Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean Food

From elegant restaurants serving five-star cuisine to street-corner stands churning out local specialties, you will find something to tempt your taste buds in the Mexican Caribbean. When you visit the region, don't feel restricted to places like Cancún for fine dining.

When it's time to dine, you face many choices. Meals are not only served in restaurants, they are also served in caf�s, jugerías featuring jugos (juices) and licuados (shakes or smoothies), markets, and even streetside vendors.

Though you'll find plenty of low-key spots to dine, these local eateries aren't always the most popular spots. Larger chain restaurants are more common around the Cancún area, but you can also find them scattered throughout the region. And, of course, upscale dining can be done at some of the world's finest locally-owned restaurants, as well as international chains.

Once you've found a perfect spot, you can savor the many flavors of Mexican cooking, which is seasoned most popularly with unusual chiles. Most Mexican food, however, is not necessarily spicy, and many dishes are comprised of the mild combination of corn and beans.

To wash down Mexican delicacies, choose from a diverse list of refreshments. Whether you're interested in fruit juices, sodas, coffee, or something a little more potent, you're sure to find something to enjoy.

To truly dine like a local, make lunch your largest meal. This may do more than help you feel at home, it may even save you money. Comidas corridas are different each day but quite inexpensive at most restaurants. Most travelers find dinner reservations unnecessary, unless you plan to dine with a large group, or if you plan to make dinner a black-tie affair.

Whether sipping a Corona in a seaside lounge or taking a worthwhile chance on a local specialty, the Mexican Caribbean has plenty for diners to choose from.

Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean's Culinary Styles

The cooking methods unique to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean are a great blend of natural resources and international influences.