If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few weeks, it’s that Tulum’s culinary scene offers so much more than just the food – it’s about the community that gathers around it. My journey with the Tulum Dinner Club began about three weeks ago, after meeting Theresa, a "launch specialist," at another local event, Conscious Community. Intrigued by her description of the weekly dinners that explore different restaurants throughout Tulum, I joined in. My first outing was at an Italian restaurant, where I met Alan Arreguin, the GM, who regaled us with stories of his love for wine and his time in the United States. Tonight, our dinner brought us to Chencho’s Restaurant, a hidden gem in the Veleta neighborhood of Tulum.

The Tulum Dinner Club attracts a gathering of about 30 people each week, a mix of familiar faces and newcomers alike. It’s a diverse group with locals, travelers, and expats who are as eager to connect with one another as they are to savor the food. Tonight’s group included a lively tech founder from Los Angeles who, in a town focused on a slower-paced and more spiritual lifestyle, was thrilled to "talk LA." Amid the familiar slow pace of Tulum, it was refreshing to find someone with that LA energy, eager to share stories from home.

Among the new faces was a lovely couple from Canada. They’ve been adjusting to the pace of Tulum life for the past seven months and found the Tulum Dinner Club as a way to meet new people and discover their new neighborhood. They shared stories of their transition, finding the slower lifestyle a refreshing change and appreciating the Dinner Club as a source of camaraderie and culinary adventure.

Tonight's menu at Chencho’s was as memorable as the people. I opted for the Shrimp Tacos, which didn’t disappoint, earning a solid 8.4. The tacos were perfectly balanced with tender shrimp, a crisp tortilla, and a delightful blend of sweet and salty toppings. There’s something special about enjoying a meal while watching it come together in the open kitchen, with the friendly staff remembering everyone’s names and creating an inviting atmosphere. Meanwhile, Gigi Silva, the mastermind behind the Tulum Dinner Club, ordered the Arrachera (skirt steak) Burrito. For Gigi, this was a first, and she loved the juicy filling, the light crunch of the tortilla, and the flavorful sauce – ultimately giving it a solid 8.

Chencho’s isn’t the type of place you’d stumble upon easily, hidden down an unpaved side street in Veleta. But that’s part of the charm of the Tulum Dinner Club: it brings people together to discover these hidden gems, supporting local businesses and creating lasting connections.

For anyone new to Tulum or just looking to experience the real heart of its community, I can’t recommend the Tulum Dinner Club enough. It’s more than just a night out – it’s a chance to share a meal, a conversation, and perhaps even a story that will stay with you long after the night is over.

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