If you live in Mérida or are planning the move, you’re in the right place to start exploring one of Mexico’s most delicious regional cuisines. I’m drawing inspiration from a great video by tutorialesgerberin to guide you through the ten must-try Yucatecan dishes — what they are, what makes them special, and where you can enjoy them in Mérida as an expat.

Why Yucatecan food matters for newcomers

Yucatecan cuisine blends ancient Maya techniques with Spanish and Caribbean influences, producing bright, aromatic flavors you won’t find elsewhere. As you settle into Mérida, tasting these dishes will help you connect with local culture, learn ingredients that are staples in your new pantry, and discover markets and fondas where locals eat.

The top 10 Yucatecan dishes (what to try first)

1. Cochinita pibil

The most famous Yucatecan dish: slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked traditionally in an earthen pit. You’ll see it served with pickled red onion and habanero salsa—perfect for tacos or tortas.

Where to try it in Mérida: roadside stands, small pibil houses, and markets around the city. Order it as tacos to get a real local feel.

2. Papadzules

Think of papadzules as Yucatán-style enchiladas: corn tortillas filled with hard-boiled egg, bathed in a creamy pumpkin seed (pepita) sauce and topped with tomato sauce and epazote. It’s comforting, slightly nutty, and very emblematic.

Tip: some places offer chicken or cheese variations; try a classic first to understand the sauce.

3. Panuchos

Panuchos are beloved antojitos: tortillas twice-prepared so they puff, then stuffed with refried black beans, fried, and topped with shredded chicken, pickled red onion, tomato sauce, lettuce, avocado, and queso fresco. They’re a perfect snack or light meal.

Where to eat: you’ll find excellent panuchos at mercados and street stalls early in the day and well into the evening in Mérida.

4. Sopa de lima

This lime-scented chicken soup is uniquely Yucatecan. Made with local limes (which are less tart, slightly sweet), shredded chicken, fried tortilla strips or totopos, cilantro, garlic, and onion. A slice of fresh lime on top brightens every spoonful.

Good for cooler evenings or when you want a comforting bowl after exploring the markets of Mérida.

5. Poc Chuc

A Yucatán-style grilled pork dish, Poc Chuc is marinated in citrus and achiote, then grilled to perfection. The pork is served with rice, black beans, pickled onions, and salsas for an added layer of flavor. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the region’s love for grilling.

Poc Chuc offers a taste of the Yucatán’s outdoor grilling tradition, with the tangy marinade giving the pork a uniquely flavorful finish.

6. Relleno Negro

Relleno Negro is a traditional Yucatán stew made with turkey or chicken and cooked in a dark, rich sauce made from chile Xcatic and chile negro (two types of dried chiles). The dish gets its signature color and depth of flavor from the chiles, and the result is a smoky, spicy, and savory dish that is often served with rice or tortillas.

The dark, spicy sauce adds layers of flavor that are both deep and satisfying, making it a comfort food in the region.

7. Huevos motuleños

Originating from Motul, these huevos motuleños are a breakfast favorite: fried eggs on tortillas layered with black beans, tomato-chile sauce, ham or peas sometimes, and sprinkled with queso fresco. It’s hearty and a classic way to start your day in Mérida.

Try it at family-run cafés or traditional breakfast spots.

8. Queso relleno

Queso relleno showcases the region’s cheese culture. A round Edam-style cheese is hollowed and stuffed with a seasoned mix of minced pork and beef, then baked and served with a white sauce made from roux and chicken stock. It’s unique and festive.

Best for sharing at dinner or special occasions in Mérida restaurants that focus on Yucatecan classics.

9. Pescado a la tikin-xic

Pescado a la tikin-xic is fish marinated in an achiote-based recado, wrapped in banana leaves, and traditionally grilled over wood coals. The achiote gives it that smoky, reddish color and earthy flavor similar to cochinita’s notes.

When in Mérida, pair it with a local Montejo beer for an authentic coastal vibe even inland.

10. Xtabentún

Finish with a sip: Xtabentún is a traditional Yucatecan liqueur made from fermented honey produced by bees that pollinate the xtabentún flower, often blended with anise. Serve it neat, with honey, or a drop in coffee — but sip slowly; it’s potent.

You’ll find bottles in Mérida liquor shops and bars that specialize in local spirits.

Practical tips for expats in Mérida

• Markets to explore: Mercado Lucas de Gálvez and smaller neighborhood mercados are where you’ll learn about ingredients like achiote, recado pastes, pepitas, and local limes.
• Eating like a local: try fondas and street stalls—they often serve the most authentic and affordable versions of these dishes across Mérida.
• Ingredient shopping: supermarkets carry many staples, but for fresher produce and specialty items (xtabentún, particular chiles), head to local markets.
• Social tip: sharing dishes is common. Order a few plates and taste a variety — it’s a great way to meet neighbors and make friends in Mérida.

As you settle into Mérida, let food guide your exploration. From the smoky cochinita pibil and the velvet pepita sauce of papadzules to Pescado a la tikin-xic on a coastal day and the warming sip of xtabentún, Yucatecan cuisine is a gateway to the region’s history and hospitality. Follow your appetite, ask locals for their favorite spots, and enjoy tasting your new home one plate at a time. Ready to move? book a conslutation call.