A Journey of Flavor: Discover the Traditional Dishes of Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta offers an exquisite gastronomic variety that combines flavors of land and sea, perfect for enjoying during your stay. It is considered the second most important gastronomic destination in Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta boasts luxury restaurants, but it also celebrates local businesses that highlight traditional flavors in every dish.
Here are the traditional dishes of Puerto Vallarta you must try:
Pescado en vara asado (Grilled Fish on a Stick)
Colloquially, people refer to this dish as “Pescado embarazado.” It is a traditional dish from the region that consists of fish (usually shark or marlin) grilled over a fire. It is called this way because the fish is skewered on a stick to be grilled, hence “grilled on a stick.” This delicacy is actually very easy to prepare, so if you want to take a romantic getaway to a beach where you can make a bonfire, you can do it—just prepare the glaze sauce made with guajillo chili, garlic, butter, and achiote.
Pescado en vara asado (Grilled Fish on a Stick)
Pescado Zarandeado (Grilled Fish)
Pescado Zarandeado (Grilled Fish) is one of the many gastronomic choices Puerto Vallarta has to offer when you’re in town. This specialty is sure to leave a good taste in your mouth and asking for more.
“Zarandear” is verb implying vigorous shake. The main ingredient for this ingenious dish is of course, the fish, red snapper to be specific. Red snapper is a thin, oval-shaped fish that can measure up to 95 centimeters in length and weigh up to 8 kilos.
The special red sauce used to cover the fish is made up of top secret ingredients, usually passed down from generation to generation. The next step is to place the aluminum wrapped fish over the grill. Generally coupled with white rice and tortillas, pescado zarandeado is an ideal dish to share with the whole family. Whether you choose to eat it with a fork or in a self-made taco, this traditional Vallarta dish is super scrumptious!
One of the most renowned places to enjoy this dish is at Boca de Tomates Beach, where you can find dozens of palapa restaurants and seating directly on the beach. If you’re closer to downtown, swing by Mariscos Tino’s, located right at the beginning of the malecon.
Originated in Mexcaltitlán (Nayarit), Vallarta chefs have given this dish their own particular flavor.
Pescado Zarandeado (Grilled Fish)
Ceviche Tostadas
Ceviche tostadas are a fresh and light option to enjoy at the beach or on a hot day in the city. They can be prepared with different types of seafood or fish, such as shrimp, octopus, white fish, or a mix, combined with lime juice, jalapeño or serrano peppers, onion, cilantro, and oregano. The mixture is served on crispy tostadas, topped with tomato and avocado, making it an excellent way to savor the flavors of Puerto Vallarta.
Ceviche Tostadas
Shrimp Pozole
This is a variation of the original dish, very popular on the coast of Mexico. It is a flavorful and nutritious meal, and an excellent way to experience the authentic local cuisine of Puerto Vallarta, while also being a bit of a challenge to prepare.
It is made with ingredients such as dried shrimp, small shrimp, hominy corn, ancho and guajillo chilies, and spices. In Puerto Vallarta, locals usually enjoy it with lettuce, onion, radishes, cream, and limes.
Shrimp Pozole
Tejuino
One of the traditional drinks of Puerto Vallarta, its roots go back to indigenous native fermentations made from starch-rich substrates, where microorganisms and lactic acid with probiotic properties abound, making it a refreshing and healthy option. It is considered a type of corn beer due to its malting process.
Tejuino vendors often add salt and lime, mixing it perfectly with ice; although in some places, they prefer to replace the ice with lime sherbet to enhance its unique flavor. Tejuino is much more than a refreshing drink—it is a treasure of Mexican culture that deserves to be celebrated and shared.
Tejuino
Raicilla
Raicilla is a distilled spirit from the Western part of the State of Jalisco in Mexico. It’s one of the lesser-known alcoholic beverages made in Mexico, but might actually be the older brother of the world-famous Tequila.
One of the traditional aspects of Puerto Vallarta is the making of this alcoholic beverage, as the production of raicilla is an artisan process that has been passed down from generation to generation within local families. It takes several years to produce, and there are even festivals dedicated to it.
Raicilla
Now you know that Puerto Vallarta offers wonderful places, but its culinary culture is truly impressive. Every traditional recipe is passed down from generation to generation, sharing its history in every dish. Embark on an exciting culinary journey and discover an amazing variety of dishes to delight even the most demanding palates.
Come and taste the flavors of Puerto Vallarta: A Culinary Journey to Paradise!
