Chef Rosalia Chay
Maya
Temozon Sur, Calle 33A #498A x 50 y 52, 97200 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
OUR SCORE
Accolades
- Named one of "Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants" by William Reed Business Media
- Recipient of the "American Express One To Watch Award" for promising talent
- Featured in the Michelin Guide for Mexico
- Awarded "Best New Restaurant in Yucatan" by local culinary critics
- Selected for the "Gourmet Awards" by Travel + Leisure Mexico
- Received the "Five Star Diamond Award" by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences
- Honored with the "Chef of the Year" title by the Yucatan Gastronomic Association
Restaurant Summary
Chef Rosalia Chay's restaurant is a haven for connoisseurs of fine dining and authentic Mayan cuisine. The restaurant, with its elegant yet inviting atmosphere, offers a culinary journey through the rich flavors and traditional cooking techniques of the Yucatan Peninsula, all masterfully executed by the renowned Chef Rosalia Chay herself.
Chef Chay, a proud guardian of her Mayan heritage, has received international acclaim for her innovative approach to ancestral recipes. At her establishment, diners are treated to an exquisite fusion of time-honored methods and contemporary flair. The decor of the restaurant pays homage to the vibrant Mayan culture, adorned with handcrafted textiles and indigenous art that provide a visual feast to accompany the gastronomic wonders.
The menu is a thoughtful curation of dishes that celebrate the region's abundant natural produce and the chef's culinary prowess. Guests might find themselves starting with an appetizer of Sikil P'aak, a traditional pumpkin seed dip, rich with tomatoes, herbs, and served with freshly made tortillas. The journey continues with a main course like Cochinita Pibil, a slow-roasted pork marinated in a blend of achiote and citrus juices, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked to tender perfection.
Seafood enthusiasts will revel in the Pescado a la Tikin Xic, a local fish prepared with achiote and other Yucatecan spices, grilled over an open flame, imparting a smoky essence and served alongside a bed of fragrant coconut rice. For a taste of the earth, the Vegetarian Tamal Colado, made with a smooth, strained masa and filled with seasonal vegetables, roasted sauces, and edible flowers, reveals the subtle complexities of vegetarian Yucatecan cuisine.
No experience at Chef Rosalia Chay's table would be complete without indulging in a dessert like Caballero Pobre, a Yucatecan take on French toast, layered with local honey and sweet custard, a decadent nod to the region's Spanish colonial influences. Pair your meal with an expertly selected wine from their extensive cellar or a craft cocktail infused with local spirits such as Xtabentún, and you have a dining adventure that transcends the ordinary.
At Chef Rosalia Chay's restaurant, every dish tells a story of cultural legacy, and every bite is an invitation to explore the depths of Yucatan's rich culinary heritage.
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