Whether it’s delicious street stand tacos, gorgeous fruit juices or refreshing ice pops, Tulum is one of Mexico’s top street food destinations. Although Oaxaca and Baja California are still heralded as Mexico’s major culinary hubs, Tulum offers a great gateway into a culinary tradition that was officially recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage in 2010. Here are the very best spots to sample street food in this majestic beach paradise.
Never far from the top of any local’s recommendation list, Taquería Honorio offers the best breakfast tacos in the region. The traditional cochinita pibil – slow-roasted pork marinated in ground achiote seeds and orange juice – is the stuff of legend in Tulum. The thick, rustic masa tacos combine perfectly with the flavorsome meat and there are a broad range of spicy sauces to choose from. The stand opens at six in the morning and closes when the food runs out, so make sure to get an early taco start.
This street joint is always full, a sure sign that the tacos on offer are truly delicious. The menu offers beef, chicken or al pastor (spit-grilled meat) tacos. The last of these is the undoubted standout – the juicy, flavorsome meat roasts gently for hours. Antojitos la Chiapaneca also offers plentiful spicy red sauce and guacamole. As busy as the place is, the service is always incredibly quick and the restaurant stays open until 1am every day of the week except Monday.
This laid-back beach restaurant has established a reputation as one of Tulum’s best. Located nine kilometers from the historic center, La Eufemia specializes in tacos, offering fish, shrimp, arrachera beef, al pastor, pork rind, vegetarian and poc-chuc (grilled pork marinated in citrus). The trendy beach joint also sells Iced CoCoffee, a delicious blend of coffee, chocolate and coconut cream.
This cute little café serves excellent coffee as well as delicious smoothies and fruit juices. However, Flor de Michoacán’s reputation is built mainly on its paletas (homemade popsicles). These fun ice pops come in every possible flavor – kiwi, pineapple, strawberry, mango and many more. The refreshing and delicious treats are wonderfully crafted and you can see the colorful frozen fruit encased in their yogurt base.
Escape from the heat and humidity of daytime Tulum at this legendary ice cream shop on Tulum’s beachfront strip. Origami offers a broad variety of flavors, including coconut, pistachio, passion fruit, chocolate, vanilla with biscuit and raspberry. The ice cream portions are both generous and delicious. Excellent hot and iced Italian coffee is also served here and the venue offers comfy outdoor seating.
