On my fourth night in Tulum, I stumbled upon a food lover’s paradise down an otherwise quiet and inconspicuous road. I followed a crowd of people and arrived at Veleta Market—a collection of six small restaurants, each with its own spin on global classics, all set in the heart of Tulum's Veleta neighborhood. What I found was not just a place to eat, but a place to experience.

Veleta Market’s atmosphere is an eclectic mix of funky pop music, casual seating, and a laid-back, tropical-retro vibe. The small white stone gravel crunched underfoot as I took in the low-seated tables, dark hand-carved wooden chairs, and the soft glow of bamboo and linen lamps swaying overhead. You can grab a bite from any of the six restaurants and pair it with a glass of wine or a cocktail from the central bar. It’s a perfect setting to meet friends, make new ones, and enjoy a night of good food and conversation.

That night, I had an unexpected encounter with a woman from Atlanta who was celebrating a friend’s birthday while searching for an apartment in Tulum. We struck up a conversation, and what started as a chance meeting turned into a group hangout and later a string of fun events. It’s moments like this, when great food and a relaxed, inviting environment come together, that lead to memorable experiences and lasting connections.

But let’s get to the real reason I was there—the food. I had been dreaming about pairing two of Veleta Market’s standout dishes: the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger from Burgerito and the Khaw Pad Sapparod (Thai Pineapple Fried Rice) from Curry by PO Thai Tulum. After a string of taco dinners, I craved something different. I wanted the juicy, tangy sweetness of a classic BBQ bacon cheeseburger combined with the savory, creamy, and sweet textures of pineapple fried rice. It’s a combination that shouldn’t work on paper, but in reality? It’s nothing short of a flavor and texture paradise.

Let’s start with the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger. The burger’s bun was soft and fluffy, toasted with just the right amount of char. The 100% beef patties were slightly smashed, giving them crispy, caramelized edges while remaining juicy in the middle. The American cheese melted perfectly into the beef, adding a gooey, creamy layer, while the BBQ sauce delivered a smoky sweetness that balanced the sharpness of the cheese. And the bacon? Thin, crisp, and salty, it provided the perfect crunch to every bite.

Now, imagine pairing that burger with Khaw Pad Sapparod, the ultimate Thai comfort dish. The pineapple fried rice was a textural delight—soft, sticky rice paired with the sweetness of pineapple, the crunch of cashews, and the savory undertones of the curry seasoning. Each bite offered layers of flavor: the sweetness of the pineapple playing against the earthy spices, the crunch of the vegetables and nuts balancing the softness of the rice.

Eating these two dishes together was like finding the perfect balance between East and West. The savory, juicy burger played beautifully off the sweet and crunchy pineapple fried rice. It was a satisfying textural and flavorful experience that left me wanting more.

After three days of dreaming about this combination, I finally returned to Veleta Market. I grabbed my ukulele, walked down the road, and ordered what had now become my signature pairing. To say that I enjoyed it would be an understatement—this was a textural treat for the senses, a feast of flavor and balance.

Veleta Market is more than just a place to eat; it’s a place where food brings people together. Whether you’re grabbing a burger, a plate of fried rice, or just a drink to share with friends, it’s that perfect blend of great food, a casual, welcoming atmosphere, and the possibility of making unexpected connections that makes this market so special.

If you ever find yourself in Tulum, make sure to stop by Veleta Market. Whether it’s your first visit or your fourth, you’ll always leave with a full belly and perhaps even a few new friends. This is what food should be about—more than just taste. It’s about experience, connection, and creating memories around the table.