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Dairy-free tamales

Finding a tamale that fits a dairy-free diet shouldn't mean sacrificing a full, satisfying meal.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Shane's Tamales image 1
Shane's Tamales image 2
Shane's Tamales image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small dining area offers a welcoming, chill vibe with a friendly atmosphere. Menu focuses on authentic vegan Mexican food, especially top-tier tamales that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans. Efficient service and environmentally friendly packaging add to the experience.

Tamales stand out for their rich flavor and come in both vegan and non-vegan options. The chicken, pork, and bean and cheese tamales are especially popular, with many finding them worth long drives to enjoy.

Everything is 100% vegan, making it fully dairy free. The vegan tamales stand out as flavorful and authentic, offering a unique take on Mexican food without any dairy ingredients.

People are saying

"These vegan tamales are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"These tamales are generously filled and incredibly delicious."

"These dairy-free tamales are so delicious, I couldn't get enough."

Good to know

1

Shane's Tamales offers a special for half and full dozen tamales.

2

The restaurant is all vegan and offers gluten-free options.

3

Prices are reasonable compared to other vegan spots.

02
Panaderia y pasteleria la Mexicana image 1

Bakery offers extensive vegan options including soft, flaky pan dulce and vegan tamales that match traditional flavors. Atmosphere feels welcoming with freshly made goods available early and reasonable prices. It stands out for vegan traditional Mexican pastries rarely found elsewhere.

Vegan tamales stand out with savory fillings and a delicious taste. They come alongside other vegan treats like pan dulce and champurrado, making them a popular choice for holidays and weekends.

Offers a wide range of vegan pan dulce including fluffy conchas and jelly-filled options. Vegan tamales, champurrado, esquites, and birria tacos are also available along with a dedicated vegan freezer and pantry.

People are saying

"The dairy-free pan dulce is so soft and tasty."

"You have to try their vegan Mexican food, especially the tamales."

"You have to try the vegan tamales, they're so good."

Good to know

1

Vegan options are available starting at 6:30 am.

2

The bakery offers a variety of vegan traditional Mexican foods made fresh daily.

3

Pricing is reasonable compared to regular pan dulce.

03
Barrio Donas image 1
Donut shop

Donut shop offers a modern, bright interior with cozy, warm atmosphere and beautiful decor. It attracts people who enjoy quiet, happy moments while savoring unique, delicious donuts and pastries. Limited seating and early sell-outs create a sense of urgency for early visits.

Tamales here stand out for their exceptional taste and are often rated a perfect 10 out of 10. They set a high standard for flavor and quality among similar dishes.

Five types of vegan donuts include original glaze, mazapรกn, and pink frosted. The Jamaica glazed donut stands out among the delicious vegan options.

People are saying

"I found the donuts to be dangerously delicious and insanely tasty."

"Their tortas have the best bread I've ever tasted."

"The dairy-free donuts here are fantastic."

Good to know

1

They're sold out of their top flavors by 10am.

2

Visiting early provides the best selection of Donas.

3

You can't expect to have a full selection of donuts after lunchtime.

04
Little Barn Coffee House image 1
Vegan restaurant

Outdoor patio surrounded by plants offers a cozy, intimate vibe with dog-friendly seating. Atmosphere feels relaxing and inspiring, perfect for quiet moments or casual gatherings. Small space with walk-up ordering creates a casual, tucked-away feel.

Tamales pack a lot of flavor and come in multiple varieties. They serve as a gluten-free and vegan-friendly option that stands out for being satisfying and well-made.

Offers a solid range of vegan savory breakfast options with smoky flavors mimicking traditional meat dishes. Highlights include the Vegan Reuben, vegan breakfast burrito, and a homemade vegan biscuit.

People are saying

"I loved the vegan breakfast burrito and chicken pesto sandwich."

"I loved the delicious vegan breakfast burrito and coffee."

"The tamales here are legit and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The establishment is fully vegan with many plant-based dishes.

2

There are no customer restrooms available at Little Barn Coffee House.

3

They ask that people donโ€™t stay longer than an hour.

05
Mystic Mocha image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with cozy indoor space and extensive outdoor seating filled with dogs and picnic tables. Atmosphere feels artistic and inviting, with a pet-friendly vibe and peaceful patio perfect for conversations. Frequented by down-to-earth people, it offers excellent WiFi and outlets for work.

Vegan tamales stand out here, often praised for their flavor and paired with vegan bacon. They heat tamales in a microwave or warmer, but availability is limited since they often run out and restock weekly.

Offers a variety of vegan options including tamales, bacon, and breakfast burritos with tofu "bakon". Custom drinks like the Wonder Woman latte can be made dairy-free with oat milk and Mexican chocolate.

People are saying

"I dreamed of their amazing breakfast burritos."

"I loved their amazing vegan tamales and burritos."

"I love their vegan tamales and vegan bacon."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited on the second and fourth Mondays and Tuesdays due to street sweeping.

2

There is no onsite parking; however, plenty of adjacent street parking is available.

3

The cafe offers free alternative milk options, which is rare in coffee shops.

06
Tacoz image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco spot with only three tightly packed tables offers a lively and energetic atmosphere. Interior features well-decorated, neat design that creates a welcoming, homey vibe. Music plays loudly, adding to the high-energy environment despite the compact space.

Tamales de corundas and elote tamales stand out with strong corn flavors. Tamales come fresh from the pot, ready to eat without fuss.

Vegan tacos stand out as a solid choice here. The menu offers plenty of vegan options that fit a dairy free diet.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The corundas here are amazing and flavorful."

"These elote tamales taste just like eating corn."

Good to know

1

Carnitas sell out quickly, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

2

Street parking is available, but can be limited during busy hours.

3

The menu includes vegan options alongside traditional dishes.

07
Califa's Greens image 1
Latin American restaurant

Bright space with earthy decor and colorful, tasteful decorations creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Energy feels warm and welcoming, with kind and helpful people contributing to a great vibe. The setting stands out as a small, beautiful gem known for its friendly ambiance.

Tamales come in vegan, pork, and chili cheese with black beans options. They taste fresh and homemade, with a delicious flavor that stands out.

Many vegan options exist, including fresh vegan tamales. Dishes go beyond just removing dairy and eggs, offering true vegan flavors.

People are saying

"Their salads are so fresh and flavorful, I'll be back."

"I had the best tamales of my life here; they were delicious."

"I loved the many great dairy-free options here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for homemade tamales, especially on weekends.

2

The menu features a variety of healthy options, including vegan dishes.

3

Expect a mix of Central American cuisine, including burritos and plantains.

08
Cruz Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with self-serve salsa bar offering six options including super hot salsas and a large vegan menu. Atmosphere is family-friendly with authentic cuisine and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. Seating and parking are ample, with pick-up service after evening hours.

Offers pork and vegan tamales with solid flavor. Tamales come alongside other Mexican dishes like flautas and tacos, all noted for being good.

A large menu offers tons of vegan options including a vegan carnitas combo plate and vegan nachos. Vegan dishes like burritos and tortas stand out and even non-vegan family members prefer them.

People are saying

"You have to try the burritos; they're the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"I found tons of amazing vegan options here."

"I found the tamales to be amazing."

Good to know

1

On Taco Tuesday, the street tacos cost about $2.25 each.

2

After 7:30 PM, Cruz Tacos only offers pick-up service.

3

The Tuesday special is only available before a certain time.

09
Oralia's Bakery image 1

Small bakery with cozy atmosphere and lively, welcoming vibes fills quickly with a long but fast-moving line. Offers authentic Mexican pan dulce and vegan options like tamales and bread. Parking is limited, and seating inside is scarce.

Melt-in-my-mouth pork tamales have a perfect ratio of masa to meat. Vegan options like corn tamales are available, and the tamales consistently please at gatherings.

Vegan options include pan dulce, corn tamales, and teleras. They also make vegan enchiladas and soup on request.

People are saying

"These tamales are melt-in-your-mouth good and the masa is cooked very well."

"They have delicious dairy-free options like vegan bread and tamales."

"I found the tamales here to be melt-in-my-mouth delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is very scarce, with limited street parking available.

2

A cup of coffee costs about $10, which is on the higher side.

3

The line can be long, but it moves quickly during busy hours.

10
VegainzLA image 1
Vegan restaurant

Small space with tropical dining area and free arcade machine creates a unique setting. Atmosphere blends modern-day hippie vibe with loud live DJ energy and friendly faces. Regulars enjoy vegan-focused menu praised for flavorful, healthy options.

Jackfruit tamales stand out as a popular choice here. The tamales are well-liked and come alongside other options like wraps and sushi burritos.

Vegan and alkaline dishes dominate the menu, offering a fully dairy-free experience. The food impresses with natural, plant-based flavors that appeal even to non-vegan diners.

People are saying

"The vegetarian food here is beyond delicious and flavorful."

"I loved the savory vegan options here."

"I love the crispy oyster mushrooms spread on nachos."

Good to know

1

Expect long waits during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

The menu features a variety of options like wraps, sushi burritos, and tamales.

3

Orders are generally prepared quickly, ensuring a smooth dining experience.

11
Las Guerreras image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a lively market with open seating and a cute patio area. Atmosphere feels relaxed and happy, welcoming dogs and featuring live music. The place fills up at lunchtime and offers a self-service style in a spacious setting.

Two tamales come with perfect salsas and include options like Chicken - Chili Verde and pork. Some tamales have too much masa and less meat or flavor, but overall they are filling and tasty.

Authentic vegan options and vegetarian choices appear on the menu. Gluten-free and dairy-free selections exist but may not meet all expectations.

People are saying

"This is my new favorite lunch spot for delicious tamales."

"I got two different tamales and they were delicious."

"I love that their Dairy Free options are so quick and easy."

Good to know

1

Las Guerreras is located inside Swanโ€™s Market in uptown Oakland.

2

The area gets packed at lunchtime, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is street parking, so watch out for restrictions.

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