Hacienda Teya: A Cultural Experience

A Yucatecan icon; reference for anyone that wishes to explore Yucatán and its cuisine. It is as well the quintessential scenario for events and family meals for Yucatecans and everyone else: Hacienda Teya is all of this and more.

The story of the hacienda, whose full name is Hacienda San Ildefonso Teya, begins with its foundation in 1683 as an agricultural and livestock hacienda. However, as many others were, it was abandoned: it wasn’t until the 1970s that Don Jorge Cárdenas, an entrepreneur and visionary, was presented with the opportunity to buy and give new life to the beautiful building.

Around 20 years of work were needed to restore the hacienda to its former glory and beyond, efforts that were completely worth it as it has become an ideal, popular location for special events. Based on that reputation, it was in 1991 when the hacienda received Queen Sofía of Spain, the first of a large number of personalities who have visited it.

Papadzules

Dulce de Papaya

Over the years, Hacienda Teya has become a reference point when speaking about the former splendor of the hacienda era, as well as Yucatecan cuisine: the traditional procedures are followed so as to preserve the flavors so characteristic of their food, which has earned national and international recognition.

In an interview with Bernardo Cárdenas, Don Jorge’s grandson, he tells me how growing up in the hacienda, and experiencing first-hand his grandfather’s passion for it, was key for the development of his own love for our Yucatecan culture. This is how, following in his grandfather’s footsteps (who used to tell him “the world moves if you make it so”), Bernardo undertook the projects his grandfather dreamed of when he started along this path.

Encouraged by the vision established by Don Jorge years ago, the family has decided to honor his memory by taking the flavors, sensations, and aromas of Yucatecan gastronomy to new heights. Mérida’s Centro Histórico is the setting for two new proposals that will bring the Hacienda Teya experience of emblematic cuisine and excellent service closer to the people.

One of the two new restaurants will be a venue where you’ll be able to enjoy the traditional cuisine of Yucatán, preserving and honoring the elements that have made the gastronomy of Hacienda Teya so distinctive. The other, located in Paseo 60, will offer Yucatecan cuisine with a contemporary concept inspired by today’s forward-looking Yucatán. Both are an homage to our origins.

Now every time you go to Hacienda Teya, remember that a unique experience awaits you: a piece of the history of Yucatán in every bite.

Hacienda Teya
Carretera Mérida-Cancún Km 12.5
Tel. (999) 988 0802
[email protected]
www.haciendateya.com
FB: Hacienda Teya
IG: @haciendateya
Todos los días, 12 pm – 6 pm

Editorial by Mafer Cantillo
Photography by José Manuel Rodríguez for use in Yucatán Today