GASTRONOMY OF YUCATAN
Typical Food of YUCATAN
The gastronomy of Yucatan has its origins in the traditional cuisine of the Mayans with some Spanish ingredients.
Its dishes are well known for their particular aroma and flavor, because they are prepared with condiments such as oregano, sour orange, coriander and mainly different types of chili. Other ingredients are the famous “recados”, which are a kind of pasta with which a very characteristic flavor is given to meats, such as the black “recados” or the red “recados”, among others. The “recados” are simply various species of condiments and ground and mixed chilies that form a paste, and that are the main base of many Yucatecan dishes.
So in addition to a trip through the incredible jungle landscapes of Yucatan, the cenotes, the archaeological sites, cities and towns, you should enjoy a whole gastronomic trip through the beautiful land of the Mayans.
Typical Dishes of YUCATAN
Cochinita Pibil
Throughout all of Mexico, cochinita pibil is the most famous dish of Yucatecan cuisine. It is a mestizo dish, although its origin is pre-Hispanic and is basically pork marinated in achiote. According to 1900 recipes, it must be prepared in a banana leaf and in an earth oven. It is accompanied with red onion, a habanero pepper sauce and is generally served to make tacos or cakes.
Panuchos
They are traditional Yucatecan snacks, you can find them practically in any food stall in Yucatan, the ingredients can vary according to the taste of whoever prepares it and even the client, but the basic ingredients are refried tortillas, beans and purple onion. The tortilla is filled with beans, and this is then fried, the chicken, tomato sauce and onion are placed on top, it is accompanied with lettuce, cheese and avocado to taste.
Papadzules
If there is an ingredient that cannot be missing in any Yucatecan cuisine, this is the “pepitas” (green pumpkin seeds). The papadzules are like a kind of enchiladas but in the Yucatan style. They are prepared with a sauce of green pumpkin seeds and epazote. It is a smooth, creamy dish with a very good aroma. The sauce is the main thing in the dish and the filling of the tortillas is boiled egg and they are bathed in tomato sauce. Some prefer them with chicken, cheese, or pork.
Stuffed Cheese
Stuffed Cheese is a dish that is born from the large quantity and variety of cheeses that arrive in the Yucatan Peninsula, from the Port of Progreso. The Yucatecans adopted Edam-type Ball Cheese to prepare this dish. Stuffed cheese is one of the most original and representative of Yucatán and basically it is a ball cheese cooked in the oven and stuffed with ground beef and pork as well as spices. It is served with a white sauce made from flour, chicken broth, and butter.
Poc Chuc
These are pork chops marinated in sour orange and cooked on the grill. It is served cut into pieces or whole with rice, salad, beans, chopped roasted onion, tomato, coriander and a sauce that is prepared with sour orange, tomato, coriander and onion.
Ceviche
Of course, the coasts of Yucatan are places to try exquisite seafood, but without a doubt, ceviches have their originality in the lemon juice that is produced from the Yucatan peninsula. The best places to eat a ceviche in Yucatan by the sea are Celestún, Puerto Progreso or Río Lagartos.
Salbutes
Huevos Motuleños
Motuleños eggs originate from the town of Motul, Yucatán, hence the name. The chili and tomato sauce is what gives it its unmistakable and traditional flavor. It is a typical Yucatan breakfast, and it is served with tortillas grilled in a comal, beans, fried eggs and 2 tortillas in each plate in which the eggs are placed, covered with sauce and crumbled cheese.
Lime soup
It is a delicious soup typical of the Yucatan peninsula, its main ingredient as its name says is obviously limes, but according to the recipe they must also be 100% Yucatecan. The juice of the limes gives an exquisite and characteristic flavor to this dish. Yucatan limes are not very sour, in fact you could say that they are a bit sweet. They are served with chicken, garlic, onion, coriander, avocado, a lime wedge and salt to taste. I also accompany it with tortilla chips and the truth is one of my favorite dishes.
Fish a la Tikinxic
Like ceviche, one of the most traditional dishes that you can order when you are visiting and especially on the seashore in Yucatán, is fish a la Tikin xic. This is prepared using Yucatecan recado based on achiote as a condiment. The original is cooked directly over the embers with firewood, wrapped in banana leaves and some coconut shells. Achiote gives the characteristic taste and red color to other dishes such as cochinita and pollo pibil. Ideal if you accompany it with a Montejo beer which is also 100% Yucatecan.
Xtabentún
For after eating or working up an appetite, a good liquor and 100% Yucatecan is Xtabentún, it is fermented based on a flower of the same name. It can be served alone, with honey, or by putting it directly in your coffee. It is a drink with a strong flavor and almost immediate dizziness effects, so it is recommended to enjoy it in small sips. It is also a very good dressing in green leafy salads with a little lemon.
Papaya Sweets
A very common dessert that is served in Yucatecan restaurants is the papaya sweet, the original recipe says that the payapa to be softer must be soaked in water with lime for one or two hours, then washed very well before cooking. It also has piloncillo, cloves, lemon and cinnamon to obtain a sweet papaya in syrup.
More Tourist Attractions in YUCATAN
Chichen Itza
Chichen ltzá (the city on the edge of the well of the Itza), was the most important regional capital of the Mayan area in the years 750 to 1200 AD, a bridge between the Mesoamerican Classic and Postclassic periods. His remains, still well preserved, confirm the fame assigned to him by the chronicles and indigenous legends of Yucatan. Its vestiges show that the traditional Mayan civilization was enriched with other cultural currents of Mesoamerica.… Read More
Beaches in Yucatan
There is a wide variety of beaches in Yucatan, ranging from Progreso, which is only 20 minutes from Merida, to more distant beaches such as San Felipe. They all offer a peaceful environment where you can relax, camp and enjoy nature, or practice various sports such as fishing, kayaking, SUP and many other water activities. Among the options that Yucatan offers, there are some that are true paradises such as Celestún and Río Lagartos where the sky is painted pink because they are the habitat of important colonies of pink flamingos. Most of them are wide white sand beaches and in several you can savor some of the delicious typical dishes of Yucatan.… Read More
Magical Towns in Yucatan
Yucatán is a region of the country that protects great natural and cultural treasures that are very important to the country, two places that perfectly exemplify the importance of Yucatán in the history of Mexico are its magical towns, Izamal and Valladolid, two destinations that in its streets they protect all the magic of Yucatan.… Read More
Traditions of Yucatan
The people from Yucatan integrate their beliefs, celebrations and ancient customs into their daily lives, and create a very special kind of magical syncretism. The handcrafts, the cuisine, the music, the folklore, and the traditions are irrefutable proof that Yucatan is a magic land with open, warm atmosphere, where visitors always feel welcome.… Read More
Merida
Merida is one of Mexico’s most important colonial cities, an architectural jewel traditionally known as “La Ciudad Blanca” (The White City). The Mayan World with the generous hospitality of its people surrounds it. It features traditional neighborhoods, tree-lined stately avenues, world class services, varied cuisine, night life and modern installations which guarantee your business success as well as an indelible memory of a unique experience. Mérida has become the “Medical Capital of the South-east Mexico” with a vast network of hospitals, clinics, laboratories as well as private and public doctor’s offices; the health care in the city is excellent and very affordable. Many doctors are English-speaking, often having done their training in the United States; the facilities are state of the art but cost less.… Read More
Guided Tours in YUCATAN
Flights & Hotels in YUCATAN
More Tourist Attractions in MEXICO
Ecotourism and Adventure
Mexico is one of the best countries for Ecotourism as it has a great variety of flora and fauna, as well as a large number of refuges for extraordinary species. You can enjoy recreational activities of appreciation and knowledge of nature through contact with it, such as: stargazing, observation of natural attractions, wildlife and bird watching. Throughout México there are more than 176 protected natural areas, 5 of them considered by UNESCO as Natural Heritage of Humanity. Just for this and much more, we believe that Mexico is a Paradise for Ecotourism.… Read More
Gastronomy
The Gastronomy of Mexico has a great diversity of typical dishes, which is why it was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The basic and representative ingredients of Mexican dishes are: corn, coriander, chili, beans, piloncillo, nopal and tomato. Mexican cuisine is also characterized by its sauces, which serve as an accompaniment to traditional dishes, prepared based on spices.… Read More
Archaeological Sites
The Archaeological Zones are the cultural past of every Mexican. You will be amazed at the ambient, nature and the environment that surrounds them. Climbing to the top or being around it will take us back in time to admire every detail. México is a country of culture and traditions, many of which we have inherited from the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of this vast territory, although it is true that there were more settlements in the central and southern part of the country, it is also possible to find some archaeological remains in the north.
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Traditions in Mexico
It is practically impossible to make a meticulous, and above all, accurate selection of the places to visit in Mexico. Each place that our country houses is unique and beautiful in its own way. Mexico, with its nearly 2 million km², has a large number of scenarios to offer, as well as endless activities to do. Do not lose your way and enter the places to visit in Mexico. In Mexico, apart from the beaches and its famous archaeological sites, there are many other really interesting sites and activities that you should know. In the surroundings of the main cities you will find places full of culture and tradition, where you can spend relaxing, interesting and fun vacations. On your trip through Mexico you cannot stop obtaining souvenirs, the crafts that are made here are of the highest quality and recognized worldwide. A shopping tour cannot be missed.… Read More
Beaches
On the Beaches of Mexico you can immerse yourself in the intense blue ocean of the Pacific bays, sunbathe on the shore of the warm and transparent waves of the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo or even rest on the beautiful coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. Mexican beaches hide wonderful secrets for the traveler. By visiting them, in addition to enjoying the excellent climate and water activities, you can discover splendid archaeological sites and interesting colonial cities without traveling long distances.… Read More
States Of Mexico
Mexico has an incredible diversity of landscapes, where the beauty of its beaches, internationally recognized, stands out. In its vast territory of coasts, there are beaches of unparalleled beauty, and colorful landscapes. A large network of first-class hotels and tourist services is available to visitors to these beaches. Mexico is also mystical places, dotted with archaeological testimonies inherited from its original inhabitants. Monuments made by the Mayas, Aztecs and Toltecs are located in magical landscapes, like lighthouses in an ocean of natural beauty. They offer visitors buildings that tell their history, and museums that collect their cultural heritage. And that keep alive ancestral traditions, in ceremonies and festivals, where you can enjoy cultural activities and entertainment.… Read More
Magical Towns
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