10 Best Famous Foods To Eat In Cancun, City | What Food Is Cancun Known For
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 28 Apr, 2023
- |
Cancun is a beautiful coastal city located on the Caribbean Sea in Mexico, known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. However, it is also a culinary paradise with a rich and diverse food scene. From fresh seafood to traditional Mexican dishes, Cancun offers a wide range of delicious and mouth-watering foods that are sure to satisfy any foodie’s cravings. In this blog, we will explore the 10 best famous foods to eat in Cancun City and discover what food Cancun is known for.
Best local food in Cancun to try
1.Cochinita Pibil
This is a slow-cooked pork dish that is marinated in achiote paste and orange juice, wrapped in banana leaves, and baked in an underground oven. It’s a staple in Yucatecan cuisine and is often served with pickled onions and habanero sauce.
Cochinita Pibil is a traditional Yucatecan dish that can be found in many restaurants in Cancun City. It’s a slow-cooked pork dish that is marinated in achiote paste and orange juice, wrapped in banana leaves, and baked in an underground oven. The result is a tender and flavorful meat that is often served with pickled onions and habanero sauce.
One of the most famous places to try Cochinita Pibil in Cancun City is El Merkadito de la Lupita, a popular street food vendor located in the downtown area. Another popular spot is La Parrilla, which has several locations throughout the city and is known for its authentic Yucatecan cuisine.
When ordering Cochinita Pibil, it’s important to specify if you want it with or without habanero sauce, as this condiment is quite spicy. Additionally, it’s common to order Cochinita Pibil as part of a taco or torta (sandwich), which is a great way to try a variety of different flavors in one meal.
Overall, Cochinita Pibil is a must-try dish when visiting Cancun City, and there are many restaurants and street food vendors that serve it to suit all budgets and tastes.
2.Tacos al Pastor
This dish is made with marinated pork that is cooked on a vertical spit and sliced to order. The meat is then served on a corn tortilla with pineapple, onion, and cilantro.
Tacos al Pastor is a popular dish in Mexico, and Cancun City is no exception. It’s a dish made with marinated pork that is cooked on a vertical spit and sliced to order. The meat is then served on a corn tortilla with pineapple, onion, and cilantro.
In Cancun City, there are many places where you can try Tacos al Pastor, including street vendors, taquerias, and restaurants. One of the most famous places to try Tacos al Pastor is Taqueria El Fogon, which has several locations throughout the city.
The taste of Tacos al Pastor in Cancun City is typically spicy and flavorful, with the sweetness of the pineapple balancing out the heat of the chili peppers. The pork is often marinated in a combination of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and garlic, which gives it a distinctive taste.
When ordering Tacos al Pastor, it’s common to order several at a time, as they are usually small and easy to eat. They are often served with a variety of condiments, such as salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges, which allow you to customize the flavor to your liking.
Overall, Tacos al Pastor is a delicious and affordable dish that is a must-try when visiting Cancun City. There are many places to try it, so you can find the one that best suits your taste and budget.
3.Sopa de Lima
This is a lime soup that is made with chicken, lime juice, and tortilla strips. It’s a comforting and refreshing dish that is perfect for a hot day.
Sopa de Lima is a traditional dish from the Yucatan Peninsula region of Mexico, which includes Cancun City. This delicious soup is made with chicken broth, shredded chicken, vegetables, and lime juice, and it is often served with fried tortilla strips.
If you are looking to try Sopa de Lima in Cancun City, you might want to check out some of the local restaurants that specialize in traditional Yucatecan cuisine. Some popular options include:
- La Habichuela: This iconic restaurant has been serving traditional Mexican cuisine since 1977 and is known for its delicious Sopa de Lima.
- Los Aguachiles: Although this restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, they also offer a great Sopa de Lima made with fresh ingredients.
- La Parrilla: This restaurant is famous for its grilled meats, but they also serve a delicious Sopa de Lima that is worth trying.
- La Destileria: This restaurant is known for its tequila and mezcal c**ktails, but they also serve a delicious Sopa de Lima that pairs perfectly with their drinks.
These are just a few of the many restaurants in Cancun City that serve Sopa de Lima. Be sure to ask the locals for their recommendations, as they are sure to know the best places to go for authentic Yucatecan cuisine.
4.Pescado Tikin Xic
This is a grilled fish dish that is marinated in achiote paste, orange juice, and spices. It’s a flavorful and healthy option that is popular in the Yucatan region.
Pescado Tikin Xic is a traditional Mayan dish from the Yucatan Peninsula region of Mexico, and it’s a popular seafood dish in Cancun. It typically consists of a grilled fish fillet marinated in achiote paste, sour orange juice, and other spices, served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
There are many places in Cancun where you can try Pescado Tikin Xic, but here are a few recommendations:
- La Habichuela – This restaurant is famous for its traditional Mexican cuisine, and its Pescado Tikin Xic is one of the best in the city.
- El Fish Fritanga – Located in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, El Fish Fritanga is a casual seafood restaurant that serves a delicious Pescado Tikin Xic.
- La Destileria – This restaurant is known for its extensive tequila menu, but it also serves excellent Mexican cuisine, including Pescado Tikin Xic.
- Los de Pescado – This small restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood in Cancun, and its Pescado Tikin Xic is a must-try.
- La Parrilla – With several locations throughout the city, La Parrilla is a popular chain of Mexican restaurants that serves a delicious Pescado Tikin Xic.
5.Chiles Rellenos
These are stuffed peppers that are usually filled with cheese, ground beef, or chicken. They are then battered and fried, and served with tomato sauce.
Chiles Rellenos is a popular Mexican dish that is loved by locals and visitors alike. It is made by stuffing poblano peppers with cheese or meat, dipping them in egg batter, and then frying them until they are golden brown. In Cancun City, you can find this dish in many local restaurants, and it is definitely worth trying if you are a fan of Mexican cuisine.
The taste of Chiles Rellenos in Cancun City can vary depending on the restaurant, but generally, it is a rich and savory dish with a slightly spicy kick from the poblano peppers. The cheese or meat filling adds a creamy and satisfying flavor, while the crispy exterior provides a satisfying crunch. Some restaurants may serve the dish with a side of rice, beans, and salsa to complement the flavors.
Overall, Chiles Rellenos is a delicious and filling dish that is a must-try when visiting Cancun City. Just make sure to ask your server for their recommendations on where to find the best Chiles Rellenos in town!
6.Panuchos
These are small tortillas that are stuffed with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken, pickled onions, avocado, and tomato sauce. They are a popular street food in Cancun City.
If you are looking to try traditional Yucatan cuisine, then Panuchos is a dish you must try while in Cancun City. Panuchos are a type of antojito, which are small, traditional Mexican snacks. They are made by topping small, fried tortillas with refried beans, shredded chicken, pickled onions, and avocado, among other toppings.
In Cancun City, you can find Panuchos in many local restaurants and street food stalls, often served as a snack or appetizer. They are a popular and delicious option, especially for those who enjoy a variety of flavors and textures in their food.
The taste of Panuchos in Cancun City is typically a combination of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. The fried tortilla provides a crispy and satisfying crunch, while the refried beans and chicken add a savory and meaty taste. The pickled onions and avocado add a tangy and refreshing flavor that balances out the dish’s richness.
Overall, Panuchos are a tasty and satisfying snack that is a must-try when visiting Cancun City. You can find them in many local restaurants, street food stalls, and markets, so be sure to keep an eye out for them during your visit.
7.Quesadillas
These are grilled or fried tortillas that are filled with cheese and other ingredients such as chicken, beef, or vegetables. They are often served with guacamole and sour cream.
Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish that can be found throughout Cancun City. They are made by filling a tortilla with cheese, meat, beans, vegetables, or a combination of these ingredients, then folding it in half and grilling or frying until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Quesadillas can be served as a main dish or as a snack, depending on the size and filling.
In Cancun City, you can find quesadillas in many local restaurants and street food stalls, and they are a popular and affordable option for those looking for a quick and tasty meal. The taste of quesadillas in Cancun City can vary depending on the filling and the preparation method, but generally, they are a savory and satisfying dish with a crispy and cheesy texture.
If you are looking to try quesadillas in Cancun City, there are many options available. You can find traditional quesadillas with cheese, or you can try ones with fillings like chicken, beef, pork, or vegetables. Some restaurants may also offer quesadillas with more unique fillings, like shrimp or octopus.
Overall, quesadillas are a delicious and versatile dish that is worth trying when visiting Cancun City. Whether you prefer traditional cheese quesadillas or more adventurous fillings, you are sure to find a delicious option to satisfy your cravings.
8. Aguachile
This is a spicy seafood dish that is similar to ceviche. It’s made with shrimp, lime juice, cilantro, and chili peppers.
Aguachile is a popular dish from the coastal region of Mexico that has become increasingly popular in Cancun City. It is a type of ceviche that is made with raw shrimp, marinated in a mixture of lime juice, chili peppers, and cilantro. It is typically served with sliced cucumbers, red onions, and avocado, and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main dish.
In Cancun City, Aguachile can be found in many seafood restaurants and is a popular choice for those looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish. The taste of Aguachile in Cancun City is typically a combination of tangy, spicy, and citrus flavors, with a refreshing crunch from the cucumbers and a creamy texture from the avocado.
If you are looking to try Aguachile in Cancun City, it is important to note that it is a dish made with raw seafood, and as such, it is important to choose a restaurant with high-quality and fresh ingredients. It is also important to ensure that the restaurant has good hygiene practices and uses safe food handling techniques.
Overall, Aguachile is a delicious and refreshing dish that is worth trying when visiting Cancun City. Just be sure to choose a reputable restaurant and enjoy the flavors of this traditional Mexican dish.
9.Camarones al Coco
This is a coconut shrimp dish that is often served as an appetizer. The shrimp are breaded with coconut and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
Camarones al Coco, also known as coconut shrimp, is a popular dish that can be found in many restaurants in Cancun City, especially those that specialize in seafood. It is made by coating shrimp in a mixture of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs, then deep-frying until they are crispy and golden brown. It is typically served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
In Cancun City, Camarones al Coco is a popular choice for those looking for a flavorful and indulgent seafood dish. The taste of Camarones al Coco is typically a combination of sweet and savory flavors, with a crispy texture from the coconut coating and a juicy and tender shrimp inside.
Overall, Camarones al Coco is a delicious and indulgent dish that is worth trying when visiting Cancun City, especially if you are a fan of seafood and coconut flavors. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation, as it is a rich and filling dish.
10.Relleno Negro
This is a black stew made with turkey, a variety of spices, and charred chilies. It’s a unique dish that is popular in the Yucatan region.
Relleno Negro is a traditional dish from the Yucatan Peninsula and can be found in some local restaurants in Cancun City that specialize in Yucatecan cuisine. It is made with a rich, dark sauce made from charred chiles, achiote, and spices, and typically features turkey or chicken as the main protein.
In Cancun City, Relleno Negro can be a bit harder to find than some other traditional Yucatecan dishes, but there are a few restaurants that offer it. The taste of Relleno Negro is typically a combination of savory and spicy flavors, with a rich and slightly smoky taste from the charred chiles.
It is important to note that it is a hearty and filling dish, often served with rice and beans or other sides. It is also important to choose a restaurant that specializes in Yucatecan cuisine to ensure that you are getting an authentic version of the dish.
Overall, Relleno Negro is a delicious and unique dish that is worth trying when visiting Cancun City, especially for those who enjoy bold and complex flavors. Just be sure to pair it with some refreshing drinks and maybe save room for dessert, as it can be quite a satisfying meal.