Playa del Carmen Food Tour
5
Recommended by 99% of travelers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Come hungry because on this food tour, you’ll be sampling several of the Yucatan’s tastiest dishes. Visiting a mix of street stalls and restaurants, a local guide takes you to off-the-beaten paths to spots where locals dine. Visit an open-air market to learn about the foods you taste during the tour.

Ages 7-99, max of 8 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
More

Highlights
  • Playa del Carmen food tour: dine at five under-the-radar establishments
  • A foodie guide ensures a more personalized experience
  • Food, transportation, and gratuities included
  • Visit a local farmers market

  • All food and drinks (tastings at 5 locations)
  • Transportation (some taxi transportation is required)
  • Local/ Professional guide
What's not included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Mexico’s excellent food comes in many regional flavors and styles of cooking. The Yucatan has its own cuisine and the price and availability of fresh ingredients, combined with the Riviera Maya lifestyle, have drawn renowned chefs to set up shop in the once-sleepy city. Meet your guide, a passionate foodie, in downtown Playa del Carmen near the bus station. From there, leave the throngs of tourists on 5th Avenue behind, as you make your way to where the locals dine. The first stop is for tacos (your host’s favorite in the city). Taste your way through town on foot and by taxi, making five stops in all and ending with a sweet treat. Then visit an open-air market to learn more about the ingredients you tasted and how to cook with them at home. The tour concludes at the Paseo Del Carmen shopping mall.

Start:
  • Playa Del Carmen, 5 Av. Nte. LTE 2, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
    Please meet in front of the white church that is located on the corner of 5th Ave and Ave Benito Juarez (both the ADO Terminal and the church are located on this intersection of 5th Ave and Ave Juarez).
End:
  • Paseo del Carmen, 10 Av. Sur 8, Solidaridad, 77713 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
    We end the tour in the nice shopping complex - Paseo del Carmen. There are public restrooms and shopping available.

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7035P2

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7035P2

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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Playa del Carmen Food Tours - By Cozumel Chef
    184
    Mexico
    Joined in January 2011
  • eskohn1
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Authentic Mexican cooking class
    Isa was amazing sharing her recipes and explaining how to make mole and guacamole. She was great at explaining the different in peppers and limes, lemons, and other spices and ingredients. I highly recommend this authentic cooking class
    Written December 18, 2024
  • 608nessb
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brilliant authentic learning experience
    Brilliant experience - we learned so much and Issa was so knowledgeable and lovely: it was quite an experience making tortilla, proper guacamole and Issas special guacamole as well as the most delicious fish with roasted veg sauce. We can’t wait to give it all a go when we’re home. Thank you
    Written November 16, 2024
  • loraw751
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The best food experience.
    I really enjoyed the experience. They took us to the market to get the ingredients that we needed for the dish that we chose. Pavel and Isa explained how to choose the best ingredients and what flavors each would add to the dishes. Once we got back to the appartment the fun began. We each had a job to do in making each dish. We made everything from scratch. It was fun to get to know the other people in our class and by the end we felt like a family. We shared the meal that we prepared over delightful conversation. It was the most delicious food I highly recommend this experience.
    Written March 5, 2024
  • Alan Ross T
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best Mexican Cooking Experience!
    The cooking class with Chef Isa and Chef Pavel in Playa Del Carmen was a gastronomic delight. The tacos al pastor were a symphony of flavors, with perfectly marinated meat complemented by a medley of spices and a hint of citrus. The guacamole was a creamy masterpiece, blending ripe avocados with zesty lime and just the right amount of cilantro. Salsa, vibrant and fresh, added a kick to every bite. The mole, a complex fusion of rich, velvety chocolate undertones and a subtle heat, showcased the chefs' mastery of intricate flavors. Pollo tinga, tender and smoky, highlighted the perfect balance of spices. The homemade corn tortillas were a revelation, offering a warm, pillowy canvas for our culinary creations. Every dish unfolded like a culinary story, and the chefs' expertise and personal touch elevated the experience. It was an unforgettable journey through Mexican cuisine, leaving my taste buds dancing and my appreciation for the art of cooking greatly enriched. A resounding 5-star culinary adventure!
    Written March 5, 2024
  • Flyer826843
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pastor tacos class
    Loved this class !! I learned so much from this family. Wish I could have taken this class every day of our trip. Food was amazing so excited to share these recipes when I get home.
    Written March 5, 2024
  • Renee90
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best tour!
    We had Xantal who was fantastic! Many stops where everything was fresh and authentic. We enjoyed learning the local flavors and history of the area. Easy walking with many stops close by. Such a pleasant and knowledgeable tour guide. Do it!
    Written January 15, 2024
  • Rick5508
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow!
    The class was wonderful. We went to the market with the class instructor to see how he picked out ingredients. In the class we made cactus salad and two types of guacamole. Main course was chicken enchiladas with mole sauce. Every step was hands on. Both instructors were very friendly. We totally enjoyed it! Recommended for everyone
    Written September 26, 2023
  • mariannewH9911NZ
    0 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cooking class
    Nobody showed up at the meetingpoint. When I called them, they said there is no spot left, but nobody informed me.
    Written March 28, 2023
  • WsetcountryJane
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just do it !
    All the 5* reviews tell the truth. Xantal is fabulous. This is a great way to get off the tourist routes and see a bit of real life in Playa. As a photographer, I loved getting close to the local people, and sitting watching the world go by as we tried an assortment of street food. Our small group was able to discuss all sorts of things and we were able to find out more about family life in Mexico from Xantal. The food market was fascinating . A wonderful way to spend a few hours. One of the highlights of my trip.
    Written February 19, 2023
  • dancingbearz
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feast King
    We had a fantastic time touring the local market and multiple authentic restaurants. No Señor Frog’s or Cabo Wabo to be seen! We had mouth-watering quesadillas, tacos, pozole, delicious fruit we had never tasted before and the best ice cream I’ve had in ages. Xantal was a phenomenal guide!
    Written March 27, 2021
  • daniellew32754
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun & unique experience!
    We had a great time learning about the different ingredients while making delicious appetizers and chicken mole meal. Can’t wait to recreate the authentic recipes we learned from the professional chef!
    Written September 23, 2020
  • DayTrip307577
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great food.
    We enjoyed the trip to the market and learned so much about the local ingredients. Isa was great answering all our questions. We went straight back to the market to buy the fresh produce to make our own dinner. I should have insisted on the recipes before we left. Maybe the internet is down because we don't have them yet.
    Written January 19, 2020
  • pghriverside
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best thing to do in Playa del Carmen
    On our 6th trip to Playa del Carmen, Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking has been the best outing of all of the other things my 10-year-old and I have done. Trip to the market and 6 recipes! Will book again. Isa is an amazing and kind human being. The registration with Emily was prompt, easy and secure. Look forward to seeing her and cooking with her again. Thank you a million times over.
    Written March 23, 2019
  • SmokoEdmonton_AB
    0 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Xantal Delightful
    Enjoyable and informative tour starting from the carts in the park. Highlight is the pozole soup and the insightful comments from the guide.
    Written January 31, 2019
  • Wandering_Family_88
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the price!
    One of the best tours we had, and allowed us to trace our travels to get groceries plus treats as we enjoyed the local area. Safe, delicious, and informative!
    Written January 16, 2019
See all 184 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles142 reviews
Excellent
131
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10
Average
1
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Sid Z
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Friends
Xantal was wonderful! It felt more like doing a tour with a friend rather than a guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the preparation, history, and ingredients in the different foods. The food was also amazing, with different spice levels to try with the different sauces. Highly, highly recommend booking with these guys if you want to try authentic Mexican cuisine!
Written November 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

M H
Philadelphia, PA1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Xantal led our group - 6 adults - on a food tour in Playa del Carmen. We visited 6 food carts, a food market, a restaurant, and an ice pop/ice cream stand. At each food cart Xantal described the food prepared and the accompanying sauces, spices, and sides. She shared the history of the food and talked about how the food cart system works. She described the history and economy of Playa del Carmen and shared with us Mexican history and culture. The market visit was really neat to see and smell the dried chilis.

The food was DELICIOUS! Best tacos ever! Pozole. Yum!

Xantal was a great guide. Personable, friendly. If I return to Playa del Carmen, I will take this tour again.

PS - Follow the advice to come hungry. Do not eat breakfast! : )
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're happy to know you had a great time with Xantal. We're thrilled to hear that Xantal provided insightful descriptions of the food, sauces, spices, and sides, as well as shared the history of them and explained how the food cart system works. We're glad you enjoyed the visit to the market and experienced the vibrant sights and aromas of dried chilis. We'd be honored to have you on the tour again if you return to Playa del Carmen. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again for another culinary adventure in the future!
Written March 6, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Shirley S
Burke, VA13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great tour of authentic Mexican food from the different regions of Mexico prepared by family businesses ranging from basket tacos to street carts to a small restaurant. Our destinations were off the tourist areas giving us an authentic daily atmosphere. We also went to a grocery shop with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as a large variety of dried and smoked chilies. We ended the tour with frozen fruit bars that were super tasty and refreshing.
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sherrill J
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Family
We had the most wonderful food tour with Xantal today. She is the most lovely human, kind, and interesting to talk to. She had a wonderful knowledge of the food safety, preparation, history and which geographical areas of Mexico each dish came from. As well she engaging with our young son who felt very comfortable in her presence. We also can't say enough about the food. The dishes chosen were unique, extremely delicious, all cooked by local families with the freshest ingredients. The quality was superior. There were various options at each stop to help suit individual tastes or provide opportunities to get various choices to share. Definitely a 5 star experience. Thank you Xantal, we can't wait to come back and tour with you again.
Written February 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your outstanding 5-star experience on our food tour with Xantal! We're happy her warmth, kindness, and extensive knowledge of food safety, its preparation, and history added a special dimension to your day. We're thrilled that she engaged with your young son, creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for the entire family. Your glowing praise is truly appreciated, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another exceptional tour with Xantal. Thanks for choosing Cozumel Chef!
Written November 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Emery Lee D
San Antonio, TX86 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Family
I can only support all the positive reviews regarding Xantal's street food tour. Very private, informative, interesting and tasty. Great meeting point, great insight to street food of their area. I know a lot of restaurants which would be fortunate to produce some of the taste and quality we enjoyed on this brief tour. Xantal is very sweet, knowledgeable, personable and has perfect command of English. Cheers.
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gabrielle L
Chicago, IL3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
My guide, Xantal tailored our time to things we were interested in. The food was spectacular but what made it really special and unique was our guide's depth of knowledge, variety of food options to try, and the chance to better understand the history of where the food originated and some of the traditions behind the ways the food we tried was prepared. I am so glad I had this opportunity.
Written February 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dandi Zhu
San Pedro, Belize1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
We had a private food tour with Maria in Playa Del Carmen, visiting 4 restaurants and a local market over 2.5 hours or so.

Our guide had impeccable English and fielded all of our questions about history/culture, the food preparation, and all the ingredients to each dish we tried. We started at a taco truck that had been around for 35 years (amazing pork tacos), then went to a Quesadilla spot, the local market for some fruits (guava, zapote), then a carintas taco spot and a pozole (soup) spot. Ended with delicious fruit popsicles.

Would definitely recommend the food tour!
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad you got the chance to take this tour privately and experience authentic Playa/ Mexican flavors. Thank you so much for joining us for the day and of course recommending us! Hope to have you back again soon, we would love to share another great fun food filled day with you!
Written January 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Percypooch
Washington DC, DC124 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
Xantal was a phenomenal tour guide. She led three 50 somethings and a 26 year old on a tour of food stalls -- we tasted every conceivable kind of taco, empanada, chicken quesadilla, fried plantain with cactus (my favorite), mole (unbelievably good) and a kind of pork that they cook all night. She also took us on a tour of a market, showing us all the different kinds of peppers, honey, hot sauces, and fruits. She finished with wonderful popsicles in every conceivable kind of flavor (mango and chili for example). We were stuffed and had learned SO much about Mexico, the flavors of food, and Xantal, who was so warm and welcoming (ask her about her husband's bakery). It was one of the best tours I've done, really worth it.
Written March 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mark Fournier
Brentwood, TN1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021
This was the first thing we did once we settled into our hotel. Great way to start a vacation, as we were able to try lots of food and get our bearings on the city. Our tour guide was excellent and we really enjoyed sampling all the of food. Doing this on the front end prepared us for what we wanted to eat later in the week.
Written March 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I totally agree, this is a great way to start a vacation...it gets your the "lay of the land" so to speak when it comes to food. I am glad that you enjoyed our guide, she is fantastic and enthusiastic about food. Thank you so much for leaving your 5-star review!
Written August 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mike L
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Family
Our guide was knowledgeable and well spoken. We enjoyed each location and discovered many things we wouldn't have otherwise tried. Xhantal was organized, pleasant and professional. The tips provided will be useful in the future. Overall well done, thankyou from all of us.
Written April 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola! Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed each location and discovered new things. Xantal is indeed knowledgeable, organized, and professional, and we're thrilled that her tips will be useful to you in the future. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we appreciate your recognition of our efforts. Thank you from all of us, and we hope to see you again soon!
Written July 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Playa del Carmen Food Tour provided by Playa del Carmen Food Tours - By Cozumel Chef

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