Building Your Perfect Vegan Meal at Tortilla
Tortilla's build-your-own format makes creating a delicious and satisfying vegan meal straightforward. The key is to understand the different components and how to assemble them. By combining the right base, fillings, and toppings, you can enjoy a fully customised plant-based feast.
Choose Your Base
The foundation of your meal can be one of several vegan-friendly options. All are suitable for a vegan diet and provide a great canvas for your chosen fillings.
- Burrito: A soft flour tortilla, perfect for wrapping all your ingredients into a handheld meal.
- Naked Burrito (Bowl): All the ingredients of a burrito served in a bowl, without the flour tortilla. An excellent choice if you are avoiding gluten or simply prefer a fork-and-knife meal.
- Tacos: Three soft-shell tacos, available in both flour and corn options. Corn tacos are a great gluten-free choice.
- Quesadilla (Seasonal): The restaurant sometimes offers special vegan items, like the Applewood® Vegan cheeze quesadilla, which was featured during Veganuary. It's worth checking for any current promotions.
The Vegan Fillings
These are the protein-packed core of your meal. Tortilla offers several flavorful vegan fillings to choose from:
- Vegan Chilli No Carne: A rich and hearty mix of tempeh and vegetables, this is a staple vegan filling that adds a warm, spicy flavor to any dish.
- Beyond Steak Chimichurri: A limited-edition, but highly acclaimed, plant-based steak that adds a juicy, meaty texture and flavor to burritos. This was featured as a special for Veganuary.
- Grilled Veggies: A simple but effective filling of seasonal grilled vegetables, offering a smoky flavor and nutrient-rich bulk to your meal.
Vegan Beans and Rice
Completing your base are the essential beans and rice. Fortunately for vegans, all the standard options at Tortilla are plant-based.
- Mexican Rice: A flavourful, tomato-based rice option.
- Coriander Rice: A lighter, fragrant rice with a fresh herb taste.
- Black Beans: A classic burrito staple, offering a soft texture and earthy flavor.
- Pinto Beans: Another delicious bean option, adding a creamy consistency to your meal.
Vegan Toppings and Salsas
This is where you can truly customize your meal and add extra flavour. All of the following are vegan:
- Hand-Smashed Guacamole: A creamy and fresh topping that is naturally vegan.
- Salsas: A wide selection of salsas is available, all of which are vegan. Options include:
- Pico de gallo
- Salsa verde (medium)
- Salsa roja (hot)
- Sweetcorn salsa
- Chipotle mayo (check ingredients, but often vegan-friendly)
- Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp crunch.
- Pickled Red Onions: Provides a tangy, sharp contrast to the other flavors.
- Jalapeños: For an extra spicy kick.
- Fresh Lime: A zesty finish to brighten all the other ingredients.
- Tortilla Chips: A side of crunchy tortilla chips is also a safe vegan choice.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Vegan Order
To ensure your order is completely vegan, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid Dairy: Be sure to specify that you want to exclude sour cream, cheese, and chipotle cheese sauce from your order. While vegan cheese might be offered during special promotions, it's not a standard item.
- Customise Everything: Take advantage of the build-your-own format. Don't be afraid to ask for specific toppings or to clarify ingredients if you have any doubts. Most staff are knowledgeable about allergens and dietary requirements.
- Stay Up-to-Date: The menu can change, with new seasonal fillings and limited-time offers appearing, especially during Veganuary. Check the official Tortilla website or social media channels for the most current vegan options.
- Consider a Bowl: For those with gluten sensitivity, a naked burrito bowl with corn tacos is a safe bet, as corn is naturally gluten-free.
Comparing Vegan and Non-Vegan Tortilla Meals
| Feature | Vegan Burrito (with Beyond Steak) | Standard Chicken Burrito |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Beyond Steak Chimichurri | Chicken |
| Key Fillings | Vegan Chilli No Carne, Grilled Veggies | Carnitas (Pork), Barbacoa (Beef) |
| Dairy | No dairy (replace cheese/sour cream) | Dairy-based cheese and sour cream |
| Toppings | Guacamole, Salsas, Pickled Onions, Jalapeños | All vegan toppings, plus optional dairy |
| Environmental Impact | Lower carbon footprint | Higher carbon footprint |
| Health Benefits | High in protein, low in saturated fat | Variable, depending on meat cut and cooking method |
Conclusion
With more than 70% of its menu being plant-based, Tortilla is a highly accommodating choice for those following a vegan diet. By simply selecting a vegan base, one of the three delicious vegan fillings, and loading up on the vast array of vegan-friendly toppings and salsas, you can craft a filling and flavourful meal every time. Whether you choose a classic burrito, a fresh naked bowl, or crunchy tacos, Tortilla makes it easy and exciting to eat vegan. Remember to specify no dairy and enjoy the many customizable options available. For the latest vegan options, always refer to the official Tortilla website. For additional resources on eating vegan while out and about, consider visiting Veganuary.
