. Their rice and beans are not on the vegetarian menu, but if you want to try that local favorite side dish without hidden pork fat, Elvi’s Kitchen is the place.
3. Wild Mango’s Black Bean “Gordas”
My crew loves beans! This is only an appetizer, but if you’re a light eater it can be a meal. Not a light eater? No problem! Wild Mango’s has HUGE burritos, wraps and yummy bean burgers for you’re big appetite. Plus, your food comes with a view of the Caribbean Sea and that salty sea air!
4. Pupusas at La Divina Providencia
I’m extremely excited about the vegan pupusas at La Divina Providencia! My favorite are the bean and cauliflower pupusas. I swear you almost can’t tell they are vegan. This place is serious about it too, they even have a second grill where they cook the vegan options separately. It’s so great to see vegan options of our favorite things popping up around town.
5. The Truck Stop Rice Noodles with Tofu
So many options of the Truck Stop’s food items can be veganized! These rice noodles with tofu are so yummy. Just be sure to say “no eggs”. We’ve also enjoyed the hot and spicy with tofu and tostones with pico de gallo instead of the mayo based sauce that comes with them. You can’t beat vegan food, fun games and a family friendly environment on a Sunday Funday!
Vegan Dessert on Ambergris Caye
1. Sorbet at DandE’s
Mango, coconut, black raspberry, strawberry … so many flavors to choose from! Take a little stroll through downtown San Pedro after any of the vegan meals mentioned above and enjoy this cool dessert on a hot day!
2. Island Crunch at Belize Chocolate Company
Who can live without chocolate? I can’t! So, I found these great little treats at Belize Chocolate Company and they are all vegan (make sure you ask for them in dark chocolate)! My favorite is the Island Crunch. You can also take home chocolate nibs, chocolate covered almonds, chocolate covered mango, cacao powder or some Vegan Chocolate Syrup. Want to learn about the Maya and how they make the chocolate? No worries, they offer a chocolate workshop with a an amazing view of the sea while you make your own chocolate.
3. Dairy Free Ice Cream at Paradice Cream
This has got to be one of my favorite vegan finds! I thought if I wanted vegan ice cream I’d have to make it myself, but it turns out I was wrong. Paradice Cream makes my favorite Oreo Cookie ice cream with coconut milk. #veganwin. They also offer sorbet if you prefer.
Tips when Eating Vegan in Belize
Honestly the vegan thing is fairly new here in Belize. A lot of waiters still don’t know what the word vegan means. So, be sure to let them know you don’t eat dairy or eggs when you are ordering. I go as far as listing butter, cream, milk or eggs, because I’ve been served sour cream when I just mentioned I don’t eat dairy. Even some of the foods I’ve mentioned here had to be modified from a vegetarian option to vegan. Be sure to read menus to catch any ingredients your server may miss.
I plan to add to this list in the future as I try new things here on the island, so look out for a part two of this post soon! I’ll be posting “Vegan Options Around Belize” soon as well. Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and share this post with your friends if you found it useful.
Do you have any vegan friendly food options here in San Pedro that you’d like me to try for my next post? Share them with me in the comment section below.
