Traditional Mexican Food: The Best Dishes and Where to Try Them During Your Trip to the Mexican Caribbean

Mexican food is famous around the world for its flavor, tradition, and variety. If you’re planning your vacation in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, experiencing its gastronomy is an essential part of the trip. Here we’ll tell you what makes Mexican food special, which dishes to try, useful tips if it’s your first time, and where to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine during your visit to the Mayan coast.

What is traditional Mexican food?

Mexican gastronomy stands out for its intense flavors that blend sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in a single dish. Many travelers wonder: What are the main ingredients in Mexican food? Some of the most iconic are corn, chili, beans, cacao, and avocado. Additionally, its cuisine preserves pre-Hispanic techniques such as using molcajetes to grind chiles or the comal for tortillas. This cultural and regional richness led UNESCO to recognize it as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Which typical dishes should I try in Mexico?

If it’s your first time in Mexico, you’re probably asking yourself Which Mexican dishes should I not miss? Here are some essentials:

• Tacos al pastor: pork marinated with achiote and spices, cooked on a vertical spit, served on corn tortillas with pineapple, onion, and cilantro.


• Mole poblano: a thick sauce made from chiles, spices, chocolate, and seeds, served over chicken.


• Pozole: hominy soup with pork or chicken, accompanied by lettuce, radish, onion, oregano, and lime.


• Chiles en nogada: poblano peppers stuffed with meat and fruits, covered with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, traditional from Puebla.


• Tamales: corn dough filled with meats, chiles, or sweets, steamed in corn or banana leaves.

Mexican food in Cancun and the Riviera Maya: What to try during your trip?

Have you wondered Where can I try authentic Mexican food in Cancun or the Riviera Maya? Here, local gastronomy is enriched with specialties from the Yucatán Peninsula such as:

• Cochinita pibil: pork marinated in achiote and cooked underground.


• Tikin xic: white fish marinated with achiote and sour orange, grilled to perfection.


• Panuchos and salbutes: filled or fried tortillas topped with chicken, lettuce, pickled red onion, and avocado.


• Fresh seafood: ceviches and shrimp or octopus cocktails, perfect for the Caribbean heat.


• Chaya and horchata drinks: refreshing typical beverages.

How spicy is Mexican food?

One of the most common questions travelers have when visiting the Riviera Maya is: Is Mexican food spicy? The truth is not all dishes are spicy, and in many cases it also depends on the type and amount of salsa you use. We recommend starting with mild salsas and increasing the spice level little by little as you get used to it. Also, pair your meals with fresh waters or beverages to balance out the heat.

If it’s your first time trying traditional Mexican food:

• Try small portions to discover new flavors without feeling too full.


• Always ask about the spice level before ordering.


• Choose restaurants with a good reputation and quality standards.


• Don’t leave without trying freshly made tortillas in tacos, quesadillas, or with stews.

Where to try the best Mexican food in the Riviera Maya?

If you’re looking for a Mexican restaurant in the Riviera Maya to visit during your trip, we recommend staying at a hotel that offers specialized restaurants. You might wonder, Is the Mexican food in hotels authentic? At Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya, their culinary offerings maintain the traditional essence and quality of each local dish, combining tradition, quality, and an authentic Mexican atmosphere.

Does Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya have a Mexican restaurant?

At the resort, La Hacienda restaurant offers a complete Mexican dining experience in an elegant and warm setting. Here, you can try tacos, enchiladas, sopes, tamales, and moles prepared with traditional recipes and the finest local ingredients. If you dream of a culinary journey through Mexico without leaving your hotel, La Hacienda restaurant is the best option to discover the authentic flavors of Mexico during your stay at Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya.

Book your stay at Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya and enjoy the best Mexican food at La Hacienda.