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Yucatán
Land of the Mayan legacy with a cuisine unlike any other in Mexicon find content related to the state of Yucatán.
One of three states that sit on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, with which it shares its name, Yucatán was once an important region in the ancient Mayan civilization and is home to the famous Chichen Itza ruins. Like much of its culture and history, its cuisine is influenced by the Mayan legacy making it stand out from the other regional cuisines of Mexico. Achiote, citrus, habaneros, and smoke are pillars of Mayan cooking and deeply seeded in the region’s traditional cooking. One of the state’s best known dishes, pibil, was created by the Mayans to preserve meat in the Yucatán’s tropical climate. It is also the place to find some of the best tamales in all of Mexico.
Dive into Yucatán Content →
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Yucatán
Land of the Mayan legacy with a cuisine unlike any other in Mexico
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Nuevo León
An adventure destination with dazzling mountains, a distinctive cuisine, and a cosmopolitan capital
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Jalisco
Birthplace of tequila, mariachis, birria, and many more beloved Mexican cultural traditions
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Texas
Shares the longest border with Mexico of any of the U.S. border states and home to Tex-Mex cuisine
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Sonora
Known as “Mexico’s great frontier” for its ruggedly beautiful desert landscape, cattle ranches, wheat fields, and at the heart of its cuisine is carne asada
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Sinaloa
A farmer’s paradise with an extraordinary cuisine that reflects the bounty of its land and coast
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Guanajuato
Considered the birthplace of Mexico’s independence and one of the most beautiful and historical states
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Puebla
A main culinary hub where many of Mexico’s most iconic dishes originated and the home of Cinco de Mayo
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Oaxaca
A hub of art and cuisine that has been largely influential on Mexico’s gastronomy and culture for centuries
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Michoacán
Known as “the soul of Mexico” for its deep heritage, home to the “carnitas capital of the world,” and the world’s largest producer of avocados
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Mexico City
Mexico’s independent capital city and one of Latin America’s great culinary capitals
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Campeche
An ancestral home of the Maya along the Gulf of Mexico
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Baja California Norte
Home to the quintessential border town of Tijuana and a cultural melting pot with an exciting regional cuisine in the making
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Baja California Sur
Home to one of Hollywood’s favorite vacation destinations, natural wonders, and an inventive, playful cuisine
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Featured Videos from Yucatán
Featured Recipes from Yucatán
More from Yucatán
Recipes
Cacao Horchata
Cacao Horchata Bitter and crunchy of the cacao nibs play deliciously with sweet and silky horchata. 2 pounds sugar8 cups…
Recipes
Green Beans in Corn Sauce with Pumpkin Seeds
Green Beans in Corn Sauce with Pumpkin Seeds Green beans are cooked in a creamy fresh corn and epazote puree,…
Recipes
Green Ceviche
Green Ceviche Green Ceviche recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 9 “Pink” For the sauce:1 habanero1/2 red onion…
Recipes
Chaya Soup
Chaya Soup Chaya Soup recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 8 “Maya Today” 1/2 cup raw hulled pumpkin…
Recipes
Fresh Herb Corn Tortillas
Fresh Herb Corn Tortillas Fresh Herb Corn Tortillas recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 8 “Maya Today” 2…
Recipes
Pepita, Egg and Chaya Tamales
Pepita, Egg and Chaya Tamales Pepita, Egg and Chaya Tamales recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 10 “A…
Recipes
Black Bean Tamales with Pibil Pork
Black Bean Tamales with Pibil Pork Black Bean Tamales with Pibil Pork recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode…
Recipes
Roasted Tomato and Habanero Salsa
Roasted Tomato and Habanero Salsa Roasted Tomato and Habanero Salsa recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 10 “A…
Recipes
Chorizo Black Rice
Chorizo Black Rice Chorizo Black Rice recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 6 “Yucatán Meats” 3 tablespoons vegetable…
TV Show •Oct 17
Habanero Pork Belly Tacos
Habanero Pork Belly Tacos Habanero Pork Belly Tacos recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 6 “Yucatán Meats” 4…
Recipes
Pickled Onion with Fire Roasted Chiles and Garlic
Pickled Onion with Fire Roasted Chiles and Garlic Pickled Onion with Fire Roasted Chiles and Garlic recipe from Pati’s Mexican…
Recipes
Edam Cheese Poundcake
Edam Cheese Poundcake A delicious, rich poundcake with Dutch Edam cheese, which is widely used in Yucatán. To make the…
TV Show •Oct 11
Chaya Egg Scramble
Chaya Egg Scramble Chaya and Egg Scramble recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 5 “Ode to the Egg”…
Recipes
Habanero Table Salsa
Habanero Table Salsa Habanero Table Salsa recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 5 “Ode to the Egg” 6…
TV Show •Sep 08
Pumpkin Seed, Roasted Tomato and Habanero Dip
Pumpkin Seed, Roasted Tomato and Habanero Dip Pumpkin Seed, Roasted Tomato and Habanero Dip recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season…
Recipes
Motuleño Eggs
Motuleño Eggs Motuleño Eggs recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 5 “Ode to the Egg” 4 tablespoons vegetable…
Recipes
Fried and Puffed Tortillas
Fried and Puffed Tortillas Fried and Puffed Tortillas recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 4 “A Family Affair”…
Recipes
Chunky Tomato and Habanero Salsa
Chunky Tomato and Habanero Salsa Chunky Tomato and Habanero Salsa recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 4 “A…
Recipes
Pibil Picadillo
Pibil Picadillo Pibil Picadillo recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 4 “A Family Affair” 1 ripe Roma tomato1…
Recipes
Colado Black Beans
Colado Black Beans Colado Black Beans recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 4 “A Family Affair” 1 pound…
Recipes
Pea Soup with Basil and Mint Crema
Pea Soup with Basil and Mint Crema Pea Soup with Basil and Mint Crema recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season…
TV Show •Sep 07
Edam Cheese Potato Galette
Edam Cheese Potato Galette Edam Cheese Potato Galette recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 2 “Guayabera World” 2…
Recipes
Sweet Lime and Chile de Árbol Guacamole
Sweet Lime and Chile de Árbol Guacamole Sweet Lime and Chile de Árbol Guacamole recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season…
Recipes
Lemon, Honey and Basil Agua Fresca
Lemon, Honey and Basil Agua Fresca Lemon, Honey and Basil Agua Fresca from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 1…
Recipes
Honey Habanero Rice with Peas
Honey Habanero Rice with Peas Honey Habanero Rice with Peas recipe from Pati’s Mexican Table Season 12, Episode 1 “The…
Recipes
Yellow Rice
Yellow Rice From the two main kinds of Yellow rice in Mexican cooking, one has a saffron base and the other an achiote…
Recipes
Thanksgiving Turkey
Thanksgiving Turkey Thanksgiving Turkey recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 11 “Turkey Day” For the marinade:6 tablespoons achiote paste…
Recipes
Chorizo, Apple and Corn Bread Stuffing
Chorizo, Apple and Cornbread Stuffing Chorizo, Apple and Cornbread Stuffing recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 11 “Turkey Day”…
Recipes
Sweet Potato and Pecan Puree
Sweet Potato and Pecan Puree Sweet Potato and Pecan Puree recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 11 “Turkey Day”…
Recipes
Spicy Brussel Sprouts with Pork Belly and Habanero
Spicy Brussel Sprouts with Pork Belly and Habanero Spicy Brussel Sprouts with Pork Belly and Habanero recipe from Pati's Mexican…
Recipes
Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower with Queso Cotija Dressing
Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower with Queso Cotija Dressing Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower with Queso Cotija Dressing recipe from Pati's Mexican…
Recipes
Tropical Mint Pineapple Lime Smoothie
Tropical Mint Pineapple Lime Smoothie Tropical Mint Pineapple Lime Smoothie recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 8 "Valladolid:…
TV Show •Sep 30
Charred Red Onion Salsa
Charred Red Onion Salsa Charred Red Onion Salsa recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 7 “Izamal: Gold & God”…
TV Show •Sep 30
Yucatecan Style Lasagna
Yucatecan Style Lasagna Yucatecan Style Lasagna recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 7 “Izamal: Gold & God” 1/4 cup…
Recipes
Pepita Brittle
Pepita Brittle Pepita Brittle recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 7 “Izamal: Gold & God” 2 cups raw hulled…
Recipes
Avocado Crema
Avocado Crema Avocado Crema recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 6 "Ancient Yucatán with my Boys" 2 ripe…
Recipes
Pickled Red Onions a la Yucateca
Pickled Red Onions a la Yucateca Pickled Red Onions a la Yucateca recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 6…
Recipes
Fast Track Chicken Pibil Sandwich
Fast Track Chicken Pibil Sandwich Fast Track Chicken Pibil Sandwich recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 6 “Ancient Yucatán…
Recipes
Carrot and Sweet Potato Oven Fries
Carrot and Sweet Potato Oven Fries Carrot and Sweet Potato Oven Fries recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 6…
Recipes
Radish Pico
Radish Pico Radish Pico recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 4 "Sunday Family Food" 10 to 12 radishes…
Recipes
Pork Tenderloin Enchiladas with Mole Verde
Pork Tenderloin Enchiladas with Mole Verde Pork Tenderloin Enchiladas with Mole Verde recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 4…
Recipes
White Beans with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
White Beans with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes White Beans with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 4…
Recipes
Chayote, Apple and Jícama Salad with Avocado and Pepita Dressing
Chayote, Apple and Jícama Salad Chayote, Apple and Jícama Salad recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 3 “Celestún: Coastal…
TV Show •Aug 24
Everything But The Kitchen Sink Rice
Everything But The Kitchen Sink Rice Everything But The Kitchen Sink Rice recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 3…
Recipes
Seafood Broth
Seafood Broth Seafood Broth recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 3 “Celestún: Coastal Cooking” 1 to 2 pounds fish…
Recipes
Chaya Empanadas
Chaya Empanadas Chaya Empanadas recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 2 “Mérida: Exploring with the Locals” 2 cups fresh…
Recipes
Basic Yucatecan Tomato Sauce
Basic Yucatecan Tomato Sauce Basic Yucatecan Tomato Sauce recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 2 “Mérida: Exploring with the…
Recipes
Mango Pound Cake
Mango Pound Cake Mango Pound Cake recipe from Pati's Mexican Table Season 5, Episode 2 “Mérida: Exploring with the Locals” 1/2…
Recipes
Yucatán Style French Toast: Ultra Decadent
It’s ironic. The farthest away from Mexico I’ve been, the closest I’ve felt to my home country and the more…
Recipes
Do You Dare? Habanero Salsa!
This salsa does hurt. But just a little. Yet it goes oh-so-well with the Pollo Pibil, which together with red…
Recipes
Pickled Red Onions a la Yucateca
As promised, and right before the year ends, here is a recipe for pickled red onions or cebollas encurtidas or…
Blog •Dec 25
Bitter Orange
The bitter orange or naranja agria is a citrus fruit that has a peculiar bitter flavor and a very high…
Blog •Dec 18
Pollo Pibil
Last December, Daniel and I went to Yucatán. I was swept off my feet by the grandiose nature and history of…
Blog •Dec 18
Achiote or Annatto Seeds
Achiote or Annatto seeds is a spice that grows heavily in the Yucatán area and is unique and native to…
Blog •Dec 16
Achiote Paste or Recado Rojo
The achiote paste or recado rojo, is one of the main seasonings of the Yucatecan cuisine. Although it is mainly…
Blog •Dec 16
Banana Leaves
Incredibly long leaves from the banana tree, the banana leaves have a beautiful deep green color and a strong fragrant…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 1201: The Nectar of the Mayan Gods
Pati is in the magic town of Maní to learn about something sacred to the Mayans - bees and honey.…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 1202: Guayabera World
In Tekit, or “The Capital of the Guayabera,” Pati encounters a tale of sons going against their father’s wishes to…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 1203: Flavors of Merida
Pati explores the vibrant streets of Yucatán’s capital, Mérida, in search of its flavors. She tries “the best tacos in…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 1204: A Family Affair
Pati visits Chef Wilson Alonzo in his hometown of Halachó to prepare a traditional Cochinita Pibil in an underground pit.…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 1205: Ode to the Egg
Pati arrives in Motul, a town in the history books for Yucatán’s once thriving henequén industry and for the egg…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 1206: Yucatán Meats
Temozón is the birthplace of Yucatán’s signature smoked meat Carne Ahumada and everyone in town claims to have a relative…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 1207: Recados
Pati returns to Mérida to meet sisters, Delfina and Maria Elide, who love to cook and laugh and are famous…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 1208: Maya Today
Today no trip to Yucatán is complete without seeing a beautiful cenote, natural freshwater pools in caves. But Mayans saw…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 1209: Pink
An ingredient Pati constantly uses is salt and Yucatán has one of the most unique salts. The Las Coloradas salt,…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 1210: A Mayan League of their Own
In Yaxunah, Pati discovers Yucatán’s “league of their own.” She joins the Amazonas, a softball team of indigenous women, for…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 509: Isla Mujeres Inspired
Known for white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and the friendliest locals in the Mexican Caribbean, Isla Mujeres is…
Pati's Mexican Table
Episode 510: Cancún: We Meet Again
Pati explores Cancún to taste inventive dishes and experience the fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine with international flavors, like tuna…