With no prior experience, Sergio and Karen Tamez opened Nissi VegMex with three touchstones: passion for vegan eating, faith in God and love for classic Mexican food.

How it started

Sergio Tamez said he became vegan around 2016; however, he longed to savor the authentic Mexican staples from his childhood. After researching recipes for two years, the Tamezes opened their vegan food truck at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard before moving in 2022 to a physical spot in North Austin.

What’s on the menu?

Nissi’s offers a variety of Mexican food favorites that skip the meat without skipping the authentic taste, Sergio Tamez said

“If you are visiting for the first time, you must try the birria plate, AKA the dipping tacos,” Sergio Tamez said. “I mean, you can’t go wrong with anything you choose.”

Other options range from burritos to tamales, pozole, picadillo, carne asada fries and much more.

Whatever the diner chooses, Sergio Tamez said he recommends washing it down with their signature drink: the hempchata—a rice and hemp seed drink.

In his own words

“It is very satisfying to see someone come in and eat our food, and tell us they enjoyed every single bite,” Sergio Tamez said. “What makes it better is it didn’t cause any harm to any animals, and still has the authentic flavors.”