Visiting Yucatán means discovering its architecture, history, and walking its streets, as well as tasting its gastronomy, one of the most delicious and known worldwide. Whether you enjoy it in a colorful market, a traditional restaurant, or taste a more contemporary proposal from a chef who combines old and new techniques, creating exquisite fusions, we can assure you that on every corner you will find a huge variety of flavors, colors and scents. A great culinary experience!
Each dish is prepared with local ingredients that will delight your taste buds. You will find tomatoes, pumpkin, cucumber and local avocados with different flavors than the ones known in other parts of México; also, exotic tropical fruits like dragon fruit, soursop, or sugar apple, that you won’t want to miss.
Many of the Yucatecan dishes are prepared with pork, turkey and seafood, but there are also options for vegetarians. In
the traditional recipes you will find appetizers, main courses, and desserts; also beverages and fresh fruit beverages, like the refreshing chaya drink. Each region has its unique dishes: in Valladolid try “longaniza” or “lomitos;” in Temozón Sur it’s smoked meat.
In Yucatán you can enjoy the pleasure of traditional food and also exotic fusion cuisines. Here are some suggestions of places and dishes in Mérida and surroundings.
Start your day as a true local by having a “torta” (baguette sandwich) of Cochinita Pibil or “lechón” (both pork dishes) at the Santa Ana market in Centro. If you want to have authentic “Huevos Motuleños,” (a famous egg dish), try them at Doña Evelia’s at the Motul market, 40 minutes from Mérida. At lunch time, ask for the daily special at 
restaurant Trapiche in Centro, and its famous Sopa de Lima. At night, enjoy a “Platillo Volador” (round sandwich) at the traditional Cafetería Impala on Paseo de Montejo, founded in 1958.
If you have a bigger budget, have breakfast at Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel, famous for its internationally known menu. A walk through Hacienda Xcanatún’s gardens will whet your appetite for lunch; visit its restaurant Casa de Piedra, combining French technique with regional flavors. At night you can have an intimate dinner at Apoala, enjoying Oaxaca fusion cuisine; or at Almíbar, with a casual contemporary atmosphere.
As you can see, you will find different options: traditional and fusion, for every budget and preference. It’s time to eat!
By Violeta H. Cantarell
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