GASTRONOMIC TOUR BY RIVIERA MAYA

In CaribbeanVacay we recognize the ​Riviera Maya​ as a world tourist destination that has a great variety of dishes quite elaborate, with distinctive and sophisticated flavors. And no wonder, since Mexican food has a variety of Mesoamerican and European gastronomic traditions.

Such is its popularity, which in 2010 was recognized as Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. But, also, in the ​Riviera Maya​ you can enjoy this rich national cuisine combined with traditional recipes made with local products from the Mayan culture itself. That is why we will leave you our suggestion so that your palate can make the best gastronomic tour of your life:

1. TIKIN XIC FISH

Originally from the Yucatan coast we have a dish that mixes typical ingredients of the region. The name of Tikin Xic is due to the sauce with which the fish is marinated. This sauce is prepared mainly by achiote, a red paste that comes from the fruit of a shrub of the same name.

2. POC CHUC

Another of the typical dishes in the peninsula, popular in towns near Chichen Itza, which attribute their creation. Its name means in Mayan Poc (toast) Chuc (coal). It is practically roasted Mayan meat, which can be seasoned with the achiote and sour orange juice.

3. CEVICHE OF SNAIL

Ceviche is a dish that is part of the gastronomic offer of Quintana Roo, as in other coastal areas. In the state snail is very popular, we must clarify that there are different types of species. The most popular are those known as "chivitas", white and pink, the latter available outside of closed season.

4. COCHINITA PIBIL

Cochinita pibil is the most popular typical dish of the Yucatan Peninsula. It consists of pork marinated with spices such as achiote. The term pibil is coined to all food prepared in an underground oven. A hole is made in the soil, charcoal or firewood is put on top and the food is covered with banana leaves. The food is buried and cooked by the heat of the earth, its flavor is unique. There is cochinita prepared in gas oven, but the word pibil is not put to it.

5. PANUCHOS AND SALBUTES

These with classics in the region, consist of a kind of toast with chicken meat, pork or ground beef. They also have tanned onions, cabbage, lettuce and avocado. The difference between the two is that the panucho carries beans in the middle of the tortilla.

6. SOPA DE LIMA

The flavor of this Yucatecan soup is light, refreshing and with a citrus touch from the lime. It is accompanied with chicken, tomato, red pepper, cilantro, tortilla chips and more ingredients that give it a sensational flavor. It is a soup that opens the appetite, nourishes the spirit and excites the diner with what may come later.

7. PIB OR MUKBIL

It is a traditional Yucatecan dish similar to a tamale, which is prepared on the occasion of the Hanal Pixan or Day of the Dead and which adorns each and every one of the representative altars of this celebration in the Riviera Maya.

8. RELLENO NEGRO

This is a dish typical of Yucatan which in many towns still preserve the tradition of burning several types of chilies to get the famous black stuffing, it is common to find it in the month of November in the tradition of Hanal Pixan or Day of the Dead.

9. MARQUESITAS

When we thought about how to describe this singular dessert of the region, we found that it is a variety of crepe, but as a taco, the dough to prepare them is made with milk, butter, egg and a little flour, originally stuffed with Dutch cheese (known in Yucatan like cheese of ball), same that can be substituted with jam, cajeta, cream cheese or chocolate custard.

What do you think about the cuisine of the Riviera Maya? When you visit this picturesque region do not forget to taste its flavors, you will surely fall in love. Remember that if you want to start planning your vacation you can do it here