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When you ask someone what Mexico is famous for, one of the most common answers will be the amazing food.
And yet, despite Mexico’s global reputation for delicious dishes, the country has never before been featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide.
Well, that’s all changing with Quintana Roo, the state home to the destinations of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, joining five other Mexican states in the famed Michelin Guide.
This development is a long overdue recognition for Mexico, and speaking at the Fitur tourism fair in Madrid, Spain, the state governor Mara Lezama said, “Today is a day of justice for Mexican gastronomy”, and further added that the nation’s chefs have been “Waiting 30 years for this”.
The Best Of The Mexican Caribbean
When travelers think of Mexican food, the most likely things that come to mind will be some variation of tacos or quesadillas.
For the foodies, other dishes such as chilaquiles, birria, tortilla soup, or sopes may hold a special place in their list of delicious Mexican plates.
And while all of this can be found at its scrumptious best in the Mexican Caribbean, the region has some dishes native to the area that travelers have probably not heard of before.
For example, Pescado a la Tikin-Xic, an amazing fish dish that is seasoned with an achiote condiment which gives it a distinctive red color, and is cooked in banana leaves then cooked over a wood fire.
Or, for travelers who don’t mind being adventurous with what they eat, then the state’s famous snail meat ceviche can provide a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience.
This dish is made from a type of sea snail and like other ceviches, is a raw meat dish in which the acid of the lime juice “cooks” the contents.
Whether travelers are feeling adventurous or not, one thing is certain: there is a wealth of superbly delicious food throughout the Mexican Caribbean that won’t disappoint.
Stars In Their Eyes
With this entry into the Michelin Guide, it’s predicted to only be a matter of time before Mexico receives its first Michelin-star restaurant.
As surprising as it may sound, despite Mexico being home to some of the most outstanding cuisines in the world, the Michelin Guide hasn’t yet explored this part of the planet, which in turn means there isn’t a single Michelin star to be found in this culinary powerhouse.
Any traveler with a love for food who has visited the region knows that the Mexican Caribbean isn’t short of fantastic restaurants, ranging from traditional Mexican eateries to fine dining and even experimental restaurants.
And with such a huge selection of establishments reaching for the stars, it won’t be long before one is brought to the Mexican Caribbean.
Three Of The Best
Out of all the restaurants in the Mexican Caribbean, past travelers will no doubt have their personal favorites, but across the destination, there are a few establishments in particular that stand out, having received acclaim and recognition consistently over the years.
Kiosco Verse Marisquería
There’s no dress code or fine wine selection at this restaurant; instead, travelers are treated to the finest seafood in all of the Mexican Caribbean at one of Cancun’s oldest still-running restaurants.
First opened in the 1970s, it serves a wide variety of super-fresh seafood. They’re also famous for their range of salsas, and also for their cocktails which are perfectly paired with the dishes.
El Socio Naiz Taquería
For a truly eye-opening experience, travelers can’t miss this famous taqueria. Known for putting a modern spin on the taqueria concept, travelers will be surprised at what they can eat on a corn tortilla.
Of course, there are plenty of more traditional taco options here also, and if travelers only get to eat at one taqueria on their Mexican Caribbean vacation, then this is the place.
Restaurante Careyes
Rated as the number 1 restaurant in all of Cancun on TripAdvisor, there isn’t a single category in which Restaurant Careyes doesn’t get 5 stars out of 5.
Best described as a Latin fusion restaurant, it’s nearly impossible to find a review that is even slightly negative. The food is 10/10, and just as important, the servers receive glowing endorsements across the board.
Located in the famous Cancun hotel zone, this is a must-experience treat for any traveler who visits the destination.
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