Sabah in Mérida

We spent a very full three days and lively four nights soaking up Mérida — exploring on our own and then criss-crossing town with several local friends.

They took us to their favorite spots from ceviche & live music to local shops selling artisanal goods & the best Cochinita Pibil taco I could have ever imagined. Along the way, they shared about local culture, their own communities, and generally left us with an enthusiastic impression of the city.

There’s simply too much to share here, so you’ll find more in the full “Sabah Guide to Mérida.” Coming soon -- Stay tuned for that!

One of the highlights of our trip was an afternoon visit to the iconic Mercado Lucas de Gálvez. There you'll find stalls selling everything from fresh fruits & vegetables to panuchos (fried tortillas stuffed with beans and topped with meat and veggies) & hats, fans & baskets made from local straw. 

My very favorite taste of the whole trip came from Taquería La Tía. They do one thing, and they do that well: 8-hour roasted Cochinita Pibil, a Yucatan style slow-roasted pork. So well-seasoned & properly cooked, it requires almost no garnish or salsa.

About an hour's drive north of Mérida, you'll find the laidback beach town of Sisal. We traveled there with Laia, Daniel and Natalia -- a place they regularly go to beat the intense summer heat.

It was an overcast day, so the town was particularly sleepy. Natalia introduced us to one of her favorite local eateries: Pescadería Doña Rita.

We ate fresh ceviche, a whole fried fish, and kibis (the Yucatecan interpretation of Lebanese Kibbe, who would've known that existed!) all washed down with ice cold Victorias.

With Rita's grandson, Ian, as our host, it was one of our most memorable meals of the trip.

If you find yourself in Mérida, a day trip to Sisal is certainly a good idea -- and on the drive back, a quick stop in the main square of Hunucmá for paletas is a real treat.

At every turn, we seemed to be eating one meal more delicious than the next in Mérida. Whether it was the Cochinita Pibil tacos in the market, ceviche at the beach, or snacks at the Cantina -- the food was simply incredible!

While it's hard to say best, I think our very favorite meal was breakfast at Pancho Maíz -- a restaurant located in a historic home just outside the city center. Their culinary focus on the different varieties of corn that grow in the Yucatán region.

Another highlight was La Ermita Cantina -- a (very) lively neighborhood bar we stumbled upon one rainy evening and found ourself returning to night after night. Great music, an eclectic crowd, and one of the best margaritas I've ever had!