Mexican food is culture, connection and memories. Mexico’s culinary tale, which is inseparable from life in its communities and territories, is a harmonious coexistence of different traditions. Century after century, these traditions have drawn strength from one another to the point of creating all the gastronomy that represents the country today; it’s an invaluable heritage that’s been handed down from generation to generation and exported to the entire world. 

 

Throughout its history, from the pre-Hispanic communities to European influences, Mexico’s geography has been crossed by different paths. At the end of the day, all these ways of thinking about food come together over the fire in the same kitchen. The table is full of ancestral ingredients, of rituals to prepare them by way of typical recipes, and of stories that bring them together. 

 

Community-based tourism and honest food in Mexico

Want to get to know (and taste) the best Mexican gastronomy while helping to care for the planet and all the living things that inhabit it? The first step is choosing where to stay on your next vacation wisely: make sure that the culinary experiences offered at the hotel prioritize local communities. In this way, community-based tourism, which seeks to support the local economies in each region, has a lot to offer. Thanks to its recent deal with Planeterra, Iberostar will be promoting this way of thinking about travel through its accommodation even more. For example, its cenote conservation project with the Bejil-Ha Riviera Maya cooperative, which sustains over 30 families in Chemuyil, Quintana Roo, includes traditional Mexican food tasting, in addition to tours with native guides and bicycle rides to explore the area.

 

 

 

Did you know that all the fish and seafood that we serve at Iberostar hotels in Mexico is already 100% responsibly sourced? Additionally, just like on all Iberostar’s menus in its restaurants worldwide, 

priority is always given to fresh, local and seasonal produce, since this also helps protect the environment. The benefits of offering sustainable cuisine, with fresh ingredients and cooked like at home, extend to the people who make it possible.

 

What to eat on the Riviera Maya and in Cozumel

From classic dishes with high-quality animal protein, such as the traditional cochinita pibil, prepared with pork marinated in Mexican spices and citrus fruit, or Tikin Xic fish, made with deliciously seasoned white fish, to vegetarian dishes like Sikil Pak, with Roma tomatoes, grilled red onion and garlic, pumpkin seeds, habanero pepper and other condiments, the food on the Riviera Maya will bring you close to the region’s most authentic culture by way of your taste buds. The unique flavor of other dishes, like panuchos yucatecos, which are corn tortillas filled with refried black beans and coated in shredded chicken and fresh vegetables, will allow you to delve deeper into the heart of its traditions on your trip.

These and other tasty foods await at the restaurants at the Iberostar hotels on the Riviera Maya and in Cancún, as well as on the nearby island of Cozumel, where the Caribbean Sea together with lush, tropical vegetation, create dreamlike surroundings where you can relax and enjoy the region’s gastronomy to the fullest. At sunset, you can raise a toast with a cocktail right in front of the beach while gazing out at one of the planet’s most spectacular sunsets. Whether it’s with a margarita, mezcal or michelada, all you have to do is choose which typical drink you want to say cheers with! 

 

This is what the typical food in Riviera Nayarit is like

At Iberostar Selection Playa Mita, located on the Riviera Nayarit, its star seafood dishes are prepared with the fresh catch of the day. The local fishing culture has given way to recipes like the aromatic pescado zarandeado grilled red snapper, which is marinated beforehand with dried chili peppers, orange, lime, cilantro and other spices. Another dish is the Vallarta-style ceviche tostadas: this refreshing dish is an explosion for the senses. And you can’t miss out on birria de res stewed beef, with traditionally seasoned meat in the region’s style as the main contender. Jericallas, a typical dessert that’s similar to a pudding or flan, made with milk, eggs, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla, will add a sweet finishing touch to your lunches and dinners. But this is just the beginning. 

Experiencing everything Mexico’s gastronomy has in store for you will become a passion that will take you from dining table to dining table at many a restaurant from the moment you set foot in any of its paradises. This route full of sensations will enrich your travels and allow you to learn more about each destination as you delve into their cuisine.