Mérida Yucatán: A Foodie’s Paradise

Experience the magic of the Yucatecan capital at our hotel in Merida and enjoy its flavors.

Yucatecan cuisine is a blend of Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. It uses fresh, authentic ingredients, such as peppers, lemons, cilantro, garlic, onions, tomatoes, corn, and beans. Yucatecan gastronomy is also famous for its traditional cooking techniques, such as cochinita pibil and pibil chicken, which are cooked in an earth oven called "pib".

One of the most distinctive characteristics of Yucatecan cuisine is its use of sour orange, an ingredient used in various dishes, including cochinita pibil, which is cooked with sour orange juice and served with pickled onion as well as habanero chile sauce.

Another popular dish in Mérida is the lime soup made with chicken broth, lime juice, serrano chiles, onion, and tomato. It is served with fried tortilla strips and avocado.

Papadzules are another traditional dish of Yucatecan cuisine. These are made with tortillas filled with boiled egg and dipped in pumpkin seed and tomato sauce.

Ceviche, while a dish that has been part of the diet and culture of several Latin American countries, is also popular in Mérida. In the area, it is made with fresh fish, lime juice, serrano pepper, onion, and cilantro and served with corn tostadas.

Another typical dish of Yucatecan cuisine is Poc Chuc, which consists of pork marinated in sour orange juice cooked on the grill. It is usually served with corn tortillas, pickled red onion, and habanero sauce.

Stuffed cheese is a dish usually served on special occasions, such as weddings, birthday parties, and other vital events, as it requires considerable preparation time. It is a giant ball of cheese stuffed with ground beef, raisins, olives, capers, and other ingredients.

The relleno negro, without a doubt, reflects the essence of the Caribbean present in Mérida; it consists of a thick stew made with pork or turkey meat in a dark sauce based on achiote, peppers, and spices. This dish is served with white rice and is often garnished with fried plantain slices and pickled red onion.

Mérida also has a wide variety of delicious and refreshing typical beverages.

Chaya Water: is a refreshing drink made from chaya leaves, a common plant in the Yucatán region. It is mixed with water, lemon, and sugar to create a delicious and nutritious drink.

Horchata: is a drink made from rice, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. It is creamy and sweet and is served very cold. It is a very popular drink throughout Latin America and Mexico.

Balché: a fermented alcoholic beverage made from the bark of a tree called balché, to which honey, water, and other ingredients are added. It is a traditional Mayan drink consumed in religious ceremonies.

Xtabentún: is a sweet and aromatic liqueur made with bee honey and a plant called Xtabentún, only found in the Yucatán region. It is a popular drink at weddings and other celebrations.

Jamaica Soda: is a refreshing drink with hibiscus flowers mixed with water and sugar to create a sweet and slightly sour taste.