Mexico’s Best Tamales are in Playa del Carmen

Tamales, a staple in Mexican cuisine, are celebrated for their diverse flavors, both savory and sweet. They are particularly popular in February, when they form part of the traditional Dia de la Candelaria celebrations. While many people enjoy making tamales at home, others prefer to purchase them. But where can you find the best tamales? According to Taste Atlas, a renowned gastronomic encyclopedia, there’s one establishment in Mexico that stands out.

Where can you find Mexico’s best tamales?

If you’re seeking the finest tamales in Mexico, you’ll need to head south. Taste Atlas has crowned “Loncheria Doña Mary” in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, as the ultimate destination for tamale enthusiasts. The establishment has earned a rating of 4.1 stars out of 5.

Alongside tamales, the menu features caldos (broths), empanadas, tortas, tostadas, and traditional Yucatecan snacks like panuchos and salbutes. The prices are affordable, ranging from $35 to $110 pesos.

What sets the tamales at Doña Mary apart?

Taste Atlas critics praise the tamales at the Doña Mary for their generous size and authentic regional flavor. They are served in banana leaves and filled with ingredients like chicken, fish, Yucatecan stews (such as cochinita pibil), and roasted meat with cheese, often accompanied by a sauce. The tamales here offer a tantalizing mix of spicy and salty flavors, rather than sweet.

On February 2nd, Día de la Candelaria, tamales take center stage, and in Quintana Roo, those filled with chicken, tomato, and achiote are particularly popular, as indicated by Taste Atlas.

If you’re planning a visit to Loncheria Doña Mary, there’s no need to make a reservation. The address is Av.30 between Calles 28 and 30 Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., and it’s open from Monday to Saturday, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.