Bacalar’s Cuisine

For those who appreciate good food, more than just exploring this corner of Quintana Roo for its stunning natural beauty, tasting the flavors and traditions of Bacalar’s cuisine is a top draw. With influences from the Yucatán Peninsula and neighboring Belize, its traditional dishes offer a wide range of fresh flavors and unique combinations worth savoring. Dig in!

Taste the Flavors of Bacalar

The cuisine of this Magical Town is a fusion of Yucatecan, Caribbean, and Belizean influences. If you are a fan of fresh, diverse flavors, visiting Bacalar to sample its culinary offerings is a must.

A clear example of these influences is the well-known dish of rice and beans. It must be cooked with coconut oil to acquire its signature flavor. There are also traditional xpelón tamales—made with a local bean variety—and sotobichay or brazo de reina, a tamale prepared with chaya leaves (spinach-like local greens).

Moreover, due to its proximity to the ocean, the gastronomy of this Magical Town features a variety of dishes with ingredients from the sea, such as tikinxic, or roasted grouper.

Gastronomy of Bacalar

Among the Bacalar’s traditional dishes, don’t forget to try:

• Xpelón bean tamales
• Puchero and chocolomo, rich, meat-filled stews
• Mucbil pollo, a baked tamale prepared during the Day of the Dead
• Pan de cazón, with its layers of fish and tortillas
• Tikinxic, fish marinated in achiote paste and roasted in banana leaf

Seize your chance to savor the delights of Bacalar! We recommend visiting a restaurant near the lagoon so, in addition to enjoying the food, you can drink in the gorgeous views.