Puerto Vallarta is a top tourist destination in Mexico for many reasons. Visitors are drawn to the area’s natural beauty, beautiful beaches and welcoming locals. In addition, Puerto Vallarta offers an excellent variety of delicious and fresh foods to choose from. There is an abundance of delicious and traditional food found on almost every corner in downtown that is inexpensive and tasty. Keep reading below about 5 fresh foods to try on your visit to Puerto Vallarta. Let us know which you liked the best and why.
Fresh Oysters
When in Puerto Vallarta, you must try the fresh oysters. If you are wondering where to go, most of the restaurants in the Old Town area of town will offer fresh oysters. In addition, there are fishermen that retrieve fresh oysters each day from the ocean and sell them right along the Malecon boardwalk and on the beach. Normally sold by the dozen, you can’t get any fresher than this. Served with fresh wedges of lime, sea salt and hot sauce, it’s a Puerto Vallarta classic food that hits the spot.
Fresh Fruit Stands
One of the best parts about living in Mexico is the access to fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables all year round. In Puerto Vallarta, it’s easy to find fresh fruit vendors in the downtown area. Popular fruits and vegetables include mango, jicama, cucumber and pineapple. If you want to try a little spice with your sweet fruit, ask for Tajin seasoning which is a blend of spices that is dusted on top of your fresh fruit. In addition to being available year round, fresh fruit is also affordable and will only set you back the equivalent of a few dollars for a large portion.
Fresh Coconut Water
Coconut palm trees are plentiful in Banderas Bay. In the downtown and Old Town areas of Puerto Vallarta, there are coconut vendors that have unopened coconuts ready to serve. They will open the coconut with a traditional machete which is an exciting experience for many visitors to the area. Once opened, they will usually give you a straw to drink the fresh coconut water. Coconut water is a great source of several nutrients and has antioxidant properties. It’s a delicious way to stay hydrated and especially satisfying after a good work out. After you drink the coconut water, you can request to have the coconut meat removed so you can eat that as well. It’s a delicious and classic Vallarta snack to try during your next vacation to Banderas Bay.
Fresh Ceviche
The local ceviche is another must try dish while in Puerto Vallarta. Seafood lovers will not be disappointed. Ceviche is prepared using fresh white fish, cucumber, onions and tomatoes. Served on crispy tostadas with a squeeze of lime on top, you can also add tangy salsas if you want to add some spice to your meal. In addition to being delicious, ceviche is also healthy. In fact, ceviche is regarded to have anti-heart disease properties, including antioxidants, omega-3 and omega-6, vitamins, and collagen. Make sure to try the local traditional ceviche and marlin ceviche, too.
Aguachile
Last but not least is another Puerto Vallarta dish known as aguachile. Traditional aguachile is prepared using raw sliced shrimp served in a lime, avocado, cucumber, and chili sauce. The chili’s add a punch of heat that can range from mild to super spicy. In addition to shrimp aguachile, another excellent fresh dish is octopus ceviche which is known as ceviche de pulpo in Spanish. This dish combines tender octopus with tangy lime juice, red onions, cilantro and chiles. Enjoy your aguachile with tostadas or homemade tortilla chips for a light and refreshing appetizer.
If you are ready for a vacation to Mexico, why not visit Puerto Vallarta? Currently, the city is safely welcoming visitors despite the challenges of COVID. If you are looking for a great place to stay, check out Garza Blanca Resort. Located south of downtown amongst the lush vegetation of the Sierra Madre jungle, Garza Blanca has spacious accommodations, first class amenities and premier services. Right now, they have special travel packages available that won’t last forever. Contact them today to book your dream getaway to Puerto Vallarta. You deserve to pamper yourself and your loved ones in sunny Mexico!
