Mexico

More than just tacos, burritos and nachos. The Mexican cuisine is rich in herbs, spices, and for the real enthusiast: spicy food!

Tacos

Eating tacos in Mexico is an experience in itself. Surround yourself among the locals and enjoy the flavour combinations thanks to the different toppings. At the average taqueria, the tortillas (2 small ones per 'taco that you order') are served with the filling. To complete your taco, you'll receive limes, various salsas and possibly additional toppings like pico de gallo or onion with chives (cebolla con cilantro).


Why 2 tortillas? As soon as you add a little sauce, the tortillas can quickly tear. The extra tortilla serves as protection to make sure the taco doesn't fall apart when you hold it in your hand!

Yucatan

The most popular taco from the region is the one with cochinita pibil: slow roasted pulled pork, with the meat being marinated in orange and lime juice with annatto bell pepper. This gives it a distinct orange color. It will then be slowly roasted inside a banana leaf.

Another well-known dish from the region are Tamales (Yucatecos). They are filled with chicken and, just like the cochinita pibil, prepared inside banana leaves.

If you are looking for a typical appetizer from the region: Sopa de Lima. A delicious, soup that has a fresh-sour taste since lime is one of the 'secret' ingredients. No breadsticks, but fried tortillas with the soup. The tomatoes, red pepper and various spices make it a particularly flavourful appetizer.

Cocihinita pibil

Other local specialties include:

  • Panuchos: Chilled tortillas with a filling of black beans, topped with chicken, onion, cabbage, jalapeño and avocado. 
  • Poc Chuc: A piece of (pork) meat marinated in citrus juice and then cooked in a banana leaf. Mexicans serve it with black beans and pickled vegetables.
  • Mukbil Pollo: A seasonal dish that is central to many Mexicans during "Día de los muertos" (Day of the Dead). The roasted chicken is prepared using a unique, underground burial method. It is then served in a Tamale or on its own. 
  • Queso relleno: A cheese dish filled with meat. For this, a queso bola (semi-hard white cheese) is hollowed out and then stuffed with (ground) seasoned red meat and served with a cornmeal-based salsa.
  • Marquesita: Sweet, but also savory dessert. A rolled crepe with a nutella and cheese filling inside. Not a combination of flavors that you would think of, but certainly delicious to try.

Restaurant tips Yucatan

The best places to eat when you're travelling through Yucatan? Many local specialties are meat-based, but that's not to say you don't have plenty of vegetarian or vegan options in Yucatan. All the restaurants I had eaten at always offered some meat-free choices. 

Valladolid

  • El Atrio del Mayab: Try the local specials, such Sopa de Lima and Chamorros Pibil. If you order the Guacemole (serves 2) they will make it at your table, cool to see!
  • Wabi Gelato for some tasteful ice cream!
  • Get yourself a Marquesita at the market (square) next to the church (Iglesia de San Servacio).

Palenque

  • A Takear Palenque for great tacos.
  • Restaurante Maya Cañada: Pechuga Chaya Maya if you want to try a flavourful, local chicken dish.

Tulum

  • Burrito Amor

Bacalar

  • Mi Burrito Bacalar for 'The Best Burritos in Town!'
  • Mr Taco Bacalar

Holbox

  • Roots Pizzas for the island's signature dish: Lobster pizza (€€€).
  • Taco Queto

Cancún

  • El Socio Naíz Taqueria

Pechuga Chaya Maya (Maya Cañada, Palenque)

Mi Burrito Bacalar

A Takear Palenque