Maya Train Launches Janal, a Restaurant Train Featuring Southeastern Mexican Cuisine

Mérida, Yucatán — The Maya Train has added a new dining experience to its lineup: Janal, a restaurant train serving regional cuisine from southeastern Mexico.

The first trip took place in Yucatán on a route between Mérida-Teya and Izamal, where passengers sampled a traditional Yucatecan tasting menu prepared onboard by chef David Cetina Medina and the restaurant La Tradición. “Janal” is the Maya word for “food,” and the concept is designed to make gastronomy part of the train journey.

Mexico’s Tourism Secretary, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, said the goal is to create experiences that go beyond transportation and connect travelers with the region’s culinary identity.

Cuisine From All Five States

The project will expand beyond Yucatecan cuisine. The federal Tourism Department announced that Janal will eventually feature dishes from Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo — the five states along the Maya Train route. Chefs, restaurant owners, and food entrepreneurs from each state will participate in developing the menu proposals.

Dining on the Rails

The restaurant car is equipped with tables and service areas, allowing passengers to enjoy a multi-course meal while watching the landscape pass by. The inaugural run brought together travelers and representatives from the tourism and food sectors.

Rodríguez Zamora said the aim is to use food as a window into each destination’s culture and to involve local establishments in the project. As menus from the five states are gradually incorporated, the experience will showcase the culinary diversity of the entire route.