Nomadic dani

I have now spent some time in Mexico in the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo and I have been trying all of the foods I can get my hands on (with the help and expertise from my lovely girlfriend who is Mexican). So here are my top foods to try so far across these states!

Chilaquiles (will always be top of the list)

Both the red and green sauces are divine. I like my chilaquiles with shredded meat, avocado and queso (cheese). The softness of the tortillas are to die for! They are believed to date back to the Aztec era when they were originally made using tortillas, which were fried and then combined with chili, beans, and other ingredients. This simple, yet flavorful dish evolved over time and became a popular meal for the Mexican people, especially for breakfast!

Tacos al pastor

Nothing much to say but if you go to Mexico you need to try Tacos al Pastor. Thin shavings of spit roast pork with onions and coriander (cilantro for the Americas). Visit an authentic taqueria, where the Taqueros (people in-charge of the meat) on a turning spit have spent years perfecting this. The tortillas are soft, the meat is tender and when it comes with grilled nopales (cactus) you know they aren’t messing around.

Marquesitas

A typical snack that you can get from street vendors around the state of Yucatan. My girlfriend said “you need to try the Marquesitas with queso (cheese) and Nutella”. Now that might sound crazy but it tastes AMAZING! And the plus side is you can watch your Marquesita being freshly made right in front of you on what I can only describe as a crepe/pancake ring – its part of the fun!

Horchata de Arroz

Simple – ice cold white milk drink usually made of rice, cinnamon and vanilla filled with lots of ice so its really cold. Its refreshing and the best ones are homemade rather than package bought. You have to try this is you are going to visit Mexico. I am also looking forward to perfecting my own recipe.

Tamales

This small snack is a staple in Mexico and you can get them from the many street vendors. A tamale is a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients, wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf, and steamed to perfection. Tamales can be savory or sweet, with fillings like shredded meats, cheese, chilies, beans, or fruit.

They have been a staple food in Mexican and Central American cuisine for thousands of years, dating back to the Aztecs and Mayans, who made them for festivals, rituals, and even as portable food for warriors. They are just sinple and tasty!

Yucatan (Mayan) Cocktails – Carajillo Maya

This cocktail was such an interesting flavour its hard to describe. Made with various ingredients that include lime and tequila mixed with a special liquor from the Yucatan Peninsula called Xtabentun, it was sour and sweet but you want to drink about 10 of them.

Pok-Chuc – Mayan Grilled Pork

When you visit Yucatan you have to try traditional Mayan food. This usually includes a lot of meat but they do it well. The above photo is one of a few Poc-Chuc I have now tried. Accompanied by various other foods such as egg and veggies.