Chencho's Restaurant is an absolute hidden gem tucked away in the Veleta neighborhood of Tulum, and I had the pleasure of discovering it during a special outing with Gigi Silva, founder of the Tulum Dinner Club. Gigi's weekly gatherings bring the local community together to explore Tulum's diverse restaurant scene, often shining a spotlight on places you might not otherwise find. On this night, Gigi invited a group of about 30 people to Chencho's, a restaurant that’s definitely off the beaten path but well worth the trip. The journey to Chencho's itself was an adventure. I walked through an unpaved, dark side street to get there, but the moment I arrived, the restaurant's cozy ambiance and warm staff made it all worthwhile. The manager was particularly attentive, remembering everyone's names and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. The open kitchen allowed us to watch the food being prepared, adding to the charm of the place. I ordered the Shrimp Tacos, which were exceptional. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, and the blend of flavors was spot on. The balance of the slightly crisp tortilla, savory shrimp, and the sweet and salty toppings made every bite delightful. I give the Shrimp Tacos a solid 8.4 – definitely a dish I’d recommend. But the night was even more special with Gigi at the table, trying Chencho’s Arrachera (skirt steak) Burrito for the first time. Gigi noted that the burrito was thin, which she appreciated, and loved how juicy the filling was. She praised the tortilla's light crunch and the flavorful sauce, rating her burrito experience a solid 8. I've run into Gigi numerous times around Tulum, often surrounded by friends at local restaurants, which perfectly captures the spirit of her Tulum Dinner Club. If you’re ever in Tulum, I highly recommend joining one of her weekly dinners. It’s a great way to explore hidden spots like Chencho's while supporting local businesses. Chencho’s Restaurant, with its welcoming vibe, attentive staff, and hidden location in Veleta, is truly a must-visit if you’re looking to experience authentic, local cuisine in Tulum. For more information about the Tulum Dinner Club, click below: 🔹TDC WhatsApp link to share: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DHFh4iN2GxSGouUaY8iazX 🔹Tulum Dinner Club IG: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FWWr6Mq9y5O8ipmtApfeUX

Focaccia Avocado Toast at Rabbit Hole: How the perfect mix of flavors and ambiance make this toast an 8.9 must-try If you're wandering through Tulum and craving something beyond tacos and chilaquiles, make your way to Rabbit Hole at Radio Tulum. This not-for-profit community hub in the heart of Central Tulum is more than just a place to eat—it's a cultural experience. Radio Tulum is a space that merges art, music, and local flavors, featuring two distinct dining options: Rabbit Hole and Mom’s (Indian food). Complete with a boutique hotel, full bar, co-working spaces, a pool, and live entertainment, this place has it all. But let's talk about the food: the focaccia avocado toast with fresh sprouts, macha salsa, and poached eggs at Rabbit Hole. The ambiance here plays a huge role in how you enjoy your meal. It's casual, cool, and effortlessly welcoming, with local artwork, vinyl record coasters, and open-air seating that sets the perfect backdrop for enjoying a slow, flavorful breakfast. Now, onto the toast itself. The focaccia is perfectly crisp on the outside, seasoned generously, while the inside is soft and pillowy, offering that familiar sourdough tang. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The creamy avocado balances out the heat from the macha salsa, which gives just the right kick without being overpowering. The fresh sprouts add an earthy crunch, and the poached eggs are soft, with their rich, golden yolk tying everything together beautifully. This dish scored an 8.9 on my One Bite Foodie scale. If you're in Tulum and want something fresh, satisfying, and a little different from your usual Mexican breakfast, you have to swing by Rabbit Hole. And while you’re there, say hi to Mandeep for me—tell him Joseph sent you! Trust me, it’s a meal and a vibe you won’t want to miss.

If you're craving a tropical twist on your meal while in Tulum, the Khaw Pad Sapparod (Thai Pineapple Fried Rice) from Curry by PO Thai Tulum is a must-try. This dish was served in a hollowed-out pineapple shell, which made for an impressive presentation and a flavorful experience. The rice itself was soft with those irresistible crispy edges that only a hot wok can create. It was fried with yellow curry that was creamy, yet mild, with no overpowering spice, allowing the other ingredients to really shine. The juicy chunks of pineapple added a sweet, tangy burst to each bite, balancing perfectly with the savory elements of the dish. One of the highlights was the buttery crunch of the cashews, which added an unexpected but welcome texture. The chicken was tender and juicy, pairing well with the rice and curry, while the peppers, onions, carrots, and chives added a colorful, fresh mix. Even the raisins worked surprisingly well, adding little pops of sweetness. I gave this Thai Pineapple Fried Rice an 8.8, largely due to the quality of the dish and the atmosphere at Veleta Market. This funky, tropical, retro market is a fantastic spot to hang out, offering a wide variety of food options. The ability to pair a BBQ bacon cheeseburger with Thai pineapple fried rice and a cold beer while catching up with friends is part of what made this experience so special. If you find yourself in Tulum, make sure to swing by Veleta Market and grab this dish at Curry by PO Thai Tulum. It’s a delicious treat that shouldn’t be missed!

Tulum may be known for its tacos, but if you’re looking for something different, head to Veleta Market and check out Burgerito. I decided to try their BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger, and it did not disappoint. The bun was soft, fluffy, and lightly toasted, with just the right amount of crispy edges and a hint of char. But the star of the show was the 100% beef patties. Slightly smashed, they had a fantastic crispy crunch and char on the edges, while still being juicy on the inside. The American cheese melted into a creamy, sharp gooeyness that pulled everything together perfectly. The BBQ sauce brought that sweet, smoky, caramelized flavor, while the thin, crispy bacon added the salty crunch that every good burger needs. This wasn’t just another burger in a taco town; it was a true BBQ bacon treat. I gave this burger an 8.7—not just because of the quality of the burger itself but also the environment at Veleta Market. The market offers a fun, tropical-meets-retro vibe with multiple food options. Being able to pair a BBQ bacon cheeseburger with pineapple fried rice and a cold beer from the bar while catching up with friends makes this an unforgettable Tulum experience. So, if you're ever in Tulum, swing by Veleta Market and give Burgerito a try. You won’t regret it!

Review: La Clásica Burger at MAYUMI BURGER, Tulum Sometimes, after indulging in endless tacos, all you really need is a good burger to shake things up—and La Clásica Burger at MAYUMI BURGER definitely hit the spot. From the first bite, the crispy edges of the toasted bun set the stage for the juiciest Angus beef patty. The BBQ sauce added a sweet, roasted flavor that paired perfectly with the tangy crisp of the red onion and the creamy, homemade mayonnaise. The bacon, cooked to perfection, brought that extra crunch that every great burger needs. Now, remember, I can't taste or smell, but this burger was a perfectly balanced mix of sweet, salty, juicy, crunchy, buttery, and savory. It gave me everything I was craving in Tulum after days of tacos. If you're in Tulum and craving a burger, I’d highly recommend stopping by MAYUMI BURGER. La Clásica is everything you want in a burger! #OneBiteFoodie #TulumEats #BurgerReview #LaVeleta #MayumiBurger #FoodieAdventures #Tulum

When you're in Tulum, everything—from the food to the surroundings—plays into the experience. It’s a place where ambiance becomes as important as what's on the plate. And if you're looking for a hidden gem to blend those elements seamlessly, look no further than Raum Gallery in the La Veleta neighborhood. You won't find the overly commercial vibe of the hotel zone here; instead, you’re greeted by a setting bathed in calm red hues, with outdoor seating that invites you to linger and soak in the eclectic decor. As soon as I pulled up, either walking or on one of Tulum's ubiquitous scooters or bicycles, I knew I was somewhere special. From the wooden porch entrance to the quirky, repurposed decor and art scattered about, the place oozes personality. And let's not forget the bathroom—it’s not every day you get anime porn wallpaper making a cameo. Raum Gallery doesn't just serve food; it serves a vibe, a mood, an energy. But let's talk food. I asked the manager what they're known for, and without hesitation, he suggested their Thai Green Curry with Pork—a dish that's taken on a bit of a legendary status around here, thanks to their "secret" curry. Now, here's the kicker: I lost my sense of taste and smell back in April 2021, thanks to COVID. So when I’m reviewing food, it’s all about texture, the interplay of savory and sweet, and the feel of it all. This ramen was texturally a joy. The noodles were tender, with just the right amount of bite—enough to let you twirl them up with your chopsticks but soft enough to easily melt into the savory pork oils floating in the broth. And man, the broth was something else. Even without tasting it, I could tell it had body and depth. Its clarity contrasted with the richness of the pork oil that coated the surface, giving it a slightly glossy sheen that begged to be slurped. Then there was the seaweed, which I mistakenly called spinach at first—it had that same tender, earthy texture that added a subtle complexity to the dish. The seaweed wasn’t chewy or rubbery; instead, it blended with the noodles, giving each bite an extra layer of flavor. The pork, stringy but tender, had that perfectly broiled texture, with just enough crispiness around the edges to keep things interesting. The green curry itself was a bit of a revelation, considering it wasn't thick as I'd expected. It was more like a light sauce that infused the broth rather than overpowering it. The manager had told me they keep it on the milder side so more people can enjoy it, and he was spot on. It added warmth without overwhelming, and balanced the savory notes of the pork with a subtle but satisfying heat. There was also bamboo, tender but with just enough snap to bring yet another texture to the bowl. And let's not forget the hard-boiled egg—a classic ramen touch. Firm whites with a creamy yolk, perfectly sliced in half, it sat there like the final puzzle piece of this delicious collage. I’m giving this dish an 8.7. Sure, it's more than just the food; it's the whole package. The ambiance at Raum Gallery, the moody lighting, the art, and that inviting energy, all play a huge part in the experience. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just eat—you dine, you linger, you catch up with friends, or make new ones. It’s romantic, it’s quirky, and it’s entirely its own. So, if you're ever wandering through Tulum, make sure to carve out some time to stop by Raum Gallery in La Veleta. Order the Thai Green Curry with Pork, even if you're not a curry person. It’s the kind of place where food meets art, and every meal becomes a story.

Chalino Cantina y Mezcal, nestled at the Nomad Experience boutique hotel and hostel outside Cancun’s hotel zone, delivered a satisfying textural experience with their Milanesa y Aguacate (breaded chicken and avocado) taco. As a reminder, I’ve been unable to taste or smell since COVID in April 2021, so I rate food based on texture and the balance of salty, sweet, savory, and combinations thereof. The taco came wrapped in a soft yet sturdy corn tortilla that held up perfectly to the juicy fillings. The breaded chicken was exceptionally crispy, with a light saltiness that reminded me of chicharrones (fried pork skin), providing a delightful crunch. The contrast with the creamy avocado was spot on, as the avocado's buttery texture added a smooth layer that balanced the crispness of the chicken. A generous portion of cilantro and white onion added brightness, while the radish gave a sharp, refreshing tang that rounded out the taco’s flavor and texture profile. The chicken itself could have been a bit thicker for an added juicy tenderness to complement the breading, but overall, the taco was well-balanced, crisp, and satisfying. I couldn’t detect the exact spices, but it wasn’t overly spicy, making it accessible and enjoyable. I gave this taco a 7.5 for its impressive crunch, juiciness, and texture. If you're in Cancun, I highly recommend visiting Chalino Cantina y Mezcal to try their Milanesa y Aguacate taco — it's a flavor-packed bite worth savoring!

Chalino Cantina y Mezcal, located at the Nomad Experience boutique hotel and hostel outside Cancun's hotel zone, serves up a traditional Mexican street taco that reaches back to ancient times: the Legua de res (beef tongue) taco. As a reminder, I lost my sense of taste and smell due to COVID in April 2021, so my reviews focus on texture, saltiness, sweetness, and the balance of savory and sweet. This taco did not disappoint. The soft yet sturdy corn tortilla held up impressively well, containing all the rich juices without falling apart. The beef tongue itself was tender and lightly salty, with a pleasant, subtle beefy oiliness that wasn’t overwhelming but still delivered satisfying texture. Alongside the tongue was a perfectly balanced combination of crisp white onion, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a fresh slice of red radish — each adding layers of texture and brightness. While I can’t identify the exact spices in the meat, the overall experience was juicy and flavorful, with each bite offering great texture and balance. I gave this taco a 7.4 for its impressive texture and savory satisfaction. If you're in Cancun, I highly recommend stopping by Chalino Cantina y Mezcal to try their Legua de res taco. It’s a delicious dive into Mexican tradition!

Cocina Tres Marías in Cancun serves up Birria tacos that are worth every bite. The tortillas? Firm yet tender, perfectly holding up to the juicy beef, no soggy mess here. The beef itself had that ideal char, balancing tenderness with the rich, flavorful oils that coated each bite. The texture was exactly what you want — substantial, yet melt-in-your-mouth. And those onions? Crisp with just the right pop of acidity to cut through the richness of the beef, rounding out the whole experience. If you’re in Cancun, make a stop at Cocina Tres Marías. You can find them at Calle Mero Supermanzana 3 Manzana 3 Lote 5, 77500 Cancún, Q.R. They’re open from 8am till 4pm Monday through Friday, and 8am till 2pm on weekends. Trust me, it’s worth the visit!