Mexico is a country that is famous around the world for its amazing food. No matter where in the world you go, you will find food inspired by those flavors familiar to Mexico. Mexican food has been heavily influenced by many different cultures over the years, however, the Mayan civilization arguably had the biggest influence of all.
The Mayan people utilized ingredients native to the areas that they lived in such as corn, chili, and meat from animals local to the Rivera Maya area. Locally grown produce such as chili, chocolate, and maize are often incorporated in Maya cuisine. Honey from the local stingless honeybee that was once kept by bee-keeping Mayans is also used in many dishes, especially in desserts. Food brought by Spanish colonists such as pork and rice began to feature later. Corn is central to many dishes of Maya cuisine origins forming the base for much of the delicious Maya cuisine.
Maya Cuisine Is Inspired by Our Diverse Mexican Culture.
Around 1800 B.C.E, the Mayan people, indigenous to Mexico and Central America, formed the formidable Mayan Empire. Spanning the lowlands of modern-day Guatemala, the Mayan Empire relied on agriculture to survive. The Mayan people were known for their innovation and creativity, often hailed as being far ahead of their time. Growing a range of crops such as corn, squash, chili peppers, beans, avocados, papayas, and guavas, the Mayans had an abundance of fresh, vibrant flavors to seek inspiration from for their tasty Mayan cuisine.
The diverse range of food products available throughout the country inspires Maya cuisine. In addition to growing crops, the Mayan people also hunted turkeys, ducks, quail, deer, armadillos, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and other sources of meat. Other protein sources included fish. Cooking meat and fish was alongside vegetables was commonplace in Mayan culture, having a heavy influence on how many Mexican dishes are still prepared to this day.
There Are Several Special and Delicious Dishes That Transport Us to Our Ancient Mexico. Here We’ll List Principal Merida Dishes.
Right here in Merida, there are some amazing restaurants where you can sample truly authentic Maya cuisine. When you visit Merida, no matter if you are on vacation or for medical purposes (medical tourism) you need to ensure that you experience the very best food we have to offer. The Yucatan is often referred to as the food capital of Mexico and as the capital of the Yucatan, you can be sure that you will have access to the very best that Maya cuisine has to offer in the heart of Merida.
Below, we take a look at some of the most delicious Mayan cuisine dishes that you need to try at least once on your next trip to Merida.
Chicken and Lime Soup
Chicken and lime soup is a Yucatan staple and can be found in many restaurants in Merida that serve Maya cuisine. Hundreds of years ago, this refreshing soup was a regular feature in Mayan kitchens and it remains popular to this day. A chicken soup with tomato, onion, pepper, strips of fried tortillas, oregano, and a good squeeze of lime juice, this soup is the perfect thirst quencher on those warmer days.
Cochinita Pibil
For the perfect lunch, be sure to seek out a sold serving of Cochinita Pibil. This dish is an absolute must for anyone visiting the Yucatan and once you give it a try, you’ll know why! These small tacos are filled with shredded pork that has been marinated in garlic, cornmeal, and annatto, before being wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in a belowground oven. Topped with habanero chili sauce and wafer-thin slices of fresh red onion, this is Maya cuisine not to be missed.
Salbutes
If you’re feeling peckish during the day, be sure to refuel with a favorite snack of the Yucatan locals. Choose from chicken or pork to top your black-bean puree smothered fried corn tortilla. Top this local delicacy off with avocado, habanero chili, fresh coriander, tanned onion, and lettuce and you have yourself a delicious serving of salbutes. This is the perfect snack to fill you up at any time of the day, whether it’s a break between beaches or a pit stop between visiting Merida’s amazing museums.
Poc Chuc
It is believed that Poc Chuc was created in the villages surrounding Chichen Itza, home to the world-famous Mayan ruin. A popular example of Maya cuisine that remains popular in restaurants in Merida and around the Yucatan peninsula, Poc Chuc is one not to miss. Pork steaks are marinated in sour orange juice before being roasted over charcoal until they are cooked through and ready to serve. The marinated pork is typically served alongside black beans, avocado, pickled onion, and a healthy serving of rice. Xnipec sauce almost always is served alongside Poc Chuc, featuring local ingredients such as orange juice, habanero chili, onion, coriander, and tomato.
Take the Chance to Sample Maya Cuisine on Your Next Trip to Merida
When you next visit Merida, make sure you take the time to sample just some of the tasty Maya cuisine on offer throughout the city and neighboring areas. Our team at Merida Medical Tourism is always here to help you with every aspect of your trip to Merida as a medical tourist. From restaurant recommendations to connecting you with the best health care providers, our friendly team is only a phone call or email away. Get in touch with our team at Merida Medical Tourism to start planning your next trip to Merida so you can start looking forward to all the amazing Maya cuisine being served up for you to enjoy.