When I first landed in San Francisco de Campeche, I was immediately struck by the city’s unique charm. This coastal town, rich in history and culture, is also home to some of the most incredible food I’ve ever tasted. I had heard whispers about the food scene here before, but nothing could have prepared me for the complexity and variety of flavors that awaited me. Whether you’re a fan of street food or fine dining, Campeche offers something that will tantalize every type of palate.
In this post, I’ll take you through my personal culinary journey in Campeche, highlighting some of the dishes you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Along the way, I’ll share my experiences at various local eateries and recommend a few platforms for booking your meals, so you can immerse yourself in the local food scene as seamlessly as I did. From the savory to the sweet, Campeche’s food culture is an essential part of its identity, and I’m excited to share what I discovered.
1. Tacos de Cochinita Pibil: The Heart of Campeche’s Street Food
As soon as I stepped out onto the colorful, cobbled streets of Campeche’s historic center, the unmistakable smell of slow-cooked pork wafted through the air. My first stop was a small taquería I had been tipped off about by a local. The dish they are known for? Tacos de Cochinita Pibil, a Yucatecan specialty.
The pork is marinated in achiote (a spice blend that includes annatto seeds) and then wrapped in banana leaves before being slow-cooked for hours. The result is melt-in-your-mouth tender meat that’s bursting with flavor. Topped with a bit of pickled red onion and served with a side of fiery salsa, this taco immediately became one of my favorites.
I was lucky to stumble across a popular street vendor on Calle 10, who serves these tacos fresh off the grill. The vendor explained that this dish is often prepared for celebrations and family gatherings, making it an essential part of Campeche’s culinary tradition.
For those looking to explore the local food scene digitally, Uber Eats and Rappi are convenient platforms to order food directly from your phone and have it delivered to your doorstep. They offer a wide selection of local favorites, including Cochinita Pibil, so you can savor it even if you’re in the comfort of your hotel room.
2. Panuchos: The Perfect Snack
One of the joys of traveling is discovering hidden gems, and Campeche is no exception. While wandering through the bustling Mercado Principal, I found myself drawn to a small stall selling Panuchos, another Yucatecan treat.
These crispy tortillas are stuffed with refried black beans, then topped with your choice of grilled chicken or turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. The texture combination of the crispy tortilla, smooth beans, and fresh toppings is irresistible. The stall owner recommended pairing my Panucho with a refreshing agua fresca—think fruit-infused water that’s light and sweet.
I sat at one of the small, rustic tables surrounded by locals and watched the vendors preparing these delicate, flavorful snacks. It was a moment where I truly felt connected to the local culture, savoring something so authentically Campechan.
If you’re on the go or want to explore more of the market, consider ordering via Didi Food, a platform that’s popular in this region and can help you order Panuchos (and other tasty dishes) from local vendors.
3. Mariscos: Fresh Seafood From Campeche’s Shores
Campeche is a coastal city, and the bounty of the sea is reflected in its rich seafood offerings. One of the standout experiences for me was a dinner at La Pigua, a restaurant renowned for its fresh seafood dishes. The menu at La Pigua is an ode to the region’s coastal heritage, and every dish is crafted with the freshest catches of the day.
I started with a ceviche de camarón, a light and tangy appetizer made with shrimp marinated in lime juice and tossed with tomatoes, cilantro, and onions. The shrimp were so fresh they practically melted in my mouth, with each bite offering a burst of citrusy goodness.
For the main course, I opted for a filete de pargo a la veracruzana—a red snapper fillet cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with olives, capers, and herbs. The fish was perfectly cooked, tender, and flaked off the bone with ease. Paired with a side of coconut rice, the flavors were both comforting and bold.
At La Pigua, I was able to reserve a table through OpenTable, which was a smooth and simple way to ensure I had a spot at this popular spot. Seafood lovers should definitely consider visiting here for an unforgettable experience.
4. Sopa de Lima: A Zesty Classic
A trip to Campeche wouldn’t be complete without sampling Sopa de Lima, a traditional Yucatecan lime soup that’s bursting with zesty flavors. This soup is a perfect balance of savory chicken broth, fried tortilla strips, and tangy lime juice. It’s often garnished with crispy fried chicken, making it a heartwarming and refreshing dish all at once.
I had my first bowl at a charming café, tucked away just off the main square. The soup was light, yet full of depth, with the lime offering a refreshing kick. The texture of the fried tortilla strips added a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
The chef told me that Sopa de Lima is often served during festive occasions and special family gatherings, with each region adding its own unique twist. In Campeche, it’s served piping hot, often with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime on the side for extra zest.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy lunch or dinner, you can easily find Sopa de Lima on many local menus. You can also find it on Rappi or Uber Eats, so you can enjoy a bowl from the comfort of your accommodations.
5. Tequila and Local Spirits: A Taste of Campeche’s Craft Liquor
While Campeche’s food is exceptional, the drinks are equally worth exploring. I had the opportunity to visit a local distillery that produces artisanal xtabentún, a traditional Mayan honey liqueur that’s infused with anise.
The distillery tour was fascinating—watching the process from honey collection to fermentation was an education in itself. Afterward, I had the chance to taste this sweet, slightly herbal liqueur. Its complex flavor profile is unlike anything I’ve ever had, with a mild sweetness that’s balanced by the hint of aniseed. It’s often served chilled, as a digestive or mixed into cocktails.
I also tried a traditional Tequila de la Sierra, which is distilled in the nearby mountains using blue agave plants. The deep, earthy flavors of the tequila were the perfect accompaniment to a plate of grilled meats. The distillery offers guided tastings, and I highly recommend booking in advance via Viator or GetYourGuide, both of which offer easy ways to reserve a spot for local tours.
6. Where to Stay and Dine: Combining Comfort With Culinary Delights
When visiting a city like Campeche, finding the right balance between comfort and culinary exploration is key. I stayed at Hotel Baluartes, a charming boutique hotel that offers both a comfortable place to rest and easy access to the city’s best food spots. Their in-house restaurant specializes in Campechan seafood dishes and provides a fantastic view of the city’s old forts.
For a more upscale experience, Casa Don Gustavo Boutique Hotel offers refined luxury with an emphasis on regional flavors. Dining here feels like an immersion into the local food culture, but with a sophisticated twist.
Booking a table at some of Campeche’s finer dining establishments, like Bovino or El Navegante, can be easily done through Resy or OpenTable. These platforms allow you to reserve a spot at popular spots and get a taste of Campeche’s modern culinary scene, where local ingredients meet contemporary techniques.
7. Final Thoughts: A City That Sings Through Its Flavors
What makes Campeche’s food so memorable isn’t just the individual ingredients or the way it’s prepared—it’s the love and history that’s embedded in every bite. Each dish tells a story, from the Yucatecan classics like Cochinita Pibil and Panuchos to the fresh seafood caught off the coast.
The next time you find yourself in Campeche, don’t just wander through the streets—take the time to savor every bite, appreciate the history behind the flavors, and truly embrace the culinary soul of the city. Whether you book your meals through food delivery apps or decide to explore hidden food stalls, make sure that your taste buds get the full experience. After all, the heart of Campeche is best found in its vibrant, flavorful food scene.
