Today, after touring the amazing Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Penisula of Mexico, we were lucky enough to have lunch at La Casona De Vallodolid, a restaurant specializing in traditional Yucatan cuisine.

We tried a lot of new things, including: lime soup, poc chuc (roasted pork with bitter orange), cochinita pibil (achiote-marinated pork, slow roasted underground), ceviche and horchata (sweet rice milk).  We also had guacamole (of course) and chips, and for dessert: rice pudding.  It was all delicious and seemed very authentic.  We will have to try out some new Mexican recipes when we get home. Plus after walking around for hours in the hot sun, it was nice to take a break.  The restaurant itself is very beautiful.  It used to be the governor of Yucatan’s home so it is large with beautiful tiles.  And there is a hidden courtyard with a beautiful ceramic fountain (see photo above). Definitely worth a stop if you are visiting Chichen Itza or Valladolid.

Poc chuc and lime soup

Cochinita Pibil

Ceviche

Rice Pudding

Wall decorations