Food & Travel Diary

I was able to sample a wonderful variety of food on my recent visit to Mexico’s Yucatan, but, looking back, my favourite was Sopa de Lima, Yucatecan chicken and lime soup. During my short visit, I enjoyed this traditional dish three times.

The chicken broth features chopped tomatoes, onion, carrot and celery to which are added chunks of boneless chicken, strips of tortillas and the juice and slices of fresh, local limes.

The bowl with lunch at the Parador restaurant in Uxmal was all right, but not particularly memorable. A much better version was served at Hotel El Mesón del Marques in Valladolid, located in a 16th century colonial building overlooking the main square of Yucatan’s second oldest and largest city.

By far my champion sopa de lima experience was at Hacienda Xcanatun on the outskirts of Merida. Built in a restored 18th century sisal plantation, this is definitely one of the finest restaurants in the area. The Yucatecan lime soup in the photo was taken at Hacienda Xcanatun.