12 Vegan Friendly Spots for Hispanic Heritage Month in Portland, Oregon
Chilango
Vanessa Arochi, the founder of Chilango PDX, brings the vibrant flavors of her native Mexico City to Portland, Oregon, with a unique twist. With a background in biochemistry focused on food science, Vanessa initially developed new food products in Mexico before moving to the United States.
After settling in Portland, she transitioned from restaurant pop-ups and a food cart to establishing Chilango PDX as a brick-and-mortar vegan restaurant. Vanessa is dedicated to crafting authentic Mexican street food while prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility. Her restaurant operates on a profit-sharing model, ensuring fair wages for her team, whom she refers to as "collaborators."
Vanessa’s passion for veganism and her commitment to creating a welcoming environment reflect her belief in a world without violence or suffering, making Chilango PDX not just a restaurant but a community project that honors her heritage and fosters inclusivity.
2215 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
Mis Tacones
Mis Tacones, a vibrant vegan taqueria in Portland, Oregon, was founded by partners Polo Bañuelos (they/them) and Carlos Reynoso (he/him). The duo, who have each been vegan for over a decade, moved to Portland from Los Angeles in search of community and connection. Drawing inspiration from their Mexican heritage and the street food of L.A. and Baja California, they launched Mis Tacones as a pop-up in 2016. Bañuelos, who learned to cook from their mother and aunts, would prepare house-made seitan "meat" while wearing stiletto heels - a nod to their queer identity and the inspiration behind the restaurant's name, which translates to both "my heels" and "my tacos."
Reynoso's culinary passion was born from rebellion against traditional household rules and inspired by street vendors he encountered during his experience as an immigrant. Together, they've created a warm, queer-centered space that not only serves authentic vegan Mexican cuisine but also gives back to the community by offering free meals to transgender people of color upon request.
1670 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211
El Salto
Delicious vegan patacones from El Salto
El Salto is an all vegan Venezuelan comfort food, food truck located at Belmont Station food truck pod. Owner, Paola, makes delicious arepas, patacones, empanadas, and so much more!
4255 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215
Masa Empanadas
Masa Empanadas are made by hand - Photo by Masa Empanadas
Masa Empanadas, a cherished vegan and vegetarian empanada business in Portland, Oregon, was founded by Emmanuel as a heartfelt ode to his mother, who taught him the art of making empanadas. Growing up in Argentina, Emmanuel learned to appreciate the rich flavors and traditions associated with these beloved pastries. After moving to Oregon, he wanted to honor his mother's teachings while sharing his culinary heritage with the community. By crafting small batches of empanadas using high-quality, mostly organic ingredients, Emmanuel not only keeps his mother's legacy alive but also fosters a deep connection to his roots. His dedication to authenticity and sustainability has made Masa Empanadas a favorite among both vegans and non-vegans alike, offering a delightful taste of Argentina with a conscious, plant-based twist.
3582 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202
Xocotl
Fresh and delicious juices and smoothies from Xocotl
Xocotl Juice and Smoothie Bar, located in Portland's vibrant Foster-Powell neighborhood, is owned and operated by Omar and Vanessa Salomon. The couple, who immigrated to Portland from Mexico City in 2003, opened Xocotl in 2018 as a way to blend their Mexican heritage with the concept of an American juice bar. Omar, drawing inspiration from his grandmother's kitchen, brings a taste-focused approach to their creations. Vanessa's vision was shaped by the Mexican markets of her youth. Together, they crafted Xocotl (named after a Nahuatl Aztec word for "fruit") to offer a unique experience that combines the spirit of Mexican fruit stands with health-conscious smoothies and juices. The Salomons' commitment to quality is evident in their use of fresh, frozen fruit instead of ice, and their menu showcases both traditional Latin American flavors and innovative combinations.
3295 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Taqueria Los Punales - vegan friendly
Taqueria Los Puñales, a vibrant queer-owned Mexican restaurant in Portland, Oregon, was founded by Brian Aster and David Madrigal in 2020. Madrigal, a third-generation taquero from Guadalajara, Mexico, moved to Portland at age 17. Aster, his business partner, brought restaurant experience to the venture. The duo opened Taqueria Los Puñales during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a space that proudly celebrates both Mexican cuisine and LGBTQ+ culture. The restaurant's name reclaims a Mexican gay slur, transforming it into a symbol of pride and resilience. With its colorful interior featuring queer Mexican art and a menu of over 20 taco options, Taqueria Los Puñales has quickly become a beloved fixture in Portland's Belmont neighborhood, offering a welcoming environment for all while serving up delicious food and drinks with many vegan options.
3312 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
La Casa de Mamá
Owned and run by Miriam Carrera, who has over 20 years of experience working in traditional kitchens, started La Casa de Mamá as a way to share traditional Mexican treats such as conchas, sweet empanadas, flan, tamales, and more, but all vegan. You can find them at pop ups around the Portland metro area, but you can order online for their weekly Wednesday pick ups.
La Patroncita - vegan friendly
La Patroncita, a Mexican restaurant in Portland, Oregon, is the brainchild of Lucy De Leon, a proud Latina businesswoman with a remarkable journey. Starting as a 7-year-old migrant worker in the fields, Lucy's experiences shaped her values of perseverance and resilience. Her family's dream for a better life led to the establishment of Tortilleria y Tienda De Leon's, a grocery store and deli in Northeast Portland. Lucy later became the owner of the manufacturing site and deli, rebranding it as Salsas Locas in Southeast Portland. La Patroncita represents the fulfillment of Lucy's long-held ambition to bring her family's culinary traditions to a sit-down restaurant setting. As a Latina entrepreneur, Lucy is committed to fostering community, celebrating diversity, and creating opportunities for others in Portland, infusing every dish with the warmth of her Mexican heritage and the essence of home. Don’t miss out on their pink tortillas!
Fun fact: La Patroncita means "the little boss" or "the little lady boss" in English
2832 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Verde Cocina - vegan friendly
Verde Cocina, located in Portland, Oregon, was founded by Noé and Anna Garnica, a dynamic duo passionate about bringing fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine to Portland, Oregon. Noé, originally from Arperos, Mexico, learned traditional cooking techniques from his family, including making corn tortillas from scratch over an open fire. After moving to the United States, he found that many so-called "authentic" Mexican dishes lacked freshness, inspiring him to create a menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients. Together with Anna, they developed recipes that cater to various dietary lifestyles while celebrating the vibrant flavors of Mexico.
They beautifully merge the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This farmers market-inspired eatery emphasizes gluten-free and vegan options, making it a welcoming space for diverse dietary preferences. With dishes crafted from seasonal produce from the Pacific Northwest and traditional recipes,
Since its inception in 2009, Verde Cocina has garnered acclaim for its innovative fusion of Northwest ingredients and Mexican flair, earning recognition from local and national media alike.
Mole Mole - Vegan Friendly
Mole Mole Mexican Cuisine is a family-owned and operated food cart in Portland, Oregon, founded in August 2021. The business is run by Roberto Flores, his wife Alejandra Rendon, and their daughter Brenda Flores. Roberto, a twenty-year kitchen veteran, is the head chef responsible for cooking the cart's extensive menu of dishes spanning multiple regions of Mexico. Alejandra handles ingredient preparation and dishwashing, while Brenda takes orders and serves customers.
The family's culinary expertise is evident in their diverse offerings, which include various moles, regional specialties and creative dishes such as roast cauliflower in sikil pak. Their commitment to quality and authenticity is reflected in their presentation, serving meals on custom-made ceramic plates from Puebla, hand-painted with the cart's name.
2231-2237 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
La Perlita - Vegan Friendly
La Perlita, a charming café on N Interstate, is the creation of Angel Medina, a passionate advocate for Mexican culture and community. Medina's journey began in 2017 when he started roasting coffee in his apartment to raise funds and awareness for DACA recipients. After selling two of his previous coffee shops, he traveled to Mexico to deepen his understanding of coffee and its cultural significance. Upon returning, he opened La Perlita in 2019, aiming to create a welcoming space that celebrates BIPOC communities and showcases the rich flavors of Mexican coffee. The café has quickly become a hub for cultural exchange and culinary exploration, reflecting Medina's commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices in the food and beverage industry while serving exceptional coffee. They also don’t charge extra for plant-based milks.
5610 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97217
Plaza Coyoacán - Vegan Friendly
Plaza Coyoacán is a delightful family-owned and run Mexican restaurant located in Portland, Oregon, that brings the enchanting flavors and rich cultural heritage of the Coyoacán neighborhood in Mexico City to life. With a commitment to quality, Plaza Coyoacán uses natural ingredients sourced from local suppliers, ensuring that each dish is free of hormones, preservatives, and antibiotics. The restaurant's menu showcases traditional Mexican cuisine and offers many vegan options as well.
