{"id":6331,"date":"2022-01-09T21:13:22","date_gmt":"2022-01-09T10:13:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.totraveltoo.com\/?p=6331"},"modified":"2024-02-01T15:28:32","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T04:28:32","slug":"mexican-food-in-the-yucatan-peninsula","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.totraveltoo.com\/mexican-food-in-the-yucatan-peninsula\/","title":{"rendered":"Mexican Food in The Yucatan Peninsula in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Yucatan Peninsula is not only a tropical paradise with stunning beaches and ancient ruins but also a culinary haven for food enthusiasts. Mexican cuisine in the Yucatan region is known for its unique blend of Mayan flavours, Spanish influences, and Caribbean ingredients. From tangy citrus-marinated ceviches to fiery habanero-infused salsas, the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of the Yucatan offer an unforgettable gastronomic experience. In this article, we will delve into the rich tapestry of Mexican food in the Yucatan, exploring traditional dishes, highlighting local ingredients, and uncovering the secrets behind some mouthwatering recipes that have been passed down through generations. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey as we explore the delectable world of Yucatecan cuisine.<\/p>\n

We were keen to find out more about the many Mexican dishes on offer whilst we were travelling around the Yucatan region. Some travellers travel to Mexico just for the food, some for the beaches but for us it is a mix of both plus the people and the culture.<\/p>\n

(Editor update 2024)<\/p>\n

\"Mexico<\/a><\/p>\n

We hope you enjoy our Mexican Food in the Yucatan Peninsula and our facts about Mexican food<\/a><\/strong> <\/span>and we would love to hear from you what your favourite dishes are?<\/p>\n

Have you tried the Mole chilli chocolate sauce from Oaxaca<\/a><\/strong><\/span>?\u00a0 Some of the best Mole chilli sauce was found in the local markets there.<\/p>\n

Check out our web story:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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We have travelled throughout Mexico and have written an ebook<\/strong><\/a><\/span>\u00a0on where to go, stay, eat and what to do with tips and tricks.<\/p>\n

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our\u00a0<\/i>disclosure<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0for more information. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (if applicable).<\/i><\/p>\n

Do you know our story of how we both ditched the corporate world to live a life of travel since 2013? Read all about how and why we did it here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Love to cook Mexican traditional food?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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If you love to cook authentic Mexican food <\/a><\/strong><\/span>here is a recommended book for you “The Best Mexican Recipes<\/a><\/strong><\/span>” from Amazon.<\/p>\n

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We share with you a list of 40 great Mexican Dishes<\/a><\/strong><\/span> you should try and 4 Mexican dishes that you may have thought were Mexican and are not.<\/p>\n

Our article is to inspire you to visit <\/a><\/strong><\/span>the Yucatan Peninsula.\u00a0 We have written an extensive guide on all the top destinations in the Yucatan you should visit, what to do there, where to stay, popular tours and tips on visiting.<\/p>\n

We researched Yucatan Cuisine Wikipedia<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>to find out if there was a difference between types of Mexican food in each region of Mexico.<\/p>\n

Wikipedia states: “The food of the Yucat\u00e1n peninsula is distinct from the rest of the country. It is based primarily on Mayan food with influences from the Caribbean, Central Mexican, European (especially French) and Middle Eastern cultures.<\/strong>” \u00a0We were surprised by the French and Middle Eastern influences.<\/p>\n

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Fresh ingredients for Mexican Tacos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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What excites us about Mexican cuisine?<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0The freshest of fresh produce avocados, tomatoes, onions, chillis, peppers, tortillas, enchiladas, assortments of meats, beans….we could go on and on. Oh, and shopping at the local green markets.<\/p>\n

What is your favourite Mexican food<\/span><\/strong>? Tamales, Burrito or Quesadilla or Mexican Tacos?<\/p>\n

A little bit of background before we dive straight into the food!<\/p>\n

We stayed at the Wyndham Hotel in Merida<\/strong> <\/span><\/a>which was centrally located to enjoy the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Izamal and the flamingos at Celestun.<\/p>\n

You can read our review<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0of the Wyndham Hotel here.<\/p>\nCheck availability here<\/a>\n

Related Reading<\/strong>: Best Places to Stay in Cancun<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you love our article Pin it for later!<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Where is the Yucatan Peninsula<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is made up of three states – Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Yucatan.<\/p>\n

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Map showing Yucatan Peninsula<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These 3 regions of Yucatan Mexico are bordered by\u00a0the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico and contain many of Mexico’s major tourist attractions.<\/p>\n

Mexican Cuisine History<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Prior to the Spaniards arriving and conquering the Yucatan in the 16th Century, the Mayan food consisted of vegetables such as maize, squash, pumpkin, red and black beans, chilli peppers, tomatoes, yucca and sweet potatoes.<\/p>\n

Fish and seafood were plenty because of its location close to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. \u00a0Turkey and iguana were popular meat dishes.<\/p>\n

Cacao beans were used to make the Mayan chocolate drink and honey was used as a sweetener. Cacao beans were also used for currency. The most important staple food in Mexico has and always been corn or maize. \u00a0It is the base for tortillas and cornstarch which is a thickening agent is made from Corn.<\/p>\n

The Spaniards brought with them rice, herbs, and spices and introduced beef, pork, chicken, goat and sheep and the dairy products such as cheese.<\/p>\n

Mayan Religion and Mayan Food<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mayan food has played a major role throughout the centuries in Mayan Religion festivities such as the Day of the Dead<\/a><\/span>,<\/span><\/strong> Christmas, Easter, weddings, funerals, and births.<\/p>\n

Mexican Cuisine has been given the honour of being included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO<\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most important dishes in Maya cuisine is Mole Poblano<\/strong>. Mole Poblano can contain up to 20 ingredients; chiles, spices, tomatillos, dried fruits, sugar, spices, thickeners with chocolate if used added at the end of the process. \u00a0The sauce is used for meat dishes such as turkey, chicken, pork, and lamb.<\/p>\n

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Typical Mexican Food of the Yucatan Peninsula:<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\"Mexican
Sopa de Lima<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mexican
Tamales<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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  1. \u00a0Sopa de Lima<\/strong><\/span> – the Mayan chicken and lime soup topped with sizzling tortilla chips which is famous all over the Yucatan Peninsula<\/li>\n
  2. \u00a0Cochinita Pibil<\/strong><\/span> – a Mexican slow-roasted pork dish<\/li>\n
  3. \u00a0Poc Chuc<\/strong><\/span> – Marinated pork with spices, salt, onions and lime juice<\/li>\n
  4. \u00a0Pollo Motuleno<\/strong><\/span> – a chicken dish made with orange juice, achiote (seeds from the Bixa tree made \u00a0into a red paste) and plantains<\/li>\n
  5. \u00a0Tamales<\/strong><\/span> – filled cornmeal dumplings steamed in a banana leaf<\/li>\n
  6. \u00a0Relleno Negro<\/strong><\/span> – turkey cooked with Chili paste, vegetables and a hard-boiled egg<\/li>\n
  7. \u00a0Escabeche Blanco<\/strong><\/span> – turkey or chicken simmered in a vinegar sauce<\/li>\n
  8. \u00a0Queso Relleno<\/strong><\/span> – the main ingredient in Queso Relleno is Edam Cheese with seasoned ground beef<\/li>\n
  9. \u00a0Tikinxic<\/strong><\/span> – achiote paste is used again in a grilled fish dish<\/li>\n
  10. \u00a0Seafood<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Yucatan Street Food:<\/span><\/h2>\n
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    Quesadillas Yucatan Street Food<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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    1. \u00a0There are many types of Mexican tacos<\/strong><\/span> available as street food; chicken, pork, beef, beans, and \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0cheese<\/li>\n
    2. \u00a0Quesadillas<\/strong><\/span> – a flour tortilla filled with cheese, grilled and which beef, chicken or vegetables can be \u00a0added<\/li>\n
    3. \u00a0Pambazos<\/strong><\/span> – a type of bread stuffed with spicy potatoes and chorizo sausage<\/li>\n
    4. \u00a0Tamales<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
    5. \u00a0Torta<\/strong><\/span> – roll stuffed with meat and beans<\/li>\n
    6. \u00a0Empanadas<\/strong><\/span> – a pastry stuffed with meat, cheese and or vegetables<\/li>\n
    7. \u00a0Burritos <\/strong><\/span>– a tortilla filled with beef or chicken and cheese and beans<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Where to Find Traditional Mexico Food in the Yucatan Peninsula<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Best Restaurants in Merida Mexico<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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      Traditional pork dishes at La Chaya Maya<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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      La Chaya Maya (our favourite in Merida)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      For authentic Mayan cuisine look no further than La Chaya Maya.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      Address: \u00a0Calle 55 entre 60 y 62 No. 510 Centro.<\/p>\n

      La Chaya Maya<\/strong><\/a><\/span> is a very popular family restaurant in Merid<\/a><\/strong>a<\/a><\/strong><\/span> specializing in local Yucatan food, including the popular dish Sopa de Lima<\/strong>. \u00a0In the corner, you can watch tortillas being made by hand and baked in a large skillet.<\/p>\n

      There are vegetarian options available.<\/p>\n

      Open from 0800 – 2300 hours.<\/p>\n

      Mercado Santa Ana<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n
      \"Mexican<\/a>
      Panuchos for breakfast<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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      Open for breakfast and lunch from 05.30 am to 13.00 Mercado Santa Ana<\/a><\/strong><\/span> is well recognized as the place to go to for authentic traditional Mexican food. Specialities include tacos, panuchos, Sopa de Lima, turkey salbutes, and papadzules. \u00a0Prices are very cheap e.g. 6 tacos and 2 fresh juices MXN90 or USD5.<\/p>\n

      Mexican breakfasts<\/span><\/strong><\/a> have so much variety for the traveller, you will be spoilt for choice, the markets are the best places to try all that is on offer.<\/p>\n

      \"Mexican<\/a>
      Healthy Pitahaya – Dragon Fruit juice<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      It was here in the Mercado that we tried Pitahaya – dragon fruit juice which has a significant source of antioxidants and high in Vitamin C, Calcium and Vitamin A.<\/p>\n

      When you are visiting Merida you can take a Merida Street Food Walking Tour.\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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