Sin Carne’s brings the flavours of Mexico to Edmontonians who may not find food that suits their vegan or vegetarian restrictions in traditional restaurants.
My inspiration to start Sin Carne was actually from visiting Mexico. We had a chance to try some authentic Mexican food in Playa Del Carmen and also around Tulum. The food there is so flavourful and spicy!
There’s a new kind of taco on the Edmonton food scene.
“Vegan tacos are quite rare in Edmonton,” says Chef Neil Royale, the creator of Sin Carne, 5th St. Food Hall’s newest concept.
Sin Carne’s menu is completely vegan and gluten free, bringing the flavours of Mexico to Edmontonians who may not find food that suits their dietary restrictions in traditional restaurants.
“My inspiration to start Sin Carne was actually from visiting Mexico. We had a chance to try some authentic Mexican food in Playa Del Carmen and also around Tulum. The food there is so flavourful and spicy!” says Royale.
Although Sin Carne’s tacos don’t contain any meat, as their name cleverly states, they use plant-based ingredients that imitate classic taco ingredients, like queso and carne asada.
“My favourite tacos on the menu would be the Sin Carne Asada Tacos. We actually make our own version of the beyond burger,” Royale explains. “So we sear it on high heat on the flattop until it's super crispy.”
The taco is then topped with carne asada marinade, salsa verde, queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, and cilantro.
“We use beetroot powder to give the vegan burger a meat-like look. Something about the sear and then the aroma of the marinade really makes it enjoyable to cook,” says Royale.
The menu also offers Tex Mex-inspired favourites like fries supreme and nachos.
Royale is a huge fan of spicy salsas, and his menu brings a variety of flavours to their sauces. Rather than just a classic red salsa, you’ll find habanero salsa, salsa verde, pico de gallo, and more. Fresh salsas are balanced with veggies, beans, and vegan cheese, along with the vegan “meat” that fans know and love from Die Pie and Seitans. Royale’s innovative menu items prove vegan food doesn’t have to be boring – or healthy!
For fans of Seitans and Die Pie, it’s no surprise that Chef Royale has once again innovated vegan food with his Mexican-inspired dishes.