Veganism…A Utopian Dream Or The Future?

Written by Júlia Almeida

Veganism has often been labeled as a lifestyle for the idealists—a utopian dream too lofty for the practical world. But is it really? Or is it simply a compassionate future waiting to be embraced?

Veganism, once considered an alternative lifestyle choice, has evolved over the years, but it wasn’t always viewed through the lens of modern trends or labels like “woke.” It was, in fact, a rebellion against the status quo, a stand against cruelty, and an effort to save animals. Even the punk movement itself is totally related to veganism, since it’s all about anti-establishment thinking. Today, I was left wondering: Is veganism a utopian ideal we’ve invented, or is it simply a return to a way of living that aligns with our values and the world we want to see?

For centuries, people have embraced plant-based diets for ethical, cultural, and spiritual reasons. In many ancient cultures, such as those in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, the avoidance of harm to animals has been central to their dietary principles. For example, followers of Jainism have practiced a form of veganism for over 2,500 years, as part of their commitment to non-violence. Similarly, Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher, promoted a plant-based diet as a way of showing kindness toward animals. These examples show that veganism has long been viewed as an ethical choice, not just a dietary preference.

When I used to live in Mexico City, I came across a restaurant called “u.to.pi.a“. The name sounds like a really cool name for a vegan restaurant and almost an invitation to step inside. It’s located in one of the city’s most famous neighborhoods, Colonia Condesa, which, with its charm, attracts tourists from all over the world and highlights why Mexico City is such a vibrant metropolis. I need to say that one of my favorite things about restaurants in Mexico is the agua del día. This is a traditional feature where restaurants offer fresh, daily-made flavored water, often prepared with seasonal fruits, herbs, or even flowers. It’s a light, refreshing drink that perfectly complements any meal and highlights local ingredients. At u.to.pi.a, the agua del día is great!

U.to.pi.a is definitely a restaurant with a mission. When I asked about the name of the restaurant, they said: “It’s called Utopia because we want to show people that it’s possible to eat deliciously, healthily, and without animal-based ingredients. But many people think that’s not possible.” And they are surely doing it! It’s incredible how they successfully veganize some of the most famous and delicious dishes from around the world—pizzas, lasagnas, hot dogs, Mexican cuisine, empanadas, and choripán. They serve these creative dishes in a quirky, shabby-chic café style a la Mexicana, with a few outdoor tables. The atmosphere is cozy and casual. I sat in a comfortable armchair and chilled. This place is a great spot to meet both vegan and non-vegan friends. As an appetizer, I recommend the house empanadas, stuffed with cheese made from potatoes and tapioca. They’re absolutely delicious and a perfect start to the meal.

While sitting there, I read a message on the wall: “Utopia is the idea of a perfect society where harmony and coexistence reign.” It captures the essence of what veganism represents—kindness and balance.

The must-try here is the pizza. In Mexico, I learned to enjoy pizza with pineapple, and Hawaiian pizza is my favorite. Made with ham, pineapple, almond parmesan, and parsley, the flavors blend perfectly. Another standout is the pizza mexicana, topped with beans, chorizo, chiles, purple onion, and avocado—a satisfying combo with the Hawaiian pizza. So delicious! And don’t leave without trying the tiramisu—a sponge cake soaked in espresso, vegan mascarpone with amaretto, and dusted with cocoa. It’s the perfect end to your meal. U.to.pi.a lives up to its name. I remember that after my lovely meal, I snapped a picture and posted it on my Instagram story, tagging the restaurant. What they replied with: “Thank you for being part of this utopia!”

That makes perfect sense!

So I’m glad to say that veganism is not just a utopian dream but a compassionate future in the process of creation.

Meet the author:

Julia Almeida is a Brazilian vegan writer and international model based in California. With over a decade of veganism, she has traveled widely, often during times when finding plant-based options was far more challenging than it is today. These experiences pushed her to discover creative ways to cook and uncover vegan-friendly spots within diverse cultural landscapes.

Through her work, Julia merges storytelling and advocacy, inspiring compassionate living. Passionate about animals, she is dedicated to raising awareness about fostering, adoption, and supporting non-profit animal rescues, encouraging others to recognize all animals as intelligent, loving beings deserving of respect and kindness.