Local cuisine on your trip to Riviera Maya
Where is Riviera Maya?
Riviera Maya is located along the coast of the Caribbean Sea, in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is the cradle of civilisations and boasts some stunning natural landscapes. A fascinating destination where you can explore the traces of one of the world’s most ancient cultures. Visit the ancient sites of Chichén Itzá, Coba, Tulum … or relax on the beaches of Akumal, Xpu-há, Cozumel…
Mexico surprises with simplicity and spontaneity at every turn. Landscapes that contrast with the enthusiasm and vitality of the people, with the majesty of the cities, with the natural heritage, and with the ancient monuments. From the historic Tulum, the whole region seems to be touched by the gods.
What to eat in Mexico?
Did you know that traditional Mexican cuisine is considered by UNESCO to be Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? Its ingredients cultivated by local communities, ancestral techniques and exotic flavour combinations mean that traditional Mexican dishes are an essential pillar of the country’s cultural identity.
Below, we give you the low-down on some typical Mexican dishes and where to find them in the Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts.
1 – Tacos
The most internationally renowned Mexican dish. Taco restaurants can be found in cities just about anywhere in the world. Flour tortillas folded and filled with a wide variety of ingredients. The tortillas are usually made from corn, although some prefer the wheat flour variety. The most popular tacos in Mexico are the carnitas (pork), de birria (meat stew) and al pastor (marinated pork) tacos. In coastal areas, fish or shrimp tacos are also very popular.
2 – Tamales
Tamales are made from corn flour dough filled with shredded meat and chillies. They are then wrapped in banana or corn leaves and steamed. Tamales have a huge social significance in Mexico. The Mayans used to use them as an offering in various rituals. Today, they are traditionally eaten in Mexico around Christmas time.
3 – Enchiladas
These are corn tortillas that are dipped in a chilli sauce and filled with any type of meat. They are usually served with lettuce, onion, lime, and coriander. Enchiladas are another way of eating tacos, with the main difference being that they tend to be soaked in chilli sauce.
4 – Quesadilla
The quesadilla is a very popular recipe that offers the perfect combination. A quesadilla is a corn or flour tortilla folded in half, stuffed with various ingredients such as cheese, potatoes, mushrooms, picadillo, chicharrón (pork rinds), brain, or flor de calabaza (squash blossom), and grilled on a flat griddle. Although it is typically served as a folded tortilla, it can also be prepared with two whole tortillas.
If you stay at Bahia Principe Riviera Maya, you’ll find all these wonderful dishes in the buffet or in the Tequila Mexican restaurant. Traditional Mexican cuisine. This is where tradition, culture and time come together in a unique space within a framework of pure gastronomy. It is inspired by the tradition of Mexican markets, with their strong culinary culture, and their colours, smells, and flavours, achieving a unique atmosphere where you can enjoy and get to know this singular cuisine at first hand.
Here you will find the menu of the Tequila Mexican restaurant, which will whet your appetite for typical Mexican cuisine.
