In Cancun there are approximately three thousand restaurants, while in the state there are more than 12 thousand; from those that offer fast food to those that have Michelin star recognition: an experience that seeks gastronomic tourism or “foodies.”
All this makes up the great wealth of flavors of this region of the country and of all Mexico, where it is estimated that gastronomic tourism has grown at least 15 percent, according to Marcy Bezaleel Pacheco, president of Cocineros de Quintana Roo.
She commented that, although many people travel to Cancun to see its beaches and natural beauties, there is a market segment that seeks another experience: to know the local food, to enjoy the taste of new dishes; these are the so-called “foodies.”
“They spend between 800 and 1,200 dollars per meal, and they are interested in getting to know the regional food, with flavors different from those of other parts of the world,”
That is why, at least this year, more than 30 gastronomic events have been created to satisfy the demand of this tourist market, highlighting barbecues in cenotes, dinners by the sea or with traditional cooks.
In addition, it is estimated that there are more than a thousand street stalls that sell Mexican snacks, and the famous tacos, carnitas, pastor, cabeza, lengua or barbacoa among many others.
Rebeca Bravo León, president of the Association of Hotels in the city center, commented that there are national and international tourists who are not interested in gourmet cuisine, but in traditional dishes, which are sold on the streets such as panuchos, tamales, salbutes, tortas de cochinita, broths, and typical sweets, such as marquesita, Yucatecan flan, or nieves.
He said that tourists arriving at downtown hotels ask where they can eat local dishes.
That is why some travel agencies offer tours of the city center, visiting markets 23, 28 and famous taco shops. The prices of these foods vary between 60 and 100 pesos and tourists appreciate the experience.
Source: sipse