Chiapas Cuisine

Chiapas cuisine is the food culture of the Mayan people and their descendants in Chiapas and neighboring areas.

This region is associated with Classic Period(250~950AD) Mayan historic sites, such as the Mayan ruins at Palenque.

Tuxtla Gutiérrez is a cultural center.

Ingredients

Corn is a staple ingredient. It is typically nixtamalized to make hominy which is then ground into masa for use in tamales and other foods.

Black bean is common. Other beans are also used sometimes.

quelites: chipilin, hoja santa(jacuané)

chayote

cacao or cocoa

Chili and tomato are widely used.

avocado

Papaya originated in Mesoamerica in or near Chiapas. Other local fruits include huaya, which is related to longan; soursop(guanabana); sugar-apple(zaramullo); black sapote, which is related to persimmon; and pinuela, which is related to pineapple.

beef and cheese, pork, chicken

Dishes

• corn tortillas
• tamal: corn dumpling wrapped in banana leaf
• tacos
• black beans cooked with salt and chili
• salsa
• guacamole
• chanfaina: tripe soup
• sopa de chipilin: chipilin soup
• pozol: fermented corn and cocoa drink