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Having a dairy-allergy means it can be challenging to find a dairy-free dessert when dining out. Many restaurants and cafes only offer desserts containing milk or butter, resulting in a disappointing experience for those like me. So in July 2022, when visiting Antigua, Guatemala, I made it my mission to find the best dairy-free desserts. After visiting many restaurants and cafes, here are my top picks that also all happen to be vegan!
*All prices listed in Guatemala Quetzales.
Once Once
A vegan and vegetarian restaurant, Once Once believes in ethical consumption and the fair treatment of animals. Each dish feels like a vegan inspiration of a comfort food, from enchiladas, to fettuccini Alfredo, or a country burger. Although it is a bit pricey, Once Once is a great restaurant to stop by if you want to treat yourself while in Antigua, Guatemala.
1. Chocolate Cake (Vegan)
Cost: Q47
Described as “covered with an amazing dark chocolate ganache made of coconut cream”, their chocolate cake is definitely a treat. Rich, creamy, and not too sweet, this dessert is perfect for all chocolate lovers. At a price tag of Q47, it was a bit outside my budget, which made it a special indulgence. It was my favourite flour based cake in Antigua, and I suggest you try it on your next trip!
Samsara
Samsara is a vegan paradise! I could not help but stop by for lunch and dessert a few times while visiting Antigua, Guatemala. In part due to their affordable and filling meals, but also because of their delicious desserts. Samsara shocked me with the quality of their vegan meals, as I usually opt for meat. I found myself coming back for more, so will you!
2. Raw Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake
Cost: Q39
Creamy and nutty, the filling of this vegan cheesecake is complemented by the fresh blueberries and coconut shavings. One of the surprisingly less sweet desserts I tried in Antigua, this dessert was not only tasty, but beautifully displayed. Although I don’t typically go raw vegan, this dessert is definitely worth a try.
3. Vegan Peanut Butter Cup
Cost: Q16
If you are looking for a creamy peanut buttery treat, this is the dessert for you. Best kept chilled. I found mine was melting by the time I got to my Airbnb. Although a little difficult to eat when melting, I devoured this dessert quickly and with only one complaint, more peanut butter.
27 Adentro
A popular restaurant in Antigua, Guatemala, 27 Adentro is a restaurant for the whole family. With meat, vegetarian and vegan options, everyone is welcome. Even with my allergies, I had no problem finding a dish and dessert I could eat. The staff were extremely kind and attentive and you will find a variety of salads, soups, lasagnas, tacos and sandwiches on the menu. There is also a Vegan Truffles “Las de la Luna” available, which I didn’t get to try. If you stop by and order it, let me know!
4. Vegan Mango Cheesecake
Cost: Q38
Although technically not on the menu, I was able to snag the last Mango Vegan Cheesecake they had available. When you visit, you will find it in the menu as a Banana Vegan Cheesecake, so confirm with your waiter if any other flavours are available before ordering. The vegan mango cheesecake was one of my favourite desserts in Antigua, Guatemala. With no added sugar, this dessert was not too sweet, but instead allowed the natural sweetness of the mango to shine through. My husband also thoroughly enjoyed this dessert. I will definitely try it again, when I visit Antigua in the future.
Wachuma
A casual vegan restaurant, you will find a variety of smoothies, burgers, bowls and desserts on the menu. Wachuma is an excellent option for budget travellers, vegan or not. I indulged in a few desserts at Wachuma myself, but my absolute favourite was their chocolate cheesecake. Although I did not get a chance to try their meal options, they are highly recommended by fellow travellers.
5. Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake
Cost: Q29
With a bottom layer of nuts, a creamy centre, and a thick chocolate top layer, Wachuma’s chocolate cheesecake is divine. This vegan cheesecake did not skimp on the nutty base, providing a more firm and filling texture with every bite. Definitely a buy in my books!
6. Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Square
Cost: Q24
Peanut butter lovers, this dessert is for you! A nut base with a creamy chocolatey centre, topped with chopped peanuts, making for an excellent dessert. Best served cold. If you are taking the dessert back to your hotel, make sure to eat or refrigerate upon arrival to avoid melting.
Sobremesa
You may think Sobremesa is only a fancy restaurant by the square, but you can also find their gelato shop just two blocks down the street! A small shop serving a variety of gelato’s and sorbet’s, Sobremesa is a great spot to grab a cool treat. I was impressed by their unique variety of sorbet’s that are not at the typical gelato shop. If you are looking for a unique flavour that breaks outside the norm, this is the place to go!
7. Cherry Amaretto
Cost: Q25
As someone who does not often opt for cherry desserts due to their typical high level of sugar, I was surprised by this sorbet. The amaretto provided a unique and smooth flavour to an otherwise icy dessert. Little pieces of maraschino cherries could be found throughout the sorbet, and added a little bit of sweetness and colour. I am typically not too fond of sorbets, but this cherry amaretto sorbet hit the spot on a hot day in Antigua, Guatemala.
* Sorry No Photo!
Although there were other desserts I tried on this trip, these were my absolute favourites. You can always find a simple dark chocolate bar or lime sorbet in Antigua, but personally these desserts don’t provide the wow factor I am looking for. Finding desserts such as a baked cake, cheesecake, pudding or tart are rare. Follow me on social media to learn more about delicious and unique dairy-free dishes and desserts around the world! Take care and bon appétit!