Trying new flavors and savoring lovely smells on the beach, while enjoying the bright turquoise Caribbean waters, is an experience that can be especially enjoyed in Playa del Carmen.

As a one hundred percent cosmopolitan destination, there are all kinds of cuisine, from classic tortilla chips with guacamole to molecular gastronomy, which blends ingredients from any latitude with Mayan spices.

Playacar also brings in the cooking of the neighboring state of Yucatan, which is also part of the Mayan legacy. Thus, it is no surprise to find that restaurant menus include cochinita pibil – a slow roasted pork dish – and fish tikin xic style – a dry fish dish with adobo de achiote (a marinade with annatto) and sour oranges, wrapped in banana leaves, traditionally cooked in an earthen oven. Another import from Yucatan is xtabentún – an anise and honey liqueur.

Some dishes worthy of the gods are: relleno blanco – a turkey- and pork-based dish in a rich sauce with ancho chili; relleno negro – turkey stuffed with pork with xcatic chili and spices; chocolomo – a mixture of chopped meats and offal with spices, sour oranges, and vegetables; and cocido – a stew with meat, vegetables, and legumes. To accompany these succulent dishes, there is nothing better than a glass of fresh tamarind water, and for dessert, rice pudding or vanilla custard. The latter reflects the culinary heritage of the Spanish colonists.

In searching for unforgettable cuisine in Mexico, if you are looking for a fusion of different flavors or a surprising mixture, this is just the place for you. There are fusions of Mexican cuisine with Argentine, Italian, Japanese, and other cuisines. In this gateway to the Riviera Maya, there are dishes to suit all tastes and budgets.