Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – A hidden food gem

The beachside wonder that is Puerto Vallarta is a hidden food gem for Mexico. Produce from the ocean and earth are brought to tables, in the form of traditional dishes to international fusion cuisine. 

Food is represented in Puerto Vallarta in a variety of ways. Everything from expensive fine dining aimed at tourists, to local stands at the markets and beachside. There is something for everyone. But no matter your budget, you are guaranteed amazing flavours, and exploding tastebuds. 

Here are some of the dishes you need to seek out and try when you are in Puerto Vallarta. 

Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles is the main food you need to try when you head to Puerto Vallarta. While traditionally served as a breakfast food, most places now serve this popular dish all day. The dish is tortilla chips, baked in salsa,  and then topped with eggs and sour cream. If you want something a bit more substantial or later in the day, you can also add pork or chicken. The dish is rich in traditional Mexican flavours and one of the most ordered dishes in the region. 

Tamales

With many regions adopting their own signature flavours, this favourite is made from corn dough and can be filled with savoury fillings or sweet. They are then wrapped in corn leaves and steamed to perfection. Delicious for all ages….just make sure you don’t get one filled with chilli for the kids!

Pescado Embarazado

A street food favourite in this area is Pescado Embarazado, which is fish that is roasted on a stick. It is grilled over coals with lime juice and served with salsa. In some cases, you may find something similar using shrimps instead of fish. 

Birria

Birria is full of flavour and spices, and essentially hearty meat with sauce. Either using goat or lamb, it is served with tortillas and onions. It is a favourite with the locals and certainly needs to be on your “must try” list. 

Pozole

The local region of Jalisco puts a great spin on this classic. Pozole is a flavoured broth, served with pork or chicken, and flavoured with chilli. It is served with a really unique popped corn and is served with radish and lettuce and of course tostadas. 

Tortas Ahogadas

These “drowned sandwiches” known as Tortas Ahogadas have been adopted as a local food but were originally popular in the region of Guadalajara. Apparently there, you haven’t really been there, if you haven’t tried them. A special local white bread is stuffed with pork meat and covered in a chilli sauce. In fact, certain places add so much chilli sauce, it is an art form to eat and often can be so spicy it’s inedible. But as it is all part of the experience, just bring a bottle of water and give it a go anyway!

Wash it down with…

No meal is complete without washing it down with a local drink. With many local beers to try, the region is also a showcase of wines from the Baja region. However, beyond that, there are a couple of drinks worth trying. 

Pacifico Beer

While not made in the region, it is certainly the most popular beer to enjoy on the beach, while you are watching the sunset. 

Tequila

This Jalisco beverage is made at many old-school-style distilleries throughout the region. Made from the blue agave plant, this punchy drink is not for the faint hearted. Also to try is Raicilla, another drink made from the same plant, but even stronger than the traditionally made tequila. 

Tejuino

The non-alcoholic beverage of Tejuino, is made from the same type of fermented corn that cornbread is made from, and is popular throughout the Jalisco region. Tasting like candy, this drink is enjoyed cold. 

Final Thoughts

While you may have chosen Puerto Vallarta for the chilled out beach vibe, you will be delighted in the array of foods that you can try. And while there are cuisines from all over the world represented in the tourist areas, make sure you remember these local flavours.