Medellín is a city that has something for everyone, especially for vegans. The City of Eternal Spring, nicknamed that for its perfect weather every day of the year, offers a variety of plant-based dining options, from traditional Colombian dishes to international cuisines. Whether you are looking for a quick bite, a cozy café, a daily menu that always changes, or a fancy restaurant, you will find vegan food for every budget and occasion in Medellín.
An absolutely stacked (and delicious) vegan burger
The Fruit and Vegetable Selection is Incredible
One of the best things about being vegan in Medellín is that you can enjoy the local fruits and vegetables that are fresh, cheap, and delicious. You can find exotic fruits like guanabana, lulo, maracuya, and pitaya at any market or street vendor, and you’ll often find them inventively mixed into sauces and dishes when dining out.
You can also make your own salads, smoothies, and juices at your Airbnb with the abundant greens and herbs available in the numerous modern supermarkets and even local organic farms. Some of the staples of Colombian cuisine, such as beans, rice, plantains, arepas, and corn are also vegan-friendly and easy to find.
The best lentil cazuela (stew) in the entire world
There is an Impressive Variety of Vegan Restaurants
But if you want to try something more elaborate and creative, you can visit one of the many vegan restaurants in Medellín. The city has such a vibrant vegan scene with so many options to choose from, ranging from casual eateries where you can build custom bowls to juice and smoothie shops to five-star culinary experiences that specialize in Colombian cuisine. If you are craving international flavors, there are also plenty of Italian, Greek, Japanese, American, Indian, Mexican, Korean, and Peruvian vegan options, just to name a few.
An Indian dosa unlike any you've had before
Clearly you can find every type of dining establishment in the city, and almost all of them share in common the lack of windows and doors since the weather is always so good. There is no better way to enjoy a great vegan meal than dining outdoors, and I definitely know where you should go.
There is no bad time of the day for these vegan pancakes
The Local Vegan Community is Growing
Being vegan in Medellín is not only easy but also fun. You can meet other vegans and vegetarians at events such as fairs in local parks where you can enjoy live music, workshops, and delicious food. The vegan community here has never been larger and it's thriving!
Medellín Offers Much More Than Excellent Vegan Food
While there is no shortage of great reasons to be eating vegan in Medellín, the city is about more than just the food. It’s also about enjoying the fantastic culture and natural beauty of the valley where Medellín is located, and between meals you should explore the city's stunning parks, museums, art galleries, and nightlife. Medellín has transformed over the decades, and it is now a proud and innovative city. You can witness this by taking the modern metro or cable car system that connects different parts of the city, as well as by visiting like Comuna 13, a former violent neighborhood that is now a colorful and artistic community. You can also learn more about the history and culture of Medellín by visiting places like Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia.
Yuca-based arepas filled with avocado and hogao (tomatos, onions, and olive oil)
Live the Paisa (and Vegan!) Life in Medellín
If you are looking for a vegan-friendly and fun vacation, Medellín should be on the top of your list. You will not only find delicious vegan food, but also friendly people, amazing sights, and perfect weather. But to make the most of your trip, you’ll need a trusted guide, and there is no one better than myself. I'm an expat from San Francisco who moved here in 2018 and became a permanent resident of Colombia, and I'm now Medellín's leading expert and travel advisor. I founded The Paisa Plan to share my unrivaled passion and knowledge about this incredible city, and this includes anyone who is also completely or mostly vegan like myself.
Follow the button below to see how you can have an authentic and unforgettable experience in the city while saving time and money with my The Magic of Medellín Map. It shows you where to find the best of everything throughout the city, including my absolute favorite vegan spots with all of my recommended dishes, plus places not to go and menu items to avoid. Check it out:
Thank you for reading, enter your email address below to be notified of future blogs, and I hope you enjoy the magic of Medellín!
- Jason ✨🇨🇴
Sources:
https://www.tripadvisor.com
https://en.casacol.co
https://www.veggievisa.com/