Yucatan: what to eat

Yucatán is an important tourist destination in Mexico, thanks to its natural environment, fascinating history and the warmth of its people. Indeed, because of Yucatán’s long isolation from the rest of Mexico, the indigenous inhabitants have preserved their customs, language and even gastronomic traditions. With the arrival of the Spanish, the Maya began to combine their dishes with European ingredients and to draw inspiration from the culinary arts of other parts of Mexico. The result is today’s “comida yucateca”, the typical dishes from Yucatán, with its own smells, colors and a touch of exoticism. Yucatan: what to eat? Everything you can!

Ingredients and spices

The staple food and main ingredient throughout Mexico is corn. Indeed, it is used to make the indispensable tortillas as well as dough for many other dishes. Indeed, an exquisite combination of ingredients, herbs and spices such as oregano, cilantro, onions, sour oranges, achiote, pumpkin seeds, and hot and not so hot chilies make up the delicious Mexican food from Yucatán. The dishes are known for their special aroma and flavor.

Spice pastes are an important part of Yucatecan cuisine. Recado can be found in every market. It is made from spices and achiote. The paste not only spices, but also conjures up a yellow to red color on the food. Among other things, it is used to marinate meat and fish dishes.

Yucatan what to eat: Dishes and specialties from Yucatán

Sopa de Lima

Sopa de Lima is a delicious soup that is incredibly typical of the Yucatán Peninsula. Indeed, as you can easily see from the name, the main ingredient of Sopa de Lima is the lime.

Cochinita Pibil

Cochinita Pibil is the local specialty par excellence. This delicacy combines the best of two cultures: the pig from Spain and achiote, a Mayan spice. The meat marinates in achiote, with some bitter orange, depending on the recipe. Other ingredients include purple onions and habanero chiles.

Poc Chuc

Another popular dish is Poc Chuc. This is pork in small pieces that marinates in bitter oranges. Radishes, onions, tomatoes and cilantro accompany the preparation. Indeed, Poc Chuc tastes best with fresh tortillas.

Papadzules

This is a classic Mayan dish. Papadzules are a kind of Yucatecan version of enchiladas. Hot corn tortillas in a pumpkin seed sauce and flavored with epazote. The tortillas come with hard-boiled and chopped eggs and with a tomato sauce.

Huevos motuleños

Huevos motuleños is a traditional breakfast. It originates from the small town of Motul, not far from Mérida. The dish consists of fried eggs on a tortilla. It comes with Mexican bean paste and cheese.

Queso Relleno

What would Yucatecan cuisine be without Queso Relleno, the stuffed cheese? The base is a cheese ball. Minced meat, together with capers and olives, make this staple dish.

Panuchos and Salbutes

Very popular as a snack or light meal in Yucatán are the panuchos and salbutes. Both specialties are very similar. You can find them in restaurants, in markets and also in informal street stalls.

Dulce de Papaya

A very common dessert in the Yucatán region is a sweet made from papaya. Indeed, the original recipe states that the papaya should soak in water with lime for an hour or two to soften it. Brown sugar, lemon and cinnamon complete the dish.

Drinks from Yucatán

In the markets, street stalls and family-run restaurants, you’ll find a wide selection of delicious, fresh juices (jugos) and fruit waters (aguas). Agua de Horchata comes from rice, Agua de Jamaica has hibiscus flowers as its base, and Agua de Tamarindo comes from the tamarind fruit.

Try chaya, a refreshing drink made from a plant similar to spinach. Indeed, it comes with a little lemon or pineapple juice. Don’t be put off by the dark green color.