As someone who was raised in Yucatan, I think it’s safe to say that I never would have tried the spicy relleno negro or the heavily seasoned cochinita pibil if it weren’t for my parents encouraging me to as a child. However––even though I’ve been a vegetarian for the past decade––I’m glad I was lucky enough to grow up with such rich and flavorful dishes, so different from what kids in other parts of the world experience.
If you’re traveling to Yucatan with children, I highly recommend taking advantage of your visit to introduce them to new and diverse foods. Spark your little ones’ interest in different cultures by participating in interactive activities that will keep them engaged.
What’s So Special about Yucatan Food?
Bringing together the ancestral traditions of the Maya and Spanish customs adopted during the colonial period, Yucatan’s gastronomy closely resembles that of other Central American areas, while adding its own twist. Like many Caribbean cultures, Yucatecans eat corn tortillas, rice and beans with every meal.
But the real essence of local cuisine lies in its guisos (meat dishes served as a main course), seasoned with typical native ingredients like achiote, sour orange, chaya leaves, habanero peppers and xcatic peppers.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
Iconic Local Dishes You Must Try
Our most beloved creation is, by far, the cochinita pibil. The versatility of this juicy, slow-cooked pork dish marinated in achiote and sour orange makes it the heart of every gathering. We typically eat it in tacos or tortas, topped with pickled red onions.
The word pibil refers to the Mayan píib, a traditional underground oven used historically in regional cuisine. These days, however, cochinita pibil may be cooked over a slow fire on a stove, wrapped in banana leaves to give it its distinctive flavor.
Relleno negro, on the other hand, may be more of an acquired taste, though I’d absolutely suggest giving it a chance. The seasoning for this turkey stew consists of a local blend of charred dried chilies, sold in the area as a ready-to-cook paste. The resulting product combines intense aromas with a sharp, spicy flavor, unlike anything you could taste elsewhere.
SheBuysTravel Tip: When introducing kids to Yucatan cuisine, look for dishes with milder flavors and let them add condiments as they wish. Panuchos and salbutes, our most popular street foods, make for a fun hand-held meal for younger palates. Both of these use fried tortillas as a base (although panuchos are additionally filled with refried beans), then get covered with shredded turkey (or chicken), hard-boiled eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, pickled red onion and avocado slices. Sauces always come on the side.
Regional Cuisine with Kids in Downtown Merida at MUGY
Head to Merida’s Centro Historico to feast on great regional food without leaving town. My go-to restaurant when visiting with newcomers is MUGY: Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca.
On top of serving exquisite, authentic meals, they also feature a small culinary history museum and host daily “unearthing” demos in their sunny backyard, where guests may witness how food gets dug up from the underground oven and even try some for free. Both of these activities provide the perfect educational setting for curious children.
Location : Calle 62 #466 x 55, Merida, 97000
Immersive Yucatan Hacienda Adventure with Traditional Lunch
For a wholesome, family-friendly Yucatan experience that blends gastronomy and history, making the drive to Hacienda Sotuta de Peon is a no-brainer.
Conveniently located just 50 minutes south of Merida, the imposing estate serves as a living museum. The hacienda offers an insightful look into the past through guided tours, as well as typical meals at their two on-site restaurants, with options for even the pickiest of palates.
After the main house visit, their tours continue with interactive activities that the little ones will surely love and learn from. Take part in the extraction and processing of henequen fibers while exploring the press and machinery.
Location : Sotuta De Peón, Tecoh, 97822
Afterward, move on to the fields, embarking on a ride aboard a wooden cart towed by a mule. Let the kids marvel at an accurate recreation of a Mayan home, where a local will narrate what life in the fields was like back in the day. End your journey with a refreshing swim at Sotuta’s spectacular private cenote before stopping by one of the restaurants for a true Yucatan meal.
Family-Friendly Culinary Experience with Hands-On Fun
Given the uniqueness of our ingredients and spices, I’d definitely consider joining a comprehensive culinary activity, as these will allow kids to discover elaborate dishes in a simple and playful manner.
Corazon del Mayab hosts incredible guided activities in Merida, beginning with a tour of the popular local market Lucas de Gálvez. Come across colorful native produce and purchase the ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop as your guide, Gustavo, tells you all about their qualities.
Head over to the home of Gustavo’s mom, who will be your personal instructor as you enter the delightful world of Yucatan food. Watch the kids have fun while engaging in the process of making 5 famous delicacies. Once you’re all done, indulge in a heartwarming family meal with your friendly hosts, creating long-lasting memories and giving the young ones an invaluable cultural experience.
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