Vegan Food in Antigua, Guatemala

Just outside of the capital of Guatemala City is a beautiful town known as Antigua, Guatemala, which is filled with vegan options on almost every block. From probiotic bowls to traditional Guatemalan plates, Antigua has a lil summin’ summin’ to please your vegan taste buds.

Don’t speak Spanish? I’ve got you fam! Below, I’ve listed some common Spanish words and phrases that I used while ordering vegan food in Antigua, Guatemala. It’s not comprehensive, but it should be enough to do the trick!

Spanish Words & Phrases Every Vegan Should Know

Language barriers can make it tough to order as a vegan. I got you though! Spanish is the most commonly spoken language throughout the country, so I’ve translated some common words and phrases that we use as vegans while ordering.

Foods To Avoid

Below are some of the common foods that we avoid as vegans. It is not comprehensive, but knowing these words and phrases has served me well during my years of traveling throughout Central and South America.

• Caldo de pollo – Chicken broth (substitute “pollo” with the food of concern based on the list below)
• Camarones – shrimp
• Carne – meat
• Cerdo – pork
• Crema – cream
• Huevos – eggs
• Leche – milk

• Manteca – lard
• Mantequilla – butter

• Note that “maní” means “peanut”, so “mantequilla de maní” means “peanut butter”

Foods That We Can Eat

Below are some of the common foods that we can eat as vegans. It is not comprehensive, but knowing these words and phrases has served me well during my years of traveling throughout Central and South America. As always, be sure to check if any of these items are cooked with animal products, especially beans and rice.

• Aceitunas – olives
• Aguacate – avocado
• Ajo – garlic
• Arroz – rice
• Aubergine/berenjena – eggplant
• Calabaza – pumpkin
• Cebolla – onion
• Champiñónes/hongos – mushrooms
• Fresas – strawberries
• Frijoles – beans

• Fruta – fruit
• Lechuga – lettuce
• Lentejas – lentils
• Papas / patatas – potatoes
• Pepino – cucumber
• Plantanos – plantains
• Semillas – seeds
• Tomate – tomato
• Vegetales/verduras – vegetables
• Zanahorias – carrots

Ordering Politely

I have encountered extremely helpful and kind waiters during my time traveling throughout Guatemala. Be sure to reciprocate the kindness of the country by using polite phrases when you order.

• Me gustaría…

• I would like…

• Thank you so much

• Podría traerme…

• Could you bring me…

• Please

Stating That You Are Vegan Or Vegetarian

Sometimes, all that you have to do is let them know that you are vegan or vegetarian, and they’ve got you from there!

• Soy vegana/o

• I am vegan

• We are vegan

• I don’t/we don’t eat milk, meat, chicken, pork, eggs, or cheese. Nothing from animals.

• Soy vegetariana/o

• I am vegetarian

• We are vegetarian

• I don’t/we don’t eat meat, chicken, or pork. No animals.

Confirming Questions

Below are some common questions that you may want to ask when dining at a non-vegan restaurant.

• Hay manteca en esto?

• Is there lard in this? (substitute “manteca” with the food of concern, based on the list above)

• Can I have avocado instead of eggs? (substitute “aguacate” and “huevos” with the food of concern, based on the list above)

• Hay opciones veganas?

• Are there vegan options?

• Is this vegan?

• Are there vegetarian options?

• Is this vegetarian?

• Could you cook that without eggs? (substitute “huevos” with the food of concern, based on the list above)

Guatemalan Foods That Are Often Vegan

A typical meal in Guatemala may consist of some combination of handmade corn tortillas, beans, rice, plantains, eggs, and cheese or cream. Once you omit the eggs, cheese, and cream, the remaining items are often vegan. Be sure to confirm that no animal-based broth or lard was used to make the beans and rice.

Vegan Restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala

Wachuma – Vegan

Location: 5a Calle Oriente #12, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

If Wachuma had a middle name, I’m sure it would be “Probiotic” because this place has sauerkraut, tempeh, and kombucha left and right! They serve bowls, tacos, toasts, smoothies, and kombucha that are all loaded up with gut-boosting healthy ingredients.

Wachuma was another one of my healthier pit stops to get my belly right, so I dove right on into that sauerkraut with the Earth and Fire Bowl made of sweet potato, kale, yellow curry, pumpkin seeds, tempeh, sesame seeds, sauerkraut.

Once:Once – Vegan

Location: 2a Calle Oriente #22, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Of all of the vegan and vegan-friendly spots in Antigua, I would say that Once:Once is the most upscale. It’s perfect for a lil’ Saturday brunch, courtyard lunch, or cute date night.

They have a menu packed with so many great options, that it actually took me 15 minutes and a few recommendations from the server to choose a dish. They feature Mexican, Italian, and Asian food, but also have special plates that scream Spanish tapas and American BBQ.

Vegetarian Restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala (Vegan Options Available)

La Bruja – Vegetarian

Location: 4 ta calle Oriente dentro del CC La Fuente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

If you have ever been to a mall food court, think of that, but multiply it by Guatemala and be sure to carry the beautiful garden. The answer to that equation is a gorgeous outdoor food courtyard, like the one inside Centro Comercial La Fuente, which is home to La Bruja.

La Bruja is a vegetarian restaurant that serves smoothies, salads, and finger foods like burgers, tacos, and empanadas. Aside from dairy cheese, their menu is vegan.

Sat Nam – Vegetarian

Location: 4 Avenida Sur casa 5 4 Avenida Sur casa 5 Antigua, Guatemala 03001, Guatemala

Sat Nam turned out to be one of my favorite spots in Antigua because the food was bomb and the service was unmatched! After all of the hustle and bustle of running around Antigua, it was refreshing to slow down and chat with the owner, Karla.

It felt like I had just popped up at my auntie’s house. Karla personally welcomed me, sat me down, and prepared my food for me after chatting for a bit. She even sent me off with a cooking and well wishes when I left! I’ll definitely be back to visit Auntie Karla next time I’m in Antigua!

Samsara – Vegetarian

Location: 7a Avenida Sur 03001, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Samsara is an all-vegetarian restaurant that has clearly marked vegan options on its menu. They serve a range of options from their Tofu Scramble for breakfast down to their Quinoa Shawarma plate.

The staff is friendly, and all but literally jumped through hoops to help me charge my laptop while eating.

Be sure to let the staff know that you are vegan and would like the vegan version of your order!

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala (Vegan Options Available)

Rainbow Cafe – Vegan-friendly

Location: 7a Avenida Sur, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

After having rice, beans, plantains, and tortillas with my host family every day for two weeks straight, ya girl was missing my Guatemalan usual by the time I made it to Antigua. Thankfully, Rainbow Cafe had exactly what I needed on their clearly marked vegan-friendly menu.

Like many other places in Antigua, they also have a beautiful outdoor courtyard smack dab in the middle of the restaurant.

They also have a bookstore at the entrance if you’ve been yearning for some literature to increase your Spanish comprehension.

Not your cup of tea? Please at the very least, read the Spanish words and phrases at the beginning of this post so that you can be sure to let them know that you are vegan and what foods you avoid!

Earth Lodge – Vegan-friendly

Location: Pila El Tambor, El Hato, Guatemala

Earth Lodge is an eco-friendly lodge, restaurant, avocado farm, and yoga destination that has vegan options on its menu.

The journey to and from Earth Lodge takes true dedication. The required 15-minute walk truly took my breath away for various reasons. One, there are amazing views along the walk, and two, the almost strictly uphill trail that I had to conquer after loading up on food.

I must say that the volcanic views and home-cooked meal were well worth it though!

Conclusion: Vegan Food in Antigua, Guatemala

There is so much to see and eat in Antigua, Guatemala, even as a vegan! So whether you’re looking for a nice fine dining experience, a beautiful view, or just a good ol’ traditional plate of rice, beans, tortillas, and plantains, you’ll be able to find the perfect restaurant to meet your needs in Antigua, Guatemala.

If you’ll be traveling to other cities in Guatemala, make sure to check out my Vegan Food in Guatemala post for an overview of some of the best vegan eats throughout the country, and my Vegan Food in Guatemala City and Vegan Food in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala posts if you’ll eve visiting either city.

Map of Vegan Food in Guatemala: Antigua

About Me

I’M BLACK. I’M VEGAN. I TRAVEL SOMETIMES.

For over a dozen years now, I’ve been traveling by myself from city to city, country to country in search of the bombest vegan food that the world has to offer. No matter where I go, food is at the center of my journey as I experience the culture and beauty of new places.

I’ve decided to start documenting my journey to show fellow vegans our limitless possibilities to travel the world and experience its magnificence through food, just like everyone else.

In this blog, I’ll share my tips and tricks and bring you along my vegan voyage through local restaurants, markets, and festivals as I trot the globe.

So go ahead, fam. Book that flight and pack that bag so you can get on out there to see and eat it all too!