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 2025.

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?

Yerba Santa

The jewel of the season has arrived at Yerba Santa Mérida. Come and delight in a culinary work of art: the authentic chile en nogada.

This dish, which celebrates the history, colors, and flavors of Mexico, is available for a limited time. Each bite of our chile en nogada is an experience that transports you through Mexico's rich gastronomic tradition. At Yerba Santa, we are proud to present this seasonal jewel, prepared with the care and detail it deserves.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this unique dish that tells a story of flavor and heritage in every ingredient.

Contemporary Mexican food with a special touch by Chef Nidia Sánchez. Our mission is to create a new experience based on contemporary Mexican cuisine, innovating the traditional dishes of our gastronomy.

Paseo de Montejo #473 x 35

Tel. 999 802 2908

Sunday to Wednesday 2 pm - 10:30 pm

Thursday to Saturday 2 pm - 11:30 pm

Menu: yerbasantameridamenu

IG: Yerba Santa Mérida

FB: Yerba Santa Mérida

Bartolomé

On my table there are silences, stories… and now, for the first time, Chiles en Nogada in three different presentations, but always made with great passion.

For $295 pesos each, including a beer, bottled soft drink, or natural water, this year, they will be offering three styles to choose from:

• Traditional by Bartolomé
• Vegan
• Smoked

Available: August and September.

Calle 47 x 52, Centro, Mérida

Tel: 9997503565

WhatsApp: 999 548 9001

IG: Bartolomé

FB: Bartolomé de Todos lo Santos

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
IG: El Apapacho
FB: El Apapacho "Comida nada gourmet y Arte"
Wed. - Sun. 8 am - 10 pm    

El Templo

Fiesta Americana

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 dine here, it is not necessary to be a hotel guest, but we recommend reserving your table 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    

Jumiles

An authentic Mexican restaurant invites you to experience Chiles en Nogada this September. You'll love our special touch. We're open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we serve Chiles en Nogada starting at noon.

Jumiles, Experiencia Mexicana

The Harbor Mall

Location: maps.app.goo.gl

Tel: 999 529 8034

IG: Jumiles Restaurante

FB: Jumiles Mérida

Monday and Tuesday: 8 am to 12 pm

Wednesday: 8 am to 1 am

Thursday to Saturday: 8 am to 2 am

Sunday: 8 am to 8 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!

Santa Lucía: Parque Santa Lucía, Calle 55 x 60 Centro, Mérida

Reservaciones: 999 688 7842

FB: La Recova Mérida - Steak House & Seafood

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

Micaela Mar y Leña

Micaela is a reflection of authentic passion for hospitality, where every dish is designed to touch the soul and service is transformed into smiles and unforgettable experiences.

For $375 pesos each, including a beer, bottled soft drink, or natural water, this year, they will be offering three styles to choose from:

• Traditional with a grandmother's touch
• Vegan
• Seafood with smoked notes

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

Petit Julieta

Potzollcalli Mérida

Prolongación Montejo:
Calle 30 #87 x Calle 17, Prol. Paseo de Montejo
Tel. 999 479 0942 y 999 135 2211

Sanborns

SanBravo

Spasso 

Hotel Hyatt Regency

Ave. Colon corner of Calle 60, 

Zona Paseo Montejo, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.

Tel. 999 942 1234

IG: Spasso

FB: Spasso

Tia Zazil is ready to prepare your delicious Chiles en Nogada for takeout from August 2nd to September 30th. Pickups are only on Fridays between 1 and 2 pm. Order yours in advance for only $280 each.

Calle 13-A # 41 Fracc Prado Norte, Mérida, México
Tel. 999 955 0860
FB: Sweet & Salty Catering
Mon. - Fri. 9 pm - 8 pm
Sat. 9 am - 3 pm