Quintana Roo's First Traditional Cooks Gathering Introduces Smoke-Kitchen Maya Cuisine

In Tulum, Quintana Roo, a unique culinary event is set to debut with the first traditional cooks gathering. Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa announced that the event will take place on November 21 and 22 at Parque del Jaguar, bringing certified traditional cooks from across the state to showcase their smoke-kitchen dishes.

Participating cooks, including those from Chetumal, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Nuevo Durango, and Lázaro Cárdenas, will offer a variety of dishes such as octopus tacos with castacán, chaya-topped chalupitas, and toksel, a white bean stew prepared on hot stones. The gathering aims to introduce visitors to the traditional cooking techniques and unique flavors of Quintana Roo's Maya cuisine.

The event is free and open to residents, visitors, and tourists, with admission to the park around Parque del Jaguar also free. Visitors can expect to sample traditional dishes such as relleno negro (turkey stewed in a black paste of charred chiles) and toksel, as well as various smoked dishes and chaya-based snacks. The event aims to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Quintana Roo and promote traditional cooking techniques.