Teocintle - Oaxaca

This in January 2021 based on a visit of January 2020. It was so unforgettable that I had to write a review! Happy Cow 's rule limit restaurants that do not serve veg dishes to 4 stars really hurt here. I had no other meal somewhere, even in New York City, compared to the amazing 5 course meal we had in Teocintle. At the time of our visit, the staff only seemed to speak Spanish, so just remember the magical words Soy vegano or Somos veganos and you will be on the way to an incredible meal. The food, all in Indigenous Mexican (Mixtec ingredients and tradition, was full of surprising aromas and texture. I made sure to enjoy every bite every course, this is not a meal to break through! I had expected the meal to us at least $60 USD per person, but it was only about $20 per person who only the cherry up. The dining area is small but intimate. On a beautiful pre-pandemic evening we were the only ones there for most of our meals, so we enjoy the half outdoor environment and the beautiful work of art that decorates every wall and corner. The only drawback is that their hours appear subjective. Not too surprising for a small restaurant literally on a alley, but the first time we tried to go, they were closed, despite the hours on Happy Cow Google Maps that they were open. I strongly recommend to reach them via Facebook Messenger at least one day before the visit to make sure they will be open (and try to inform them in Spanish! .

This restaurant has changed a lot and moved since I went to it as a hole in the wall restaurant. It now has more of a street presence and a few more tables. The cuisine has definitely changed to satisfy a more meat-centric and less indigenous-appreciating clientele. It is not that different from any other fine dining experience, although it has a Mexican flair. They do understand veganism. Unfortunately, if you are a vegan, you get a lovely and delicious series of vegetable dishes, and when I was there, no grains or beans. So you leave, ready to have a protein bar in about an hour. For that reason, I would drop the rating to 3 stars if Happy Cow would let me. My dining companions had meat with almost every course. 7 courses for 1050 pesos now, much cheaper than a fine dining experience in the US or Europe. Make a reservation through the contact info on their Facebook page. This was my first review in 2019 This restaurant is literally a hole in the wall. You enter an unassuming corridor under the sign to find a tiny dining area with 4 tables. Holler “Hola” if you don’t see anyone around. They easily accomodate vegans. No menu. They serve a 5 course meal of the day. Very unique indigenous flavors and herbs. Cost was 300 pesos at the time of writing. Updated from previous review on 2019-12-27

Warning! Chapulines means grasshopper! The first course served guacamole with chips and a sauce that contained chapulines. I'm glad I asked what this ingredient was! There was also a fermented honey drink I tasted before they told me what it was (because I didn't think it might not be vegan). It should be alcohol-free, but the fermentation definitely produces alcohol. Otherwise they are over vegan ingredients (I guess they have not thought of insects as animals). It cost 1050 pesos, and it was pretty good if I didn't say it was the world class or one of the best meals I had. Certainly expensive for the area, but not compared to wealthy countries. The restaurant is small, very modest, but has a lot of charm. I was the only diner on Tuesday night.

The last review said $650 pesos, I was charged $850! It was just me, Wed afternoon, 3 pm. Only me in the restaurant. Blew my budget for the next few days. It was excellent but I feel too expensive for what is expected in Mexico even based on a review only a few weeks ago. I don’t drink but I said I would try a tiny bit of the mezcal as he said it paired well. I then told him it was too strong after two sips, said I couldn’t drink it. Was charged an additional $220 pesos for the mezcal.

Warning! Chapulines means grasshoppers ! The first course served was guacamole with chips and a sauce that included chapulines. I 'm glad I asked what that ingredient was! There was also a fermented honey drink, which I tasted before they told me what it was (because I didn 't think it could possibly not be vegan). It 's supposed to be non-alcoholic, but the fermentation definitely creates alcohol. Otherwise, they are knowledgeable about vegan ingredients (I guess they didn 't think of insects as animals though). It cost 1050 pesos, and it was quite good though I wouldn 't say it 's world class or one of the best meals I 've had. Certainly expensive for the area, but not compared to wealthier countries. The restaurant is small, very modest, but has a lot of charm. I was the only diner on a Tuesday evening.