Tamal de frijol and atole of almonds and sunflower seeds

Let’s be honest: it’s difficult for vegetarians to be adventurous when it’s about exploring food of a new country. There will always be some restrictions to what we allow ourselves to try, or which of our own rules we are willing to break. Mexico is not the exception. Unfortunately, some of the dishes that have gained prestige for the Mexican cuisine are made with pork or beef—such as delicious cochinita pibil, tacos al pastor, or chiles rellenos which are filled with meat among other ingredients. Some food street vendors sell quesadillas filled with mushrooms, flor de calabaza (squash blossoms) or cheese only. However, most of the tacos on the street have all sorts of meat.

And yet, there are some paradises for those who want to have Mexican food and avoid meat. The first is Papalotl, already mentioned here before, and Gold Taco, a little restaurant that opened some years ago in the cozy Colonia Narvarte. Far from being a luxurious place, the Gold Taco is a little fonda with a few tables, and a couple of waitresses that walk quickly between the small space between one table and other. In contrast with the size of the place, the menu has a great variety of food. The Gold Taco is part of a trend in Mexican vegetarian cuisine that makes a “veggie” version of Mexican dishes with gluten. That means you can order tacos al pastor, chiles rellenos or any other food with exaclty the same ingredients of the original, except for the meat.  There are also,  salads for those who love greens, and traditional Mexican breakfasts for those who like a heavy meal to start the day.

The best choices, based on what Machas say, are the enfrijoladas, filled not with chicken but with panela cheese, topped with cream. Also, they recommend pozole, made with mushrooms instead of pork. And the best ever: their delicious tamales. There is a long list of tamal flavors, but you have to try the ones made with bean wrapped with hoja santa–an herb that leaves an aftertaste that combined with black beans and corn is hard to forget. For dessert, you can have an apple tamal, which has a soft flavor and texture.

If you are not lactose intolerant, lassi is a very good choice here. They use a different fresh fruit everyday and cardamom to make it. It can mild away the spiciness, if it’s the case. Other options are aguas frescas of different flavors, or a freshly squeezed orange juice.

The patrons here are an array of white-collar workers, Machas, and maybe some yoggis that hang out here after going to the yoga school that is a couple of blocks away of the restaurant.

Gold Taco, Av. Eugenia 1562 between Tajín and Petén, Col. Narvarte, Eugenia metro station. From Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 8 pm; Weekends from 11:30 am to 6 pm.

I’ve been visiting this cozy restaurant since it opened, partly because it is half a block away from where I live, and partly because I love Lebanese food which I think is hard to find in Mexico City.

Zatar

Even though Colonia Narvarte and the next neighborhood, Colonia Alamos, have a Lebanese population, good Lebanese restaurants are hard to find. They are rather expensive and the food is not as fresh as one would expect. El Camellito is not the cheapest place on earth but I’m always glad to pay around 6 dollars for really well made food and intense flavors. Over half a year, this little restaurant has grown from offering classic plates such as tabouleh, babaganoush, pitas, and delicious desserts made with dates, walnuts and pecans, to serve more elaborated plates. Fatayer (a kind of empanada), hamburgers, and a traditional plate which is different every day are now in the menu.

Two things are astounding: what they call Arab Pizza or zatar whose basic ingredients are pita and cheese to which you can add olives, tomato, mushrooms or meat. It is cooked in a brick-made oven that enhances all the flavors.

The falafel also deserves a special mention since this is the only place I’ve found in Mexico where tahini is home made. I mean, it’s real sesame paste and not mayonnaise mixed with weird flavors trying to imitate tahini as I’ve experience in some other restaurants.

Falafel at El Camellito

El Camellito is run by a family quite concerned about both the freshness and the quality of the food they serve. Depending on what you order, the service could be a little bit slow, but it’s worth it. Other suprises can be found in the menu. American Express card is welcomed and if you have a friend in the neighborhood you can order food to go.

El Camellito, Zempoala 148 on the corner of Avenida Universidad; phone: 5519-1381. Close to Etiopia metro station and Centro SCOP metrobús station. Monday to Saturday from 12am to 10pm, Sunday from 12am to 8pm