5 Authentic Mexican Dishes From The Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula is located on the east coast of Mexico, including the tourist-resort hotspots like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum.
But more notably, Merida, the Capital of the Mexican State of Yucatan is a hub for some of the most historically delicious Mexican food.
With traditional Mayan cuisine fused with European colonial influences, comes forth several mouth-watering dishes.
Here are 5 of some of the most unique dishes from the Yucatan Peninsula.
Ranging in several ways of preparing this delicious meat, it’s essentially braised pork served with pickled onion and lime. It can be used to make tacos, tortas, and several other dishes.
The meat is tender and has subtle acidity to it with a light but deep flavor from the spices in the braising process. The marinade has a prominent flavor but the pork maintains a robust earthiness to it.
A puffed-up deep-fried tortilla topped with refried beans, pulled meat, lettuce, and tomato. With several styles of making this dish, it sometimes comes with a spicy garlic sauce.
The meat is a flavorful shredded chicken or turkey making it a great option as a snack or light meal.
This Yucatan staple food is also popular in Belize. Traditionally eaten in the evenings during parties and get-togethers with friends and family.
Influenced by the Dutch, this Yucatan staple is very rich in flavor. Using Bola cheese, they stuff the inside with either minced pork or beef.
Along with several spices, nuts, raisins, and olives. Sometimes boiled eggs.
Similar to the makings of an Argentinian empanada. The cheese is filled and steamed to slightly melt it. Topped with a tomato sauce that has epazote chili. And a K’ool sauce; A flour-based sauce with chicken broth, olives, and capers.
Originating from the town of Motul in Yucatan. This brunch-style dish has a unique flavor profile.
Topped with refried beans, salsa roja, queso fresco, and peas over two fried tortillas.
This dish is rich with hints of complex but well-balanced spice.
And what gives this dish its edge over the huevos rancheros counterpart is pan-seared ham, giving the dish a touch of charred smokiness. A great hearty meal to pair with a refreshing Paloma.
This delicious street food was created by an ice cream business owner who wasn’t getting enough customers in the winter.
Making some slight variations, he replaced the ice cream with sweet jams and queso de bola (a local cheese) giving this dessert a sweet and salty sensation.
Making the ice cream cone fresh (looks like a crepe) it comes out thin and super crunchy. These days there are lots of variations where vendors will add things like fresh fruit, cream cheese, and Nutella as extra flavors.
For more spiels on unique dishes around the world, take a look at Top 10 Michelin Star street foods!
