Mayan gastronomy, the culinary jewel of Mexico

Flavors, aromas, colors and textures…. They are all part of the most powerful tool of Mexico’s cultural identity, the Mayan gastronomy. If you are a fan of travel and good experiences, you will know that when you visit a place for the first time, the best thing you can do to get to know that destination is to surprise your senses with the most famous dishes of its cuisine.

Although Mexico is known for its great variety of foods, distinctive in each region, the dishes that stand out the most are those belonging to the traditional cuisine of the Mayans, since it is the basis of what we know today as the Mexican gastronomy. That’s right, it’s still around!

That is why today, to accompany you on your culinary journey, we’ll help you explore the world of Mayan gastronomy step by step.

1. What should you know about the Mayan culture?

To be able to immerse yourself in the world of the Mayans, the first thing you should know is that this was a great civilization that flourished in ancient Mesoamerica and in Mexico it developed specifically in Yucatán, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Chiapas and Tabasco, leaving in these states an amazing heritage.

Without a doubt, the most impressive thing about this civilization was its ability for architecture, mathematics and astronomy. Aspects that could be seen in the creation of the numerical system and the use of the calendar.

However, the star of this culture is the legacy they left behind with their advanced skills for agriculture and gastronomy, because to this day it continues to pass from generation to generation, making more than one fall in love.

2. What did the Mayans eat?

Much of what has to do with the food of the Mayans, as with several others of their beliefs, is related to nature. Since, for each meal they incorporated elements from their environment that they harvested themselves, thus making ingredients such as corn, beans, chili and cocoa popular among these communities.

It is known that corn was an essential part of the daily life of this civilization, since it was not only the basis of their diet, but also played an important role in their ceremonies, traditions and customs. In fact, one of their main beliefs is that man was created with corn.

In addition to this, one of the most consumed ingredients was cocoa, which was considered the fruit of the gods. It was discovered that in addition to serving as food, it was used as a medicinal remedy and even in trade, also becoming known as the currency of the Mayans.

Another substance considered as a gift from the gods was honey, the Mayans protected and revered bees, since this food functioned as medicine, sweetener and payment method. Therefore, it was a sacred treasure that had to be taken care of.

In the same way, we cannot leave aside chili and beans, Mayan cuisine incorporated these two elements mostly as accompaniments and in the form of sauces. The best known is the x-cat-ik chili or the güero chili. As you can see, many are still in use today.

3. The best of Mayan gastronomy today

While the Mayan civilization is long gone, its influence and legacy lives on in Mexican cuisine. If you visit the Yucatán Peninsula, it is easy to see that the Mayan flavors and seasonings are still present through traditional dishes such as Poc Chuc, black stuffing, tamales and lime soup, very representative of Yucatecan cuisine.

An example of how the Mayans have influenced Mexican cuisine is the use of corn tortillas instead of wheat flour or in the preparation of tamales, which are filled with meat covered with dough (corn flour) wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks and then cooked using traditional methods such as the so-called “earth oven”.

But we can also see them present in less traditional fusions such as enchiladas, chilaquiles and papadzules. Although each dish evolves and adapts to each state, Mayan gastronomy will always be based on ingredients such as corn and chilies. Who would say that today it would be so easy to taste an ancestral banquet?

4. Where to try the most authentic Mayan cuisine

The Mayan civilization has been in the Yucatán Peninsula for thousands of years, and during that time their food has evolved from a staple diet of corn, beans, and chili peppers to a rich cuisine with many regional variations.

In the Mayan town of Cobá you can still taste its delicious delicacies by visiting Pischán, a Mayan cuisine restaurant. A place recognized for integrating the best of contemporary flavors with the region’s ancestral techniques, so that the authentic flavors of such outstanding cuisine remain present.

Something important to note is that Pischán is more than a restaurant, it is a complete culinary experience. Well, its chef, descendant of a Mayan family, applies inherited ancestral techniques and fuses them with those of international cuisine, achieving that perfect balance that is distinctive of Pischán’s gourmet Mayan dishes.

Likewise, it is a unique opportunity to connect with the culture of the region, since it is located right in the heart of the Mayan jungle, surrounded by nature and the mysticism of Cobá, offering you an environment that you will surely not find anywhere else.

So if you are looking for something different from the typical Mexican food, this is the perfect place for you!

You will see that it is very easy to start your culinary journey, but if you still do not know where to start, do not worry, you can receive more information about the restaurant by contacting the direct line 998 342 0198 or if you prefer through the website. In case you have a special event, we recommend you book in advance here.

Now that you know where to taste the best of Mayan gastronomy, we suggest you complement your experience by consulting the best routes to reach this majestic destination.

If you have come this far, and you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends.