Yucatán offers a wealth of experiences, from exploring ancient Maya cities and swimming in cenotes to discovering historic haciendas and observing flamingos along the coast. Beyond its remarkable landscapes and cultural heritage, the state also invites visitors to discover a culinary tradition shaped by ancestral Maya knowledge, local ingredients and generations of cooking traditions.
Contemporary cuisine and traditional flavors combine at Los Cedros in Espita.
Thriving Traditional Markets
Mérida is the cultural heart of Yucatán, and a visit to the city offers the perfect opportunity to explore its traditional markets. Mercado Lucas de Gálvez, located in the historic center, is one of the city’s best-known markets, offering fresh local produce, meats, spices, clothing and regional products. Another great stop is Mercado de Santiago, nestled in the traditional Santiago neighborhood, where visitors can experience local market life and discover authentic Yucatecan flavors. At either market, look out for local specialties such as panuchos, salbutes, tamales and cochinita pibil.
Try your hand at a píib with a Yucatecan cooking workshop.
Ancestral Home Cooking
Yucatán is home to a rich culinary heritage rooted in ancestral Maya traditions. Local ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques continue to shape the region’s distinctive flavors. One such technique is the píib, an underground oven traditionally used to slow-cook dishes such as cochinita pibil, giving them their characteristic depth of flavor and tenderness.
Savor craft cocktails of the highest caliber at Bartolomé.
Lively Local Spirits
Europe can keep its wine — the Yucatán has spirits. More specifically, you’ll want to try two distinct liqueurs. First is Xtabentún, which is an anise liqueur made by combining anise seed, fermented honey produced by honeybees fed the nectar of xtabentún flowers, and rum. Second is a sour orange liqueur concocted from the locally grown sour oranges; some varieties also employ local spices like achiote and allspice. Either offers a fine chance to commune with the spirit of the place — an awe-inspiring Mayan sunset in a cup.
A cochinita pibil roll that's a feast for the eyes (and taste buds).
Michelin STAR-INSPIRED Eats
As a thriving modern destination, Yucatán isn’t content to rest on its gastronomic laurels. The culinary scene here is at the forefront of the latest, greatest and most exciting, with three restaurants earning a coveted Michelin Star:
- Huniik is an intimate restaurant (think 16 seats) nestled in the center of Mérida, and serves as chef Roberto Solís’ love letter to Yucatecan heritage. The décor was inspired by and invokes the mystical cenotes, the dishes combine Yucatecan influences with a touch of modernity and the ingredients are solely seasonal products sourced from local producers.
- Ixi’im is located in a 19th-century hacienda that once produced agave fiber; today, it produces chef Luis Ronzón’s global twist on traditional Maya flavors and techniques — the píib lends a distinct smoky aroma to the likes of crisped pork cheek and citrus-glazed sweet potato. Ingredients are sourced locally, with many coming from the adjacent resort’s ka’anche, or Maya garden. Of course, the 3,400-bottle tequila collection (the largest in the world) is also a draw.
- La Barra de Huniik is the sibling eatery to Huniik, yet marches to the beat of its own drum. Designed to mimic an omakase, every course of its tasting menu is centered around corn. The mood is light in the small space and a fresh, contemporary Yucatán feel is ever-present, but make no mistake — the team is laser-focused on ingredient quality and execution.
Find your happy place at Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyché.
Ready to Savor Yucatán?
Eager to start planning your Yucatán getaway? Ready to discover the flavors, ingredients and traditions that make Yucatecan cuisine unforgettable? If so, the time is right to speak with a travel agent. Our travel agency is well-equipped to help you make the most of your vacation — between scores of insider tips and recommendations and the exclusive perks and amenities available from all the leading names in travel, having a trusted travel pro in your corner truly enriches your travels.
