Yucatán’s Top Regional Dishes Revealed

X-Katún, Chankom, Yucatán — To commemorate World Food Day, the Yucatán DIF System held the 2025 Regional Dish Competition in the X-Katún comisaría of Chankom, with the goal of promoting health, community participation, and the preservation of the cultural wealth of rural communities.

Amidst aromas, colors, and traditions, the X-Katún town square came to life with the participation of development groups from different localities across the state, who shared 14 dishes prepared with local ingredients and traditional recipes, reflecting the collective work promoted by the DIF Yucatán's Health and Community Well-Being Program.

The Honorary President of DIF Yucatán, Mtra. Wendy Yamile Méndez Naal, highlighted the importance of this celebration that unites communities through food.

"Today we celebrate a date that invites us to reflect on the value of food as a source of life, unity, and hope. Food not only nourishes the body, but also the soul and the sense of community that distinguishes us as Yucatecans," she expressed.

For her part, the general director of DIF Yucatán, Shirley Edith Castillo Sánchez, highlighted the leadership and organization of the participating women, who transform their culinary knowledge into productive projects.

The judging panel, comprised of specialists in nutrition and gastronomy, evaluated the presentation, flavor, originality, and utilization of regional ingredients. First place was awarded to the group from Papacal, Peto, with their "Pibi Kekén"; second place went to Actuncoh, Temozón, with "Frijol blanco con puerco" (White Beans with Pork); and third place was awarded to X-Katún, Chankom, with "Yets’bil s ikil".

The winners received recognition and equipment to strengthen their community projects, reaffirming the commitment of the Government of the Maya Renacimiento to sustainable development and food security.

During the event, medical services, nutritional advice, and preventive health workshops were also offered, in addition to the gastronomic exhibition "De la región al plato: sabores que nutren" (From the Region to the Plate: Flavors that Nourish), organized by the Espacios de Alimentación, Encuentro y Desarrollo (Food, Meeting, and Development Spaces).

The event concluded with the inauguration of the community bakery "Ja’ats uts Kuxtal" (Good Living), a new productive project promoted by DIF Yucatán in coordination with the local development group and the Chankom municipal government, which will promote self-employment and the social economy in the region.