Vegan Spanish Travel Tip: Are Churros Vegan?

Second only to tapas, Spanish churros are a famous culinary tradition known all over the world.

So, can you enjoy churros in Spain if you’re vegan?

The quick answer is Yes.

Visiting Madrid? Join our vegan tapas tour and try the best plant-based treats with a local guide.

Churros–the long sticks of fried dough–are vegan. Traditional Spanish churros are made from Flour, water, and salt. Some recipes may call for baking powder. That’s it. In Spain, churros do not contain eggs or dairy.

Street stalls or carts that make churros on-the-spot for you will often give you the option to have the churros dusted in powdered or granulated sugar, or simply plain.

Many Spaniards enjoy their churros with a cup of thick hot chocolate, which is not usually vegan. 

In Madrid, there is one churrería (a restaurant or store that specializes in churros) that offers vegan chocolate. Maestro Churrero, located close to Puerta del Sol in the center of the city, makes their hot chocolate with non-dairy milk. They also offer gluten-free churros.

Want to discover more vegan spots like this? We run small group food walks across Madrid.

Hot Tip: Porras–the longer, thicker, and doughier version of churros–are also vegan. The recipe is the same, but porras are made using a different piping bag. Churros tend to be more dense and crispy, while porras are softer and have more air in the center. You can usually order porras individually, or ask for an order of half and half (half churros half porras).

Like tapas, churros in Spain are a must-have, and you don’t have to miss out just because you eat a vegan diet.

To schedule a vegan tapas tour in Madrid, click here.