Many traditional Mexican dishes are naturally vegetarian. Rajas con crema (roasted poblano peppers in cream), chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers), enfrijoladas (tortillas in bean sauce), and quesadillas with squash blossoms offer authentic flavors without meat.
Bean-based dishes are ubiquitous. However, refried beans (frijoles refritos) are sometimes prepared with lard. Ask if they're made with oil (aceite) if this is a concern. Similarly, rice may be cooked in chicken broth at some establishments.
In tourist areas and larger cities, you'll find restaurants with dedicated vegetarian menus. Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Tulum have particularly robust vegetarian dining scenes. When dining at traditional restaurants, asking "sin carne" (without meat) helps communicate your preferences.
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