The Pitted Date: A Delectable Vegan Bakery in Playa del Carmen

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Arriving in Playa As a New Expat

My name is Samantha and about a year ago, my husband Steve and I took a big leap and moved from San Diego to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. As a freelance writer, I’m fortunate that my work allows me to live anywhere with a strong internet connection. And since Steve’s job also went remote during the pandemic, we decided to finally make our dream of living abroad come true.

We chose Playa largely because we fell in love with it during a two-week vacation a few years back. There’s just something magical about this coastal paradise – the turquoise waters, the lively yet laidback vibe, the vibrant culture. As foodies, we also couldn’t get enough of the incredible regional cuisine. From tacos al pastor to ceviche to mole, it felt like a food fantasyland.

First Impressions Exploring Playa’s Food Scene

During our first months as newbies in Playa, we eagerly ate our way through the city to get immersed in the local flavors. We discovered hole-in-the-wall taco joints, beachfront restaurants dishing up the freshest seafood, even a speakeasy-style mezcal bar tucked away down a side alley.

But since I’ve been vegan for the past few years, I longed for some plant-based options beyond veggies, rice and beans. Don’t get me wrong – Mexican cuisine uses tons of gorgeous produce. But I yearned for the playful creativity and from-scratch baking that makes vegan food really shine.

One sunny afternoon, as we ambled down Quinta Avenida taking photos of the artisans’ stalls, a small chalkboard propped on a doorway caught my eye – “Vegan Bakery and Cafe.” Could it be? I peeked inside the entryway and spotted a case filled with bountiful, crave-worthy treats – it was true!

Tasting Heaven at The Pitted Date

Eagerly, we walked inside and were instantly charmed by the cozy, bohemian vibe. Mismatched vintage tables and chairs filled the cozy space. Earthy wooden counters displayed mouthwatering baked goods behind glass cases. One entire wall was painted with a mural depicting exotic fruits and vineyards. The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread lingered in the air.

We were greeted warmly by Sofia, the friendly shop owner. She explained that everything they make is 100% vegan, using high-quality ingredients like organic cane sugar and gluten-free flours.

Steve ordered a frothy cappuccino while I opted for a vibrant berry smoothie sweetened with dates. We also got a toasted bagel stacked high with smashed avocado, tomato and sprouts.

Biting into the pillowy, seeded bagel may have elicited an inappropriate moan…it transported me back to the incredible bagels I used to enjoy in New York. This was legit! Steve loved it too and insisted we also try a few pastry items.

Indulging in a Plant-Based Pastry Feast at The Pitted Date

We selected a hearty slice of banana bread, oozing with chocolate chips. A berry tart with an almond crust that flaked apart delicately. And a cinnamon roll nearly the size of my face, flush with vanilla glaze.

Finding acclaimed vegan fare in Playa del Carmen felt like discovering water in the desert. Each item delivered bursts of flavor and creativity that satisfied my Plantbased sweet tooth to no end. The bagel proved Sofia has clearly perfected the art of yeast-risen dough. And she intricately layers and balances flavors in her pastries with an adept hand.

After probably eating half our body weight in baked goods, we waddled out, vowing to return and try everything else on the menu soon. We had found our new favorite cafe in Playa – no question.

Becoming Regulars at The Pitted Date

Indeed, we lunched at The Pitted Date once or twice a week after that first taste. It offered the perfect midday reprieve from the blazing Mexican sunshine. And since great coffee is scarce in these parts, their expertly pulled espresso drinks always hit the spot.

Beyond having Playa’s best vegan baked goods, this cafe boasts an ever-changing seasonal menu with inventive lunch items too. Sofia dreams them up based on local ingredients she finds at the farmers’ market.

Some of my go-to dishes have included:

  • Jackfruit carnitas tacos with pineapple salsa
  • Vietnamese summer rolls with hoisin peanut dipping sauce
  • Protein-packed quinoa bowls heaped with curried chickpeas, avocado and kale

No matter what, every item I’ve tried bursts with fresh flavors – this woman has serious culinary chops!

Challenges As a Vegan Expat

That said, sticking to a vegan diet as an expat in Mexico has had its challenges. Outside of The Pitted Date, plant-based options remain scarce.

My Spanish skills also aren’t quite fluent yet, so explaining my dietary needs has led to confusion at times. Wait staff often insist dishes must be vegan because they lack visible cheese or meat. But upon further probing, they frequently contain chicken or beef broth, cream, milk, etc.

I’ve also needed to adjust my expectations around availability of specialty ingredients. Back home, I whipped up elaborate vegan recipes with tempeh, vegan cheese, mock meats and the like. Here, accessibility remains limited, even at larger grocery stores.

Tips for Thriving as a Vegan Expat

Despite these hurdles, I’ve developed helpful strategies to maintain my Plantbased lifestyle abroad:

  • Seek out vegan-centric cafes and restaurants to support
  • Keep pantry staples like nuts, seeds, tofu, lentils, quinoa
  • Master ordering simple yet satisfying fare like rice bowls
  • Request dishes “sin carne, sin pollo, sin queso” to avoid confusion
  • Embrace eating seasonally and locally for fresh ingredients
  • Bring special vegan products back after trips home

While Playa’s vegan offerings continue to grow, The Pitted Date remains my trustyPlantbased oasis whenever a pastry craving strikes!

Sweet Satisfaction

To discover this vegan gem felt like stumbling upon a secret sanctuary – especially given Playa’s limited plant-based options otherwise. But that’s part of what makes The Pitted Date so special.

Sofia has managed to bring her passion for compassionate, sustainable cuisine to life within a community not traditionally known for it. And her ever-changing menu continues to wow locals and visitors seeking more mindful meatless meals.

So if you happen to visit Playa and avoid animal products, I couldn’t recommend this cafe enough for a sweet escape. From the cozy backdrop to Sophia’s heartfelt hospitality to the utterly scrumptious food, The Pitted Date offers total satisfaction for the vegan traveler. Just heed my warning – make sure to wear stretchy pants!

Author Bio: Samantha James is a freelance writer and avid traveler originally from San Diego. After falling in love with Playa del Carmen while on vacation, she took a leap and moved to Mexico to embark on expat life with her husband Steve.

Samantha enjoys immersing herself in the local culture, beach-hopping along the Riviera Maya, and seeking out the best regional cuisine, especially plant-based fare. She hopes to provide helpful tips and stories to others planning memorable trips to this coastal paradise.

Operating Hours: Open every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm​​.

Contact: You can reach out to them at 984 803-3917 for the Playa del Carmen location and 984 314-2504 for the Tulum location​.

Visit the Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant, Bakery, and Café.

The bakery is situated at Local 6, CTM between 1st & Avenida Cozumel, Playa del Carmen. They also have a location in Tulum at Condominio Maestro, Itzamna, Aldea Zama​.

Additional Articles on Food in Playa Del Carmen

Here are some additional Articles on Food in Playa Del Carmen

Additional Resources and Information

Websites:

  1. The Pitted Date Vegan Restaurant & Cafe | Playa del Carmen – Link
  2. The Pitted Date – Playa del Carmen, ROO – Link
  3. The Pitted Date | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree – Link
  4. The Pitted Date vegan restaurant in Playa Del Carmen – Link

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Samantha James

Samantha James is a freelance writer and avid traveler originally from San Diego. After falling in love with Playa del Carmen while on vacation, she took a leap and moved to Mexico to embark on expat life. Samantha enjoys immersing herself in the local culture, beach-hopping along the Riviera Maya, and especially seeking out the best regional cuisine. She hopes to provide helpful tips and stories to others planning memorable trips to this coastal paradise.

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