Mexico-Based Vegan Taqueria Opens First US Shop

Mexico import Charly’s Vegan Tacos will open its first United States location in Miami this summer. Chef Charly Garcia founded the flagship location two years ago in Tulum, Mexico, where he said the shop has become a destination for both locals—who call it “los tacos veganos”—and tourists, alike. “One of the things I’m most proud of is that 80 percent of our clientele are not vegans themselves,” Garcia said, “but many will come back to eat every day of their stay in Tulum.” Garcia, a classically trained chef who previously worked in steakhouses, was inspired by his grandmother’s recipes to recreate the textures and flavors of meat using plant-based taco fillings such as puffed seitan, mushrooms, and textured soy—the latter of which he marinates for 12 hours. The new Miami location will offer an expanded culinary experience featuring the now famous tacos Garcia developed in Tulum, along with new authentic Mexican dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and a seperate lunch menu.