Nestled in Mexico’s Pacific coast, the state of Nayarit beckons travelers with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. With fewer tourists than neighboring Jalisco & Puerto Vallarta, in Nayarit you will find small towns with bustling markets, often referred to as “tianguis”, featuring a wide range of products from fresh produce and traditional Mexican cuisine to handcrafted artisanal goods and clothing. In Nayarit you will find quaint seaside towns, mountain villages and delicious eateries. Nayarit boasts a culinary scene that tantalizes the taste buds and captures the essence of Mexican gastronomy. Embark with us on an adventure through the diverse flavors and specialties of Nayarit.
With its extensive coastline, it’s no surprise that Nayarit is renowned for its fresh seafood. Stroll along the sandy shores and you’ll encounter a plethora of beachfront palapas serving up the catch of the day. From succulent shrimp to tender octopus, the seafood in Nayarit is simply unparalleled. Be sure to indulge in ceviche in Sayulita, a refreshing dish of marinated seafood mixed with lime juice served up dozens of ways. Nayarit offers many truly authentic experiences—head to the coastal town of Sayulita, where you can savor the seafood on the beach or at a restaurant with a gorgeous view. While in Sayulita, you will enjoy street food of grilled fish tacos and fresh ceviches while soaking in the laid-back ambiance of this surfers’ paradise.
Prepare your taste buds for a flavor explosion with aguachile, a dish that packs a punch with its fiery ingredients. Similar to ceviche, aguachile features raw seafood, typically shrimp or fish, marinated in a tangy blend of lime juice, chili peppers, and cilantro. The result is a dish that is both refreshing and intensely flavorful with the heat of the chili peppers tempered by the citrusy marinade. Served with slices of cucumber and avocado, aguachile is a popular choice among adventurous foodies seeking a taste of Nayarit’s culinary daring.
On the seaside village of Punta de Mita you will find the innovative and exquisite cuisine of Chef Thierry Bluet at Tuna Blanca. Tuna Blanca offers a fine dining experience that showcases Chef Bluet’s passion for combining traditional Mexican flavors with French culinary techniques. Drawing inspiration from the fresh seafood and local ingredients of Nayarit, Chef Bluet creates dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. From his signature tuna tartare to his suckling pig tacos, each dish at Tuna Blanca is a work of art that celebrates the bounty of the region’s land and sea. With its elegant ambiance and impeccable service, Tuna Blanca is one of the top culinary destinations not to be missed for those seeking a taste of Nayarit’s gourmet offerings.
Coapan, a charming town nestled in the heart of Nayarit, offers travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s rural beauty and traditional way of life. One of the highlights of visiting Coapan is the chance to experience the authentic flavors of Nayarit at Rincón Campesino, with Chef Nayeli Flores, a rustic eatery that celebrates the region’s culinary heritage. Here, visitors can indulge in a traditional Nayarit breakfast that captures the essence of the countryside.
A typical Nayarit breakfast often starts with a steaming bowl of pozole, a hearty soup made with hominy, pork or chicken, and a flavorful broth infused with spices such as garlic, onion, and oregano. This comforting dish is served piping hot and garnished with crisp lettuce, radishes, and a squeeze of lime, adding freshness and acidity to the rich flavors of the broth. Accompanying the pozole is a basket of freshly made corn tortillas, their earthy aroma and tender texture perfect for sopping up every last bit of broth.
In addition to pozole, a Nayarit breakfast may also include dishes such as machaca con huevo, a savory scramble made with shredded beef, eggs, onions, and peppers. This hearty and satisfying dish is bursting with flavor, with the tender beef complementing the fluffy eggs and aromatic vegetables. Served alongside refried beans and slices of ripe avocado, machaca con huevo is a classic Nayarit breakfast staple that showcases the region’s love of bold, robust flavors.
In Nayarit, every meal is a celebration of tradition, innovation and the boundless beauty of Mexico’s culinary landscape. Indulge your senses and embark on a gastronomic voyage exploring the culinary treasures of Nayarit—a journey that promises to delight, inspire, and leave an indelible mark on your palate and soul.
