Chiles en Nogada are served in Mérida from mid-August to mid-October, with September being the month par excellence. And this is the list of places to find them in 2024.

The colors of the army flag, green, white and red, were captured with seasonal products: chili and parsley, nogada and pomegranate.

The History behind Chiles en Nogada

The first time Chiles en Nogada was prepared (poblano chile stuffed with minced beef and pork, raisins, onion, garlic, peaches, apples, pears and citrus, ingredients that are later bathed in the nogada sauce) was in August 1821 in the convent of the nuns of Santa Mónica for Agustín Iturbide.

(For history buffs, Iturbide proclaimed the Plan of Iguala in February 1821, and later, in August of the same year, he signed the Treaties of Córdoba with Juan O'Donojú. In this way, independence was achieved on December 27. September 1821. In May 1822, he was proclaimed emperor and crowned two months later with the name of Augustine I of Mexico.)

At the party-banquet they organized for her in Puebla in August 1821, the nuns prepared all the dishes with the colors green, white and red, to represent the beloved flag of Mexico.

Chiles en Nogada are a very meticulous stew to prepare. You have to start soaking the walnuts in milk a day before to make them easier to peel. If the nuts are not peeled, the sauce will consequently take on a brown and bitter color and not white and fine as desired. Chiles en Nogada should be served at room temperature, both the chiles and the nogada sauce.

For our readers who have seen the movie or read the book "Like Water for Chocolate" by Laura Esquivel, you will remember the description of the preparation of this traditional wedding food. The description of this passage is so detailed that it will make your mouth water and make you want to eat this delicious stew. This stew is made at this time of year because this is when walnuts and pomegranates are in season. The ideal months to taste this dish are from August to October.

Where to eat Chiles en Nogada in Mérida?

Hacienda Xcanatun

At the Casa de Piedra restaurant the entire month of September is celebrated with Chiles en Nogada on the menu. They are prepared with the original recipe, the mince stuffed with fruits such as apple and raisins, bathed in walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate and parsley leaves. To eat here it is not necessary to be a guest at the hotel, but we recommend you reserve your places in advance. Enjoy this delicious dish from the restaurant's terrace and take advantage of its magnificent views of the garden. From August 15 to September 30, 1 pm to 10:30 pm.

Casa de Piedra en Hacienda Xcanatun
Calle 20 S/N x 19 y 19-A, Comisaría Xcanatun
Tel. (999) 930 2140
https://www.angsana.com/es/mexico/hacienda-xcanatun/offers
FB:XcanatunCasadePiedra
Mon. - Sun. 8 am - 11pm    

Matilda Salón Mexicano

In the center of Mérida, you will find Matilda Salón Mexicano. As soon as you cross the threshold, you will feel embraced by Mexico; With dishes that come from different parts of the republic, Matilda Salón Mexicano is an excellent choice to try something new and its Chiles en Nogada are no exception. The restaurant will have this dish throughout September and you can enjoy it with the "Granada Elite" cocktail.

Calle 63, #516 x 62 y 64, Centro
Tel. 999 921 1452
IG: matildasalonmx

Rosas & Xocolate

From September 9th to 16th, we will be featuring the delicious Chiles en Nogada as a special, and from the 15th to the 16th, the very Mexican Pozole de Mariscos.

For the night of September 15th (at 7 pm), enjoy a special event featuring:

• Welcome canapés
• Tequila and mezcal tasting
• 2-for-1 margaritas and mezcalitas
• Seasonal specials (Chile en Nogada and Pozole de Mariscos)
• Mexican music
• Live broadcast of the grito de independencia

Paseo Montejo #480 x 41 centro
Tel. 999242992
info@rosasandxocolate.com
www.rosasandxocolate.com
IG: @rosasyxocolate
FB: Rosas & Xocolate  

Catrín

In this contemporary Mexican food restaurant you can enjoy mixology and an unmatched atmosphere. In addition, throughout the month of September you can enjoy the Chiles en Nogada that simply could not be missing on these dates. They use all the original ingredients in the recipe: citrus, almond, brandy, poblano chili, beef fillet, pomegranate, pork loin, apple, walnut, pine nuts, plantain, goat cheese and more. You can't stay without trying them!

Calle 47 #463B x 54 y 52, Centro
Tel. 999 518 1725
FB: Catrín
Dom., lun., mar., mié. 1 pm - 12 am
Jue. - sáb. 1 pm - 2 am    

Micaela Mar y Leña

Micaela is the reflection of authentic passion for hospitality, where each dish is designed to move the soul and attention is transformed into smiles and unrepeatable experiences. This year, they will be offering three styles to choose from: Traditional, vegan, and seafood.

Price: $375 pesos, includes a beer, bottled soft drink, or natural water.

Calle 47 x 52, Centro, Mérida
Tel. 999 518 1702
FB: Micaela Mar y Leña
Mon. - Sun. 1 pm - 12 am    

El Apapacho

It invites you throughout the month of September to taste its national menu that will include Chiles en Nogada with the traditional recipe and also in a vegetarian version; Yes, you read correctly: instead of meat it will have soy mince, an excellent option for all vegetarians. Ask about the other specialties they will have during the national month.

Calle 62 #354 x 41 y 43,
 Centro
Tel. 999 923 1385
FB: El Apapacho "Comida nada gourmet y Arte"
Wed. - Sun. 8 am - 10 pm    

La Recova

In this month of National Holidays you cannot miss the special recipes for Chiles en Nogada from La Recova available during the month of September. Learn about the different versions of this famous dish with poblano chiles stuffed with ground meat and fruit, bathed in a special walnut sauce and topped with colorful pomegranate. Without a doubt, a very Mexican dish!

Tel. 999 944 1891
FB: La Recova Mérida - Steak House & Seafood
Mon., Wed., Thu., Sat., Sun. 1 pm - 2 am
Tue. 1 pm - 9 pm
Fri. 1 pm - 1 am 

Porfirio’s

This elegant Mexican restaurant has a special menu for the national month that highlights exquisite versions of some of the most iconic dishes of this time, and of course you can't miss the Chiles en Nogada! Visit them from July 1 to September 30 at The Harbor to indulge in a celebratory feast of Independence.

The Harbor Lifestyle Mall
Tel. 999 921 8301
FB: Porfirios Merida Restaurante
Mon. - Sat. 1 pm - 2 am
Sun. 1 pm - 12 am

Fiesta Americana

A classic to satisfy all palates. The season of this must-see of Mexican gastronomy is here and we invite you to taste it in our restaurant.

Reserva: 999 942 111
FB: Fiesta Americana Merida

Potzollcalli Mérida

Macroplaza
Calle 42 #565, Los Pinos. Macroplaza Local 6
Tel. 999 160 5452 y 999 477 6274
Prolongación Montejo Calle 30 #87 x Calle 17, Prol. Paseo de Montejo
Tel. 999 479 0942 y 999 135 2211
FB: Potzollcalli Mérida
Mon. - Sun. 9 am - 10 pm

Costco

If you are more practical and prefer things to be ready, Costco is the ideal place for you. In the prepared food area you will find a package with three Chiles en Nogada, completely assembled and ready to put in the oven, so you can enjoy with your family. With an affordable cost, this dish is available in the months of August and September. Remember that you must have a membership to buy in this store. Don't let them pass you by, celebrate Mexico's independence with the help of Costco!

Costco Mérida
Prolongación Montejo, Cordemex
Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 8:30 pm
Sat. 9:30 am - 9 pm
Sun. 10 am - 8 pm    

Sanborns

At Sanborns, Chiles en Nogada appear on the menu during the national month, although it is preferable to check their social networks to know for sure availability. You will find the dish as one of the meals of the day, which will be accompanied by some delicious extras such as: soft drink, dessert and coffee, among others. In this Mexican restaurant, one of the traditional Mexican dishes could not be missing. Don't think twice and try them before they run out.

Gran Plaza and Plaza Altabrisa
Tel. 999 941 8214
FB: Sanborns (Mérida)
Sun. - Thu. 8 am - 10 pm
Fri. & Sat. 8 am - 12 am   

Bea Gourmet (on order)

If you want to continue savoring Chiles en Nogada in the comfort of your home (honestly, who wouldn't), you can order them with Bea. She use top-notch ingredients to make this special a seasonal must-have: beef filet, white wine, pine nuts, apples, peaches, candied cactus, sliced almonds and the classic nogada sauce made from walnuts. If you love this dish, you have to try them.

Whatsapp: 999 968 5258