Cancun is also a food destination
Cancun is often associated with beach, resort and margaritas. But it would be a shame to travel to Mexico without exploring the food. Mexico has an enormous food culture, and the Yucatán Peninsula has traditions and ingredients that differ from much of the Mexican food Norwegians are familiar with at home. Here are some of the dishes we think you should try.
Cochinita pibil
One of Yucatán's most famous dishes. Pork is marinated, among other things, with achiote and acidic flavours before it is cooked slowly. Often served in a taco or torta together with pickled red onion. This ranks high on our list.
Tacos al pastor
One of Mexico's most popular taco varieties. The meat is often cooked on a vertical spit and served in small tortillas with onion, cilantro and often pineapple. Perfect as an inexpensive lunch or late-night meal.
Ceviche
Raw fish or seafood is marinated in citrus and is often mixed with onion, chili and cilantro. Along the Caribbean coast this is naturally a classic.
Aguachile
Similar to ceviche, but usually spicier and more intense. Typically with shrimp, lime, chili, cucumber and onion.
Pescado tikin xic
A fish dish with strong roots on the Yucatán Peninsula. The fish is seasoned, among other things, with achiote and often cooked wrapped. This is one of the dishes we would especially look for on Isla Mujeres and along the coast.
Sopa de lima
A Yucatán classic. An aromatic soup with chicken, lime/citrus and crisp tortilla.
Quesadillas
Simple, but hard to dislike. Tortilla with cheese and various types of filling. Also a safe option for children.
Tamales
Corn dough with various fillings is traditionally steamed in leaves. Available in many regional variants.
Tostadas
Deep-fried tortillas topped with everything from ceviche to meat and beans. Perfect for seafood.
Guacamole
Yes, you've eaten guacamole before. But good, freshly made guacamole in Mexico is something else compared with the packaged versions many know at home.
Elote and esquites
Corn with, among other things, chili, lime, mayonnaise and cheese. Elote is often served on the cob, while esquites are served in a cup. Classic street food.
Marquesitas
This must be tried. Marquesitas are a Yucatán dessert/snack reminiscent of a very crispy crêpe. Filled with various sweet ingredients. A classic combination is cheese and sweet filling – which may sound strange before you taste it.
Chilaquiles
An excellent Mexican breakfast. Tortilla chips are tossed in sauce and are often topped with egg, cheese, crema and other ingredients.
Huevos rancheros
Another good breakfast option with eggs, tortilla and salsa.
Fresh tropical fruit
Do not underestimate the fruit. Mango, papaya, pineapple and other tropical fruits can taste completely different when eaten ripe in Mexico. Is all Mexican food spicy? No. This is a common misunderstanding. Chili is used a lot, but spicy salsa is often served separately. Ask if you are unsure: ¿Es picante? – Is it spicy?
Food with children
There are many simple dishes that often work well:
- quesadilla
- taco without spicy salsa
- grilled chicken
- rice
- tortilla
- guacamole
- fruit
Children therefore do not have to live on french fries at the resort. Street food – is it safe? Use normal judgement. A busy place where food is prepared continuously in front of you can often be a better sign than an empty place where ingredients have been sitting for a long time. We would look for:
- high turnover
- many local customers
- food prepared fresh
- good handling of ingredients
Our goal
When we expand Cancun.no, we want to create a separate page for each of the most important dishes with:
- what the dish is
- where it comes from
- how it tastes
- where we have eaten it
- where we think you should try it in Cancun
That way the food guide becomes much more than a generic restaurant list.
