APPLE – SPOTIFY – STITCHER
Mexico’s beaches are notoriously beautiful and easily accessible for most Americans. A short flight leads you to a food-filled paradise with plenty of options within a stone’s throw from the hotel.
Nathan Aguilera is a food and travel writer and with his blog, Foodieflashpacker.com, he chronicles his delicious adventures around the world, showing his audience where to discover all the amazing local food.
Over the past few years, Nathan’s home base was in Merida, Mexico with a recent relocation to Puerto Vallarta. With his extensive knowledge and personal experiences, Nathan shares his favorite spots to eat like a king in these two beach cities.
Nathan’s Recommendations to Chow Down:
Puerto Vallarta
Pancho’s Takos– Tacos El Pastor
Basilio Badillo 162, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
La Cappella – At Sunset
Calle Miramar 363 B, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Tre Piatti
Lázaro Cárdenas 292, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Bonito Kitchen
Insurgentes 108-l2, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Cafe de Olla
Basilio Badillo 168, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
La Palapa
Púlpito 105-3, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Le Kliff
Carr. a Barra de Navidad, Alta Vista, 48394 Mismaloya, Jal., Mexico
Mar Y Vino
Manuel M. Dieguez 106, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Mérida
Manjar Blanco
Calle 47 496, entre 58 y 60, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
MUGY
Calle 62 #466 x 55 y 57, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Micaela Mar & Leña
Calle 47 458, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
130° SteakHouse
Calle 47 465, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Regional foods to look out for in Merida
Panuchos
fried tortilla stuffed with refried black beans and topped with cabbage, pulled turkey, tomato, pickled red onion, avocado, and pickled jalapeño pepper.
Salbutes
deep-fried tortilla with lettuce, sliced avocado, pulled turkey, tomato, and pickled red onion.
Recado Negro
A roasted chili paste added to dishes.
Castacan
Crispy pork belly often used in tacos.
Pulpo Frito Ceviche
A ceviche with fried octopus.
Things to do:
Puerto Vallarta
Merida
Cenotes
Although the etiquette is relaxed, be sure to keep down the rowdiness when families with kids are present. Expect to pay on average under $10 but they can go as high as $25 for an entrance fee. If you made friends and want a cenote all to yourself, push out $60 for a private event with your new crew. Take a trip to Homun and take a cenote tour for a more easy going experience.
Other notable experiences in Mexico:
Holbox Island
Bacalar
Tren Chepe Express – Estación Chihuahua
Calle Méndez 2201, Pacífico, RUTA SUR II, 31020 Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
Chris Kretzer has traveled the world visiting over 35 countries and eating his way through every city. With his wife Tiarra, they explore different food cultures and create food guides, podcasts, and travel articles helping everyone experience the world through food.