Savouring Southern Mexico’s Culinary Treasures This Spring Break

We are just past mid-March, and across Canada, spring break is happening (or just happened, depending on where you live), and people are either already on vacation or planning a vacation. With that in mind, if you have chosen or are considering the south of Mexico, we wanted to share some of the best culinary options you shouldn’t miss while you are away.

Now, are you ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure like no other this Spring Break? Look no further than the colourful and diverse culinary scene of southern Mexico. From the ancient flavours of Oaxaca to the coastal delicacies of the Yucatán Peninsula, this region offers a tempting array of dishes sure to delight any food enthusiast.

Join us as we journey through some of the most mouthwatering treats to savour while exploring the south of Mexico this Spring Break:

1. Discovering Oaxaca’s Mole Negro: Begin your culinary escapade in the charming city of Oaxaca, renowned for its rich culinary heritage. Dive into the complex flavours of mole negro, a velvety sauce crafted from chocolate, chillies, and spices drizzled over succulent chicken or turkey. Each bite is a symphony of flavours that speaks to the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

2. Indulging in Tamales Oaxaqueños: No visit to Oaxaca is complete without sampling tamales oaxaqueños. These steamed corn husks are generously filled with a medley of ingredients, from savoury mole to tender chicken or pork, wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. It’s a culinary journey wrapped in a package waiting to be unwrapped and savoured.

3. Yucatán’s Cochinita Pibil Delight: Venture south to the Yucatán Peninsula, where you’ll encounter the tantalizing aroma of cochinita pibil. Slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote paste and citrus juices, this traditional Mayan dish is a celebration of flavours and heritage. Served with a side of tangy pickled onions and warm tortillas, it’s a dish that tells a story with every bite.

4. Tlayudas: Oaxaca’s Culinary Gem: Craving something crispy and satisfying? Tlayudas are Oaxaca’s answer to pizza, with a twist. These oversized, crunchy tortillas are adorned with creamy refried beans, gooey cheese, tender meat, avocado, and salsa, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.

5. Chiapas’ Comforting Pozole: As you venture into the lush landscapes of Chiapas, don’t miss the opportunity to warm your soul with a steaming bowl of pozole. This hearty soup features tender hominy corn and your choice of pork or chicken, simmered to perfection with aromatic spices and chillies. Topped with crisp lettuce, zesty radishes, and a squeeze of lime, it’s a bowl of comfort that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

6. Coastal Delights: Pescado a la Talla: Along the sun-kissed shores of Oaxaca and Guerrero, treat yourself to pescado a la talla. Grilled fish marinated in a fiery adobo sauce, this coastal favourite is a celebration of fresh flavours and ocean bounty. Each bite transports you to the azure waters of the Pacific, where the catch of the day is transformed into a culinary masterpiece.

7. Embracing Oaxaca’s Exotic Chapulines: For the adventurous palate, Oaxaca offers a unique delicacy: chapulines. These toasted grasshoppers, seasoned with zesty lime, fragrant garlic, and fiery chilli, are a crunchy revelation. Whether enjoyed as a snack or sprinkled atop tacos, chapulines are a testament to the region’s culinary creativity and tradition.

8. Yucatán’s Street Food Gems: Panuchos and Salbutes: Craving a quick bite? Look no further than Yucatán’s bustling street food scene, where panuchos and salbutes reign supreme. These handheld delights feature crispy fried tortillas stuffed with savoury beans and topped with your choice of tender chicken or turkey, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, creamy avocado, and tangy pickled onions. It’s street food perfection in every bite.

9. Chiapas’ Refreshing Pozol: Beat the heat with a revitalizing glass of pozol, a traditional beverage beloved in Chiapas. Made from fermented corn dough and infused with either water or cocoa, pozol is a cool and invigorating treat that’s perfect for quenching your thirst after a day of exploration.

10. Coastal Pleasures: Ceviche by the Sea: A visit to southern Mexico’s coastal regions would only be complete with indulging in fresh ceviche. This vibrant dish features succulent raw fish marinated in tangy citrus juices paired with crisp onions, juicy tomatoes, fragrant cilantro, and a kick of chilli. Each bite is a taste of the ocean’s bounty, a culinary homage to the beauty of the coast.

From the colourful markets of Oaxaca to the pristine beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula, southern Mexico beckons with a culinary adventure like no other. So why not make this Spring Break a journey of flavours and discoveries as you savour the diverse and delectable treasures of this enchanting region? Your taste buds will thank you for the unforgettable memories!