Savoring Tulum: best local eats and street food adventures
Beyond the boutique resorts and fine dining spots, Tulum hides a world of authentic flavors waiting to be explored. From early-morning tacos served at bustling taquerias to ceviche eaten with your feet in the sand, the town’s culinary soul thrives in its local markets, food stalls and no-frills eateries.
This quick guide is your ticket to savoring Tulum the cheap & chic way, where eating well doesn’t mean spending big: an ideal street food tour designed for curious travelers, backpackers and anyone seeking the true taste of the Yucatán through flavor, culture and culinary discovery.
Cheap eats in Tulum: a flavorful journey through local gems
Tulum may be known for its high-end restaurants, yet some of the town’s most memorable meals are found in its most unassuming and laid-back corners. Think tacos bursting with flavor for just a few pesos, fresh ceviche served under palm-fringed skies and traditional snacks shared at a plastic table in a local market.
These “cheap eats” are affordable and utterly authentic: crafted with care and rooted in tradition, they offer a true taste of Yucatán culture.
To eat like a local, you must first dive into the must-visit spots for a deliciously down-to-earth adventure… and we’re here to help!
Morning delights: tacos, cochinita and licuados
Start your day in Tulum the local way: with tacos and tropical drinks that are as delicious as they are budget-friendly. Morning is the perfect time to explore the town’s most beloved food spots, where locals line up early for their daily fix of slow-cooked meats and fresh fruit licuados.
Taqueria Honorio is a must for anyone searching for the best tacos in Tulum. A true institution among locals, this taqueria serves up cochinita pibil, lechón and relleno negro wrapped in warm tortillas and bursting with flavor. Get there early: when the meat’s gone, it’s gone.
Just a few blocks away, the Mercado Municipal is buzzing with energy. Here, vendors dish out panuchos, tamales and tropical juices made to order. Sip on a mango or papaya licuado while browsing stalls filled with local color and rich aromas.
Midday snacks: where do locals go for lunch?
When the Tulum sun is at its peak and your appetite calls for something satisfying yet affordable, follow the locals to two of the town’s most beloved lunch spots. Here, street food traditions meet the generosity of Yucatecan flavors.
Mercado 23 offers a full immersion into the sounds and smells of Tulum’s food culture. Expect colorful stalls brimming with panuchos, empanadas, tamales, tacos and fresh licuados. Most vendors have small benches or stools next to their stands. A useful tip: look for the busiest stalls, as it usually means their food is freshly made and local-approved.
If it’s your first time, don’t hesitate to ask the vendor: “¿Qué me recomienda?” (What do you recommend?). It’s a great way to break the ice and get the best dish of the day.
Evening cravings: tacos al pastor and seafood specialties
As the sun sets over Tulum, the town’s food scene comes alive with sizzling grills, glowing taquería signs and the irresistible aroma of meat and spices in the air. The evening is the perfect time to indulge in some of the best tacos in Tulum and discover affordable seafood dishes that rival those of even the trendiest restaurants.
If you’re craving something from the sea, walk down to El Camello Jr., a casual, locally loved eatery serving generous portions of ceviche mixto, shrimp cocktails and fish tacos at unbeatable prices. The vibe is relaxed and the decor modest, but the freshness of the seafood speaks for itself. Portions are large, so feel free to share. If you’re unsure what to get, their ceviche for two is a crowd favorite.
Looking for something more niche? Try Estrada Seafood, known for its generous platters of fried fish and a casual, lively vibe. For a dive into cacao culture, visit Xo’k, a charming chocolate shop where the owner shares stories about Mexican cacao and its ancestral roots. Negro Huitlacoxe is a hidden gem for bold, regional Mexican cuisine, while Cayuco remains a trusted spot for delicious mariscos and laid-back dinners.
Regardless of your taste buds’ preference, these evening gems offer delicious local food without the high-end prices. It’s proof that, in Tulum, some of the best meals come with plastic chairs and paper napkins.
Beachside bites: what about some fruits and kibis by the sea?
Tulum’s beachside experience wouldn’t be complete without a taste of its simple, authentic snacks. While you won’t find street food kiosks or open-air menus along the sand, local vendors sometimes pass by offering chilled slices of fruits or traditional Yucatecan kibis – delicious fried bulgur patties with a savory touch of spice.
These moments of flavor reflect the casual and relaxed rhythm of life on the beach. In the areas away from the archaeological site and the protected Parque del Jaguar, where access is tightly controlled, the northern stretch of Playa Paraíso still offers a laid-back vibe, best enjoyed barefoot and with a piece of fruit in hand.
Holistic yummy: where flavor meets conscious living
Tulum also offers a wave of eateries dedicated to wellness, sustainability and flavor able to satisfy the taste of the most discerning customers. These hidden gems offer mindful alternatives for those seeking health-conscious, plant-based or simply nourishing meals in an intimate and authentic setting.
A true favorite among conscious travelers, La Hoja Verde offers vibrant vegetarian and vegan dishes, freshly made food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located in the heart of Tulum, it’s a space for community, cooking classes and workshops focused on healthy living. Their motto says it all: ¡Come sano, vive feliz! (Eat healthy, live happy!).
If you’re craving traditional Mexican cuisine with a contemporary twist, Delicia de Mi Tierra truly delivers a heartfelt experience. The menu celebrates beloved family recipes with fresh ingredients, a cozy terrace ambiance and a standout vegan menu that doesn’t sacrifice authenticity. From fresh juices to artisanal mezcales, every detail is crafted with absolute love.
Healthy and creative: the rich culinary offer at Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa
Between white sand and turquoise sea, our Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa offers a culinary experience that embraces both indulgence and balance. With two in-house restaurants – Ziggy and Fresco’s – the resort invites guests to explore a flavorful journey through Mexico’s culinary heritage and contemporary wellness trends, right on the beach.
Ziggy Restaurant and Bar: a celebration of local flavors
From sunrise breakfasts to dinners under the stars, Ziggy Restaurant and Bar celebrates the richness of local food in Tulum through gourmet Mexican and international cuisine. The menu is built around fresh, seasonal ingredients – many of which are sourced locally – and showcases both timeless classics and creative reinterpretations.
Diners can begin the day with house-baked bread and tropical fruits, then explore bold flavors with shrimp al pastor tacos, citrusy ceviches and specialties like grilled octopus or short rib in prehispanic sauce. Signature cocktails like the elegant Hugo Spritz or the Spicy Margarita perfectly complement a beachfront setting that adds its own charm to every bite.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just stopping by for a light lunch or planning a romantic dinner by candlelight: Ziggy offers a relaxed yet refined beachfront dining experience that captures the essence of Tulum.
Fresco’s: a healthy and delicious menu to nourish the body and the soul
Freshness, color and creativity define Fresco’s, our resort’s vibrant eatery focused on healthy food in Tulum. Here, well-being is never a compromise, as every dish is designed to nourish the body and delight the senses.
The menu features a variety of options, including smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, vegan tacos, quinoa salads and veggie hummus platters, all served in a breezy, open-air space steps away from the beach. Ideal for a bright breakfast or a light midday meal, Fresco’s is a go-to for those seeking clean eating options without sacrificing flavor or creativity.
Together, Ziggy and Fresco’s reflect the soul of Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa: a place where taste, health and atmosphere are in perfect harmony, inviting every guest to dine with intention.
Tips for planning your own street food tour in Tulum
Tulum is best discovered with an open heart and an empty stomach. If you’re ready to experience its most authentic flavors, here are a few simple tips to plan a street food tour that’s as rewarding as it is delicious:
- Set a flexible budget and realistic expectations: street food in Tulum is usually affordable, although prices may vary by location. Bring small cash bills and go with the flow.
- Use digital tools to map your route: Google Maps and foodie blogs are great resources for discovering new taquerias, food stands and mercados. Mark a few must-try spots but leave room for detours and don’t forget to ask our concierge for advice!
- Favor local markets and small eateries: Mercado Municipal, Mercado 23 and small taquerías are where the real gems hide.
- Let your senses guide you: follow the scent of slow-cooked cochinita or the sound of tortillas hitting the comal. Some of the best food finds are spontaneous.
- Respect local customs and timing: many stalls close after lunch or don’t open until evening. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or what’s fresh that day.
- Stick to handheld specialties: tacos, tamales, tortas, empanadas and panuchos are ideal for a walking tour and easy to enjoy on the go.
Remember, part of the fun is the journey itself: taste freely, share stories and take notes for your own Tulum food map. Let your next trip to Tulum be guided not by reservations, but by appetite, curiosity and the simple joy of eating like a local.
Ready to begin your new multisensory journey? Be our guest at Cabañas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa: book your stay today.