Pop-up offering vegan Mexican street food for take-out and catering. Operates from a ghost kitchen but accepts walk-ups as well as online orders. No seating. Based here as of 2021 but check its webpage for changes. Makes a few kinds of flavored mock meats from wheat gluten and other plant-based ingredients which are also for sale via webpage. Relocated from
230 W Ave 26, Ste 239. Open Mon-Sun 12:00pm-10:00pm.
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3317 N Mission Rd, Los Angeles, California, USA, 90031
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Last update on 14 Apr 2025 by villain
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Added by HappyCow on 02 Oct 2017
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56 Reviews
First Review by AxlRosa
MissVeg
Points +28
Rancid beans and horrible service - Edit
The rating wouldn't let me give a zero or even a 1 star so that's the reason for the 2 star.
Read moreI've let it slide a couple of times that the food wasn't up to par but this time, the food we received was almost inedible. I ordered tortas and rice and beans but the meats were dried out and chewy like it was reheated leftovers and the beans were, no joke, rancid and abnormally sour. I almost fed my 1 year old the food but I had decided to taste it first and thank goodness I did because I would hate to think what that would've done to his tummy.
I tried calling to see if I could possibly get fresh food or credit because we spent over $40 but they hung up on me mid sentence. When I called back, they let it go to voicemail. What a horrible way to treat repeat customers who try to help local restaurants.
Forget the food poisoning and go somewhere else.
Cons: Rancid, sour beans, No quality consistency, They hung up when we tried calling
Guest
Veganjem
Points +68
A must stop in LA - Edit
We always get Cena Vegan when they come to our city. This time we went to their ghost kitchen. Got the carne asada burrito and bean and rice burrito. Both were delicious. With no seating we ate at the park across the street.
Read moreGuest
Zurv
Points +1951
Not bad - Edit
Not sure if I got the wrong thing but the carnitas tacos and the birria tacos were not that good. Very bland. The consume was tasty and the beans and rice were too. The green salsa was tasty though!
Read moreGuest
Unibrows97
Points +543
Tacos were okay - Edit
Horchata was so good, would smash again for sure. Maybe it’s just a me problem but to me the tacos definitely needed the sauces, the meat was undersalted. My favourite was the mushroom one; I also tried the al pastor and barbacoa, I didn’t like the barbacoa but it could just be a case of different strokes for different folks. I would try again next time I’m in LA but I may opt for the rice and beans or something in that realm. Honestly, I’d go back just for the horchata alone.
Read moreGuest
railsdev
Points +47
Obsessed - Edit
I can’t get enough of the carne asada fries! I’ve never been disappointed by any order from this place and I greatly appreciate that their spicy salsa is VERY spicy. You won’t need to sacrifice quality to enjoy Mexican favorites here—my non-vegan wife from Mexico is also obsessed with their beans and rice.
Read morePros: Jackfruit-based “meats”, Fresh every time, Quick pickup system
Guest
SarahThunderbolt
Points +374
Great takeout options - Edit
Ordered takeout takeout tamales and rice and beans. Tried the cheese and jalapeno, red and green tamales. Good portions and very tasty!
Read morePros: Good value for money, Easy ordering options for catering , Very large tamales
Guest
JuliaTR
Points +246
Excellent food - Edit
The food was very good. Picked it up and ate in the park across the street. The burrito could easily be 2+ meals and really hit the spot. Wish I could be a regular here, but alas I live 3000 miles away.
Read moreGuest
1AP1
Points +1455
Awesome vegan mex - Edit
Some of the better vegan Mexican food I've had
Read moreGuest
sjg101
Points +29
Good burrito + horchata - Edit
Note that this is a ghost kitchen and so there’s nowhere to eat outside. There is a nice park right close to there though so I had a great time eating a tasty burrito and drinking really delicious horchata there.
Read moreGuest
m@earthville
Points +10386
Superior burritos - Edit
Cena Vegan serves supremely delicious authentic Mexicali fare, all plant-based. The mushroom guisada burrito and the “big vegan burrito” were both exquisitely tasty and satisfying.
Read moreThe only downside is ecological: there’s no dine-in option, and they use single-use plastics in their takeout packaging, including for the salsas and cashew crema. We suggest asking them to put the salsa in the burrito/taco instead of in the side, to save some plastic.
Enjoy!
Guest
anarchavegana
Points +441
My favorite vegan Mexican food - Edit
Probably my favorite Mexican food in LA. The nachos are probably my favorite dish cause they’re everything you could want out of nachos. I love that they have a wide selection of vegan meats and don’t just cook them all one way. The tacos are super filling, salsas are all great, burritos are like 3 meals worth of food. It’s expensive but the portions reflect the price so buckle your seatbelt.
Read morePros: Large portions, Salsa
Guest
wecarealot
Points +44
Not bad! - Edit
I had Cena for the first time and tried their carne asada and pollo asado tacos. The carne asada was tastier to me, and satisfied the craving I had for tacos. I also tried their pineapple-cucumber agua fresca, which was really good. I wasn't a huge fan of the pollo asado - it was just okay. I'll definitely stick to the carne asada from now on.
Read moreGuest
pECHU
Points +15
Low-key, but tasty - Edit
When I decided to give up meat, I thought I’d miss out on street tacos. By chance I found this place since it’s very close to home, and it’s my go-to spot when I’m tired and hungry.
Read morePros: Variety of “meat” options, Secure packaging and utensils, Food is very filling despite portion appearance
Cons: Guacamole is now separate, if I had to choose
Guest
crescentfresh
Points +42
The best vegan Mexican food- ever! - Edit
The best vegan Mexican food- ever! Birria, tortillas, tamales all amazing. Can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. A must when in the area!
Read moreGuest
Intel
Points +47
Seitan makes for great burritos - Edit
I love this place. Their burritos are filling, delicious, and authentic.
Read moreGuest
Spookyjulez
Points +152
Cenar - Edit
Initially, I didn’t like Cena Vegan because I felt like it was a knock off toel cocinero but as the years passed, I gave them another shot, and I absolutely enjoyed their food. My favorite is their chicken quesadilla. They have really good tacos. I like how the Horchata can come in a reusable glass jar. I wanted to love their churro donut, but every time I’ve had it, it’s dripping in oil.
Read moreI have found a dead cockroach on the floor there, but it is the food industry. ;o
Guest
regijane
Points +166
If you see this food truck run to it - Edit
Cena Vegan food truck makes appearances at vegan festivals, pop ups, and the Sunday market at the Row DTLA. Run to it if you see it. Hottest hot sauce on the planet. Best tacos ever. Hands down some of the best Mexican food in LA. Authentic, delicious, fresh! Service with a huge smile, too! Love this place, it’s truly legendary in LA!!
Read morePros: Delicious, authentic Mexican food, Service always amazing, Legendary amongst LA vegans
Guest
JamieVargas
Points +83
SO DELICIOUS - Edit
Had the carne asada, birria and barbacoa tacos and they were to die for!!! So flavorful and I will definitely be coming back!!!
Read moreGuest
Sabriola
Points +20
They have a new location! - Edit
There’s now a new location inside Whittier Brewing Company which is amazing because my family loves hanging out there and now I have literally the best vegan Mexican available to me. They use authentic Mexican marinades for their “meats”. So good! #Veganuary
Read morePros: Exclusively vegan, Huge portions, Amazing authentic salsa
Guest
theNumberOfTheBeast
Points +4925
Ay Mamacita Rico! - Edit
Major Flavor! For my last meal in Los Angeles, I ordered from Cena Vegan as I knew I'd regret leaving California without a chance to support this business. Mi amore! Que Rico! Ask for spicy and get it. As for the asadas, they come in gluten free and gluten full varieties and all are total knock-outs. The tacos are made from fresh tortillas and everything was perfect.
Read moreHard to recall having better Mexican anywhere.
Muchas Gracias Amigas!
❤️🔥💥❤️🔥💥❤️🔥❤️💥🔥❤️💥
Updated from previous review on 2023-01-05
Pros: Vegan Owned and Operated, Fresh and House Made, Perfect, Delivers on Spice
Guest
eatingeggplant
Points +720
Wow. Just wow. - Edit
I mean what can I even say. The spice. Truly knocked me out. I’m so impressed I have no words. The burrito was absolutely delicious. I got the al pastor. I’m still shocked that was vegan. I asked for spicy and they delivered. Beyond my wildest dreams. I’m still crying from the spice. And that’s what I want to feel like. A . You did that. Definitely recommend.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-11-06
Pros: All vegan , SPICY YAS , Authentic
Guest
RachDeschenes
Points +30
Absolute gem - Edit
I was vegetarian when I moved to LA from New England and went vegan a few months later, and was very sad about missing out on so much Mexican cuisine and then my partner started renting a practice space in Lincoln heights and discovered this hidden gem. Thanks to cena vegan we got to experience some authentic Mexican flavors while living in LA. My partner's go-to was the torta Al pastor and I loved the tacos de birria con consomé. The horchata, agua fresca and chocolate chip cookies are all worth adding to your meal. Over all a delicious, satisfying, and reasonably priced meal.
Read moreGuest
plantbasedpaige327
Points +96
The best - Edit
This is my go-to when ordering out for a movie out night. The flavors and textures are incredible. My non-veg friends love it too. Great GF options!
Read morePros: Great taste, 100% vegan, GF options
Cons: Not healthy
Guest
tofulibrarian
Points +153
Best Burritos - Edit
I order from here whenever I’m craving Mexico food. They truly have the BEST burritos, guacamole, and vegan birria in the area.
Read morePros: Entirely vegan establishment, Friendly staff, Fast service
Cons: No dine-in option
Guest
PlantBasedSavant
Points +81
It's OK - Edit
The food is OK to fine. Getting the food is rough at best. Parking was horrible. The wait was horrible. Feels pretty Mom and Pop to me. It sort of seems like a lower quality food option than Sugar Taco without the ease.
Read morePros: Lots of options
Cons: The parking, The time it took to get the food
Guest
IwaWella
Points +1249
Best of the Best - Edit
Find me better vegan “meat” than this I dare you
Read moreGuest
JulienneSlice
Points +2020
Authentically good! - Edit
Cena vegan really brings it with the bold and delicious authentic Mexican flavors.
Read moreThe menu was inspired and created from passed down family recipes and then veganized which really reflects well in the food.
I really enjoyed the salsas and the delicious tortillas which are fresh and flavorful.
You really can’t go wrong with any choice on the menu, but I highly recommend the Al pastor on the nacho boat and tacos.
Make sure to check out their packaged to go vegan proteins at a select store near you or on their website.
Updated from previous review on 2021-08-18
Pros: Vegan
Guest
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