Vegan Miami Uncovered | Ellen Kanner
Vegan Miami isn’t just smoothie bowls and salads. It’s Cuban sandwiches made plant-based, flaky croissants without butter, and key lime pie so creamy you won’t miss the dairy. This guide will take you through the food, culture, and hidden gems that make Miami a fun and exciting place for plant-based travelers.
Miami’s Cultural Mosaic: A Vegan Traveler’s Dream
Miami is a city full of different cultures. People from Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and many other places have brought their traditions here. Ellen Kanner, a fifth-generation Miamian, says this mix of cultures makes the city unique—and it shows in the way people talk and the food they eat.
One special dish is Gallo Pinto, which means “spotted rooster.” It’s made with rice and beans and comes from a story about sharing food with neighbors, even when there isn’t much to go around. That spirit of sharing is part of Miami’s charm.
From Gallo Pinto to Key Lime Pie: Iconic Vegan Eats
L’Artisane – Croissants That Rival Paris
A vegan bakery famous for light, buttery-style croissants and delicious pastries.
Love Life Café – Comfort Food with a Twist
From award-winning vegan burgers to tasty jackfruit “crab cakes,” this is comfort food done right.
Tâm Tâm – A Taste of Vietnam
A colorful spot serving fresh vegan pho and spring rolls.
And of course, you can’t leave without trying vegan key lime pie, a sweet-and-tangy dessert that’s pure Miami sunshine on a plate—Ellen shares her version in Miami Vegan: Plant-Based Recipes from the Tropics to Your Table.
Beyond the Beach: Wynwood, Gardens & Hidden History
Miami has plenty to see away from the beach:
- Wynwood – Bright street art, murals, and vegan food trucks.
- Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden – Beautiful plants from around the world.
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – A lighthouse with an important history as part of the “Saltwater Railroad,” where enslaved Black people found freedom.
Ellen Kanner’s Miami Vegan Cookbook: Recipes with Roots
Ellen’s Miami Vegan cookbook shares the flavors of the city with easy plant-based recipes. Some favorites include:
- Caribbean pigeon peas and rice – A tasty, filling dish using simple pantry ingredients.
- Vegan key lime pie – Sweet, tangy, and creamy.
You can explore more of Ellen’s work on her website and her Broccoli Rising newsletter.
When to Visit: Navigating Seasons & Sprawl
Miami has two main seasons:
- October–March: Cooler and great for exploring outdoors.
- June–September: Hot, humid, and full of mosquitoes—best for heat lovers only.
Traffic can be busy, so plan ahead. Ride-shares and the Brightline train can help you get around more easily.
Plan Your Vegan Miami Adventure
Whether you’re tasting tropical fruit, exploring street art in Wynwood, or enjoying plant-based Cuban and Caribbean dishes, Miami is ready to welcome you.
More Miami Resources
Ellen Kanner shared even more amazing places to explore in Miami. Here’s a quick list to check out on your trip:
- 📚 Books & Books – a local favorite bookstore.
- 🍴 Doya – Mediterranean small plates with plenty of plant-based choices.
- 🐊 Everglades National Park – explore Florida’s wild side just outside the city.
- 🌿 Ghee Indian Kitchen – Indian flavors made with love.
- 🏛️ HistoryMiami Museum – discover Miami’s rich past.
- 🌸 Miami Beach Botanical Garden – a peaceful green space in the city.
- 📖 Miami Book Fair – one of the biggest book festivals in the U.S.
- 🎨 Perez Art Museum Miami – stunning modern art with views of Biscayne Bay.
- 🥗 The Plantisserie – a 100% organic vegan deli.
- 🌱 Urban Oasis Project – fresh produce and farmers’ markets that support local growers.
- 🥪 Vegan Cuban Cuisine – enjoy plant-based takes on classic Cuban dishes.
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- 🌴 Explore the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden – a beautiful place filled with tropical plants.
- 🏖️ Visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – home to a historic lighthouse and hidden history.
- 🥐 Taste plant-based treats at L’Artisane Bakery – famous for vegan croissants.
- 🍽️ Enjoy comforting flavors at Love Life Café – one of Miami’s favorite vegan spots.
- 📕 Discover Ellen Kanner’s cookbook Miami Vegan – over 80 tropical plant-based recipes to try at home.
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- S2 Ep 6 | Why & How I Quit My Job to Eat at Every Vegan Restaurant in the United States | Kristin Lajeunesse
- Discover Delaware with Salisbury House B&B | Michele
- From Flight Attendants to Full-Time Travelers
- Discover the Vegan Oasis: Black Sheep Inn & Spa
- Rancho Vegano: A Gateway to Tucson’s Natural Wonders | Colin Eosom
