Street Foods You Must Try In Cancun: Top Picks For Foodies
Cancun is a city on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula that is known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. But nothing speaks more to the culture of the locals than its street food.
The flavors of Cancun’s street food scene showcase the richness this part of the world enjoys- an inspired blend of traditional ingredients in Mexican cuisine with fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
If you go to Cancun, you have to try the street food if you want to taste the city. You will love everything, from tacos to fresh juices.
Not only is the street food in Cancun good, but it is also somewhat cheap. You will see vendors around every corner, offering a wide variety of options.
From a speedy breakfast to a beach day to a fulfilling dinner after a whole day of wandering around, Cancun street food has got you covered.
In that case, let this article guide you through some of the best street foods you must try in Cancun, categorized according to meals throughout the day.
Best Street Food in Cancun for Breakfast
Cancun starts your day deliciously, with various breakfast options ranging from savory tacos de desayuno to sweet pan dulce.
The rich and diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine are reflected in the breakfast options.
Here is a guide through some of the most delicious street food for breakfast you must try while soaking in the local vibe.
Tacos de Desayuno
One of the most popular favorites is the tacos de desayuno or breakfast tacos. Most of the breakfast tacos include scrambled eggs, beans, and cheese and are usually topped with salsa for added flavor.
Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles are a Mexican food made out of fried bits of tortilla, generally served with green or red salsa. This is usually topped with cheese, avocado, and a fried egg. This could give a great kick to the energy level of somebody wanting to explore Cancun.
Tamales
They are prepared with masa, or corn dough, and then filled with various types of ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or even fruits. Then they get wrapped in corn husks and steamed. For travelers in Cancun, this will be a good and easy option for breakfast.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are tortillas with a filling of cheese and other ingredients that are grilled to a golden brown color. Often served in several varieties, including chicken, mushroom, or spinach, it comes with salsa.
Atole
Atole is a thick and hot drink made with masa flavored with either cinnamon, vanilla, or chocolate. In most cases, it is taken with some breakfast food items like tamales or sweet bread. The comforting drink needs to be the best way to start your day in Cancun.
Papaya and Mango Cups
Fresh fruit is a staple for breakfast in Cancun. You’ll often see vendors selling cups filled with a mixture of papaya, mango, and other fruits from the tropics. These healthy cups will keep you refreshed and give you the needed vitamins to rise and shine.
Pan Dulce
Pan dulce, or sweet bread, merely translates to a very popular breakfast treat in Mexico. These colorfully painted pastries come in various shapes and flavors, including but not limited to conchas or carnitas. A pair of those with coffee or hot chocolate makes for a great morning meal.
Tostadas de Ceviche
To the seafood lover, it’s a real breakfast treat to have tostadas de ceviche. Crispy tortillas that are newly covered with a fresh mix of ceviche-most of the time, fish or shrimp mixed with lime juice and chopped veggies-make for a light yet flavor-filled breakfast option.
Before you dive into Cancun’s mouthwatering street food scene, make sure you’re visiting at the right time! Discover the ideal months to enjoy the best flavors in our guide to the best time to visit Cancun.
Best Street Food in Cancun for Lunch
The real feast starts on the noon streets of Cancun, where there are different mouth-watering options for all tastes.
From the smoky spiciness in tacos al pastor to the freshness and sharpness of grilled fish tacos, each dish oozes with the authentic flavors of Mexican food. Rich quesabirrias to crunchy tostadas de pescado, Cancun’s street food promises an ultimate foodie adventure.
Tacos al Pastor
The Tacos al pastor is one food that any visitor to Cancun must try. These tacos are filled with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. The flavors combined in such a satisfying way will have it at the top of your favorite list for lunch.
Quesabirrias
The Quesabirrias consist of tacos with well-cooked beef inside, and cheese is burned on top with a side of consomé for one to dip the tacos in while eating. This has become one of the very savory meals, which have grown in popularity and is highly recommended for lunch in Cancun.
Tostadas de Pescado
The Tostadas de Pescado comprises deep-fried fish on crispy tortillas with cabbage, salsa, and avocado. The food combination in this dish provides crispy textures and freshness which make such a wonderful combination for lunch.
Tacos de Camarón
Tacos de camarón is a nice variant for those who love seafood. It generally consists of tacos filled with grilled or fried shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a zesty sauce. Light yet flavored, it is the perfect meal for lunchtime.
Fajitas
The fajitas sold by street vendors are made of grilled meat, bell peppers, and onions, all wrapped in warm tortillas. This is an interactive meal with you filling your fajitas with any number of toppings and salsas.
Burritos
The filling in tortillas, which is rolled up, constitutes a burrito. Beans, rice, and even meat are some of the ingredients used in this dish. It can be taken for lunch on the trot and is found in food stalls within most areas in Cancun.
Chicken Tinga
Chicken tinga is a type of shredded chicken in smoky chipotle sauce. It is generally used on tortillas or on top of tostadas and makes for a delicious and satisfying lunch option.
Grilled Fish Tacos
Grilled fish tacos are a great lighter lunch option. Fresh fish is grilled and placed inside soft tortillas with cabbage and this tangy type of sauce. It is refreshing and perfect on a warm Cancun day.
If you’re planning a trip to Cancun, make sure to check out the worst time to visit Cancun to avoid crowds and make the most of your street food experience. Trust me, timing is everything!
Best Cancun Street Food for Dinner
Dinner in Cancun varies in flavors down to the very heart of Mexican food-street food. From those tender, juicy morsels of tacos de suadero to the rich, festive chiles en nogada, every course promises satisfaction for ending your day.
From hearty pozole to seafood-laden arroz a la tumbada, all tastes will find satisfaction in Cancun’s lively food scene. Take this as an opportunity to run wild with dinner options and make this a culinary adventure!
Tacos de Suadero
Tacos de suadero feature brisket that is tender from a long, low heat. These tasty tacos often have onions and cilantro on top and thus proved to be some diners’ favorite dinner options in Cancun.
Pollo Asado
Pollo asado or grilled chicken was the second option for dinner. The chicken was put in spices by vendors and then grilled to perfection. It often comes with rice, beans, and tortillas, and thus quite filling.
Fajitas de Res
Fajitas de res or beef fajitas is another favorite dinner option. The tender beef is grilled with onions and peppers and served with tortillas so that one can make one’s tasty wraps.
Chiles en Nogada
Chiles en nogada is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of poblano peppers filled with meat and topped with a creamy walnut sauce. This is a very special occasion main course dish. When one comes to Cancun, they need to try this.
Pozole
Pozole is a strong soup made from hominy, meat usually of pork or chicken, and spices. Vendors sell it topped with lettuce, radishes, and even lime. This dish would be very appropriate to warm up one’s dinner.
Arroz a la Tumbada
Arroz a la tumbada is a traditional Mexican seafood rice dish, similar to paella. It includes shrimp, fish, and sometimes octopus, all cooked with rice and spices. A real flavor dish that will make one feel the taste of seafood locally.
Tacos de Bistec
Tacos de bistec consists of marinated and grilled beef in soft tortillas with fresh toppings. This simple but tasty option is good enough to make dinner worth one’s while in Cancun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most popular Cancun street food?
The most consumed food in Cancun’s streets is Tacos al pastor, as it has a delicious taste and a reasonably inexpensive cost.
2. Is Cancun street food safe to eat?
In general, the street food in Cancun can be eaten without problems. Anyway, it’s worth using only the best hygiene condition vendors.
3. Where do I find street food in Cancun?
Street food is found everywhere in Cancun, especially in busy places and local markets.
4. What is a typical breakfast in Cancun?
Breakfast in Cancun may commonly be made up of tacos de desayuno, chilaquiles, or tamales and a complement of fresh fruit.
5. Can I find vegetarian options in Cancun street food?
Yes, many street vendors offer vegetarian options: quesadillas, soups, and fruit cups.
6. How much does Cancun street food cost?
In Cancun, most things off of the street will fall between $1-$5, quite affordable to eat.
7. What beverages are good with Cancun street food?
Each street food should be accompanied by a glass of fresh fruit juices, aguas frescas, or local beers.
8. What foods do I avoid?
Though most foods available at street food stalls are safe for consumption, it is best to avoid any food that may look undercooked or has been kept around for longer than usual.
9. What is the best time to go for street food in Cancun?
You can find street food throughout the day, but it is especially alive during the evenings when more vendors head out.
10. How to find the best street food vendors?
Food blogs, reviews, and asking locals about recommendations best ways to get to the best street food in Cancun.
Conclusion
The street food in Cancun is a liveliness that reflects the culture and flavors of this city. From delicious tacos to refreshing desserts, the options abound.
Whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner, dessert-evening snacks are a must-do part of your Cancun experience when it comes to street food.
Next time you come to Cancun, be sure to try some of this street food that you have to try and enjoy the difference that makes this city so unique.
