Cancun is the most popular destination in the Yucatan province where you will probably stay for a few days. If you want to get to know traditional dishes in Cancun, then you are on the right page. In this article, you find the 8 best dishes that you need to try in Cancun and at which places you can order them.

Mexico is a great country to travel through. Cancun is no exception. It is a perfect destination, because the beaches are beautiful, the nature around Cancun is breathtaking and you can do day trips to get to know the ancient Mayan culture. Cancun offers a perfect mix between beach, city and nature. Mexican cuisine is known all over the world. Every time when you eat in Mexico it’s a party. If you are in Cancun you need to try these 8 dishes, you will be amazed how delicious it is!

1. Tacos al pastor

Tacos al pastor can be ordered in different variants. Tacos al pastor is the most popular version of the taco. Tacos al pastor are filled with grilled pork. The taco al pastor resembles a Middle Eastern dish, this is because the lamb shoarma was brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants. The dish tastes delicious due to the traditional herbs.

Located on Plaza Las Americas, “La Troje” is one of the best local restaurants you can find in Cancun. The advantage of this place is that it isn’t that tourists compared to other places.

2. Cochinita Pibil

Probably you don’t know cochinita pibil, that doesn’t matter because you will try, that’s for sure. It is a delicious dish that, believe it or not, you will eat a few times when you are in Mexico. Cochinita Pibil consists of pulled pork that gets its taste through slow cooking. The preparation process is done in an annatto, orange juice and lime. They use pickled onions as a garnish. All in all, a great dish that you really should try.

“La Fonda Del Zancudo” is a great place to order cochinita pibil.

3. Enchiladas

Enchiladas dates back to the Maya period. Enchiladas can be filled in different ways, namely with meat, chicken or seafood. Also, beans and vegetables are served with the enchiladas. When you order, you can indicate what the filling needs to be. The enchiladas are covered with chili sauce before serving. A delicious dish.

“Marakame Café” is a great place where you can have a good lunch and order traditional Mexican food.

4. Pozole

At “Marakame Café” you can enjoy a delicious lunch. Here you can also order one of the tastiest soups in Mexico, called pozole. This soup is stewed for a long time in corn and various herbs. You can order pozole in different version. Try the vegetarian version, very tasty.

5. Tostadas

Tostadas are baked tortillas. It is a very simple dish but so delicious. Tostadas are fried in the oil and then topped with frijoles (beans), cheese, meat, seafood and ceviche.

Tostadas can be found everywhere in Cancun, it isn’t necessary to go to a specific restaurant.

6. Burrito

Burrito is actually a dish that occurs in the north of Mexico, so it does not originate from the Cancun region. This makes it difficult to find burritos in the south of Mexico. The best place to order burritos is “Surfin Burrito”. This place is known for its shrimp burrito. If you don't like fish, you can order other variants. They have so many choices here. You can also order delicious cocktails at this place.

7. Guacamole

Guacamole is world famous. It is great to order a drink with tortilla chips with guacamole. Guacamole is made from avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime and chili peppers and garlic.

At the harbor you have a good restaurant called “Puerto Madero”. Here you have a beautiful view where you can order fantastic guacamole.

8. Elote

Elote is a corn on a stick that you can buy on almost every street corner in Mexico. Ingredients such as salt, lime, chili powder, butter, mayonnaise and sour cream are added to the corn cob. The elote is eaten like an ice cream.

Other restaurants in Cancun that are worth a visit.

In addition to these 8 dishes that you really should try when you are in Mexico, there are a couple of restaurants that are worth a visit in Cancun.

If you love the food from India and you want some variety then you can go to “Taste of India”. If you want to eat lobster in Cancun, it's best to go to “Lorenzillo's”. This is one of the best-known restaurants in Cancun for eating lobster. Do you love Thai food? Then “Thai Lounge Cancun” is worth a visit. Do you love sushi? Then go to “Irori”. They don't have a large menu here, only what you can order is incredibly tasty. Do you want Mexican food in a modern way? Then go to “La Destileria”, this is one of the best restaurants in Cancun.

We hope this article was useful and hope that you will enjoy the food in Mexico just like we did. For more articles about the destinations we have traveled, you can take a look at our blog.