Vegan in Madrid
Places
Vegan in Madrid
Madrid is one of the easier places in Spain to eat plant-based. Roughly 350 vegan or vegan-friendly venues are listed across the city, and the national share of people eating fully plant-based sits near 1.5%. That combination means you rarely need a dedicated vegan restaurant — most ordinary menus now carry at least one plant-based main, and staff are used to the question.
Where to look
- Malasaña
- Lavapiés
- Chueca
What to order
- chickpeas
- seitan
How to eat vegan in Madrid
- Start with cuisines that are plant-based by default — South Asian, Levantine, Ethiopian and East Asian menus usually have several naturally vegan mains.
- Learn one sentence in the local language: no meat, no dairy, no egg. It resolves nearly every ordering problem in one go.
- Keep a fallback in your pocket: a supermarket meal deal, a falafel counter, or a bakery with a bean-filled pastry. Hunger, not ethics, is what breaks most trips.
In depth
The longer answer
Madrid’s plant-based scene has blossomed in the last decade, driven by a younger generation embracing health and sustainability. Traditional Spanish cuisine, heavy on meat and seafood, now shares space with vegan tapas bars, organic cafés, and fully plant-based restaurants. The city’s central markets, like Mercado de San Miguel, have also adapted, offering vegetable-focused options alongside classic fare.
The heart of vegan Madrid beats in neighbourhoods like Malasaña, Lavapiés, and Chueca, where you’ll find everything from vegan burgers and bowls to creative takes on cocido madrileño. Typical dishes include patatas bravas with vegan aioli, and plant-based versions of tortilla española. Prices are moderate: a main course at a mid-range restaurant costs €10–€15, while street food and market stalls are cheaper.
Navigating Madrid as a plant-based eater is straightforward. Most restaurants clearly label vegan options, and staff are increasingly familiar with dietary needs. Spanish phrases like "soy vegano/a" help. For self-catering, supermarkets like Mercadona and Carrefour stock plant milks, tofu, and legumes. The metro and buses are efficient, making it easy to explore different neighbourhoods and their vegan offerings.
At a glance
Quick facts
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Vegan restaurants | Over 50 fully plant-based |
| Best neighbourhood | Malasaña and Lavapiés |
| Typical meal price | €10–€15 for mains |
| Local specialty | Vegan tortilla española |
In practice
What this means for you
- Order at Mercado de San Miguel for vegetable-based tapas and fresh juices.
- Use the phrase "¿Tienen opciones veganas?" when checking menus.
- Visit La Encomienda in Malasaña for a fully vegan Spanish menu.
- Stock up on basics at Mercadona's plant-based section.
FAQ
Common questions
Is it easy to find vegan food in Madrid?
What traditional Spanish dishes can I eat vegan in Madrid?
Are there vegan options in Madrid's markets?
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