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 Entertainment | Restaurants & Dining | May 2005 
Eat On The Street
 Erich Haubrich - PVNN
| Ask a local where to find the good stuff - we all have different preferences, but you'll definitely be glad that you gave street food a try. (Photo: EH/PVNN)
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Some of the best kept culinary secrets in Puerto Vallarta are right in front of us, but as travelers sometimes we forget to sample the local fare. I'm talking about street food. Taco stands, walking vendors and carts offer some amazing food for cheap.
One great example of this is Elotes - this is basically corn on the cob with crema, Parmesan cheese, butter and a few spices. It's probably in the top ten artery cloggers available here, but there's no warning label on it. When I asked the gentleman for the nutritional facts he responded, "Que?" I left it at that. I have become addicted to elotes and I chase the guy down the street every time I see him so I can buy a couple of these ten peso masterpieces.
Taco stands are everywhere and they go from pretty bad to really good. There are lots of people that would tell you not to eat at taco stands - they don't live here. I have eaten at taco stands more times than I can count and I'm still kicking. Most of the places practice reasonable standards of hygiene - they're not out to kill off their patrons.
You may notice that taco in the US and taco in mexico are two different animals - literally. In the US you get an eight inch corn tortilla (usually crisp), shredded cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, etc. Here the tacos are about four inches around, soft corn or flour tortilla, mostly al pastor (which I think means pork) some chopped cilantro, maybe a little slice of pineapple and that's about it. Because they are small most people get about four of them at a time. They're usually around four or five pesos, and ohh are they yummy. For about two bucks you can't beat it for a snack or order a couple more for a meal if you're so inclined.
A good rule of thumb for travelling is often times to eat where the locals eat. This can be true, but it can also be a trap. There are things that the nationals eat here that once you determine what animal it is made out of you still have to ask which part. I have learned to sort of go by smell if it smells good, I'll eat it... especially if the guy cooking looks like he's washed his hands recently.
The quesadillas are a safe bet if you're not a big meat eater, and 'con frijoles' which means 'with beans' you can still get some nutrition. I often have them add chorizo (mexican sausage) or champiñones (mushrooms). Your average quesadilla will run you between ten and fifteen pesos, and two of them loaded up with chorizo or beans will have you rubbing your belly with a big smile on your face.
Rumor has it that there is a stand that has the very best seafood tacos and burritos in the world right here in our sleepy little village - I plan to investigate. For now I can definitely recommend that if you see someone selling shrimp burritos - buy one. These yummy creations are huge and amazing. They grill fresh shrimp, maybe a few onions, etc. together and then put a little lettuce (lechuga) and some amazing sauce that must contain some kind of drug and wrap it in a huge flour tortilla. They go for around thirty-five to fifty pesos and are worth every penny. You'll be filled to the brim and smiling when you finish.
There are other types of food that I personally haven't had a lot of experience with, although many are very fond of. These are the foods that are sold by individuals walking about with a bucket of this or that or perhaps something on a stick. Ceviche is offered a lot in this way - ceviche is fish that's chopped up into little tiny pieces and then soaked in fresh lime juice and combines with onions, tomatoes, etc. The acidity of the lime juice actually cooks the fish (usually fresh marlin or tuna). This concoction is then saved on a tostada. It's quite good and I would imagine very healthy (no fat, high protein.)
Whatever type of street food you choose you are sure to agree that it is a great way to sample the local flavor. Street food also makes a great late night "drunk food" if you are out "tying one on." Ask a local where to find the good stuff - we all have different preferences, but you'll definitely be glad that you gave it a try. |
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