Welcome to La Chaya Maya
La Chaya Maya, located in the heart of Mérida, offers an authentic taste of Yucatán cuisine that captures the essence of local flavors. Renowned for dishes like tender cochinita pibil and fresh, handmade tortillas, the restaurant invites diners on a culinary journey steeped in tradition. Guests rave about the vibrant tamales and breakfast packages, all at reasonable prices. While it can get busy, the friendly staff ensures a warm atmosphere bolstered by complimentary totopos with delicious sauces. La Chaya Maya is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Yucatán’s rich culinary heritage that leaves a lasting impression.
La Chaya Maya: Reviews & Ratings
We ate in this Yucatan restaurant twice during of visit to Merida and thought it was great. At both meals we shared platters of local dishes, and they were all delicious. The restaurant is very busy, so service isn’t really attentive, but it’s fine.
I had 1 tamal colado, which had great taste, great texture and great smell from the steamed banana leaves, as well as 1 taco estillo maya which was okay, it tasted more bell pepper than chaya leaves . Anyway with quick service from the friendly staff and with such a good price (including free totopos paired with pumpkin seed sauce and bean sauce), I left the restaurant feeling full and satisfied
At La Chaya Maya, the flavors tell a story. Tender cochinita pibil, slow-cooked to glory, Served with fresh tortillas that melt in your hand, And a cold Montejo, the taste of the land. Each bite is a journey, rich, warm, and bold, Wrapped in the charm of Yucatan's soul. A place where every dish feels like a tradition, And every sip of beer adds to the mission.
This place was always full - morning, afternoon and late evening! We ate here twice, their breakfast packages are super delicious and very well priced! They have all the great typical yucatecan specialties at very good prices!
I gotta say, this place has got it all when it comes to local cuisine, Mexican atmosphere, fresh tortillas made on the spot and friendly service. We enjoyed the food very much and the drinks too. The tortillas are prepared by a person sitting inside the restaurant by the tables. The service was attentive and friendly. We’d go back! Highlights: cochinita pibil and tamales Not our fave: recado and the people outside trying to lure you in, makes it seem a little shady I must say.
Amazing restaurant with a huge array of local cuisine from Yucatan. Our waiter Enrique was extremely helpful in explaining the dishes to us to ensure we ordered food we’d love whilst getting to sample a lot of traditional food. The price was also very reasonable given the high quality of the food and service. Couldn’t recommend this place enough!
The service and people are the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Food options aren’t always huge but there is enough different restaurants that is very nice. My room faced inwards which meant we didn’t have a window other than to the hallway, but no one uses their rooms other than to sleep anyway
Great place to get a bunch of typical yucatecan food in one place. This location is quite spacious and indoors if you're looking for AC and fewer mosquitos. We had the sopa de lima, a vaporcito, and poc chuc and with the complimentary totopos and dips (frijoles, salsa habanera, and a pumpkin seed dip), we had plenty of food.
Location
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C. 57 x 62-x 62, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico Hotline: +52 999 928 4780
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Mérida, La Chaya Maya stands as a beacon of Yucatecan culinary heritage. Located on the lively C. 57 x 62-x 62 in Parque Santa Lucia, this restaurant artfully captures the essence of local flavors and traditions. It’s a place where culture and cuisine intertwine, creating a dining experience that feels both authentic and inviting.
As you step inside, the atmosphere buzzes with life, a testament to its popularity among locals and visitors alike. The dining experience is personal and warm, despite the bustling environment. Customers have shared that while the service may seem stretched during peak hours, the friendly staff is always eager to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of satisfying.
La Chaya Maya prides itself on offering a menu brimming with the rich and bold flavors of Yucatán. Highlights include the renowned cochinita pibil, a dish crafted from tender pork marinated with achiote and slow-cooked to perfection. As one reviewer put it, “Each bite is a journey, rich, warm, and bold.” Paired with fresh, hand-made tortillas, this dish becomes not just a meal but a cherished tradition, echoing the culinary narratives of the region.
The menu isn’t just limited to cochinita pibil, though. Diners rave about the tamales, particularly the tamal colado, which boasts a delightful aroma from the steamed banana leaves and a texture that captivates the senses. For those looking for a lighter bite, the tacos estillo maya present vibrant flavors, though some patrons have noted a prominent bell pepper taste compared to the chaya leaves.
Accompanying these dishes are complimentary totopos with rich pumpkin seed and bean sauces, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to enriching your dining experience with local delicacies. It's little touches like these that leave guests feeling full and satisfied, both in body and spirit.
In every corner of La Chaya Maya, you sense a celebration of Yucatán’s culinary heritage — from the fresh, warm tortillas made right before your eyes to the array of traditional dishes served at price points that are refreshingly reasonable. This restaurant is a worthwhile stop for anyone wanting to indulge in authentic local cuisine while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Mérida.
Whether you are here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, La Chaya Maya invites you to savor the flavors that tell a story, making each meal a heartfelt experience. So, grab a cold Montejo, settle in, and let the spirit of Yucatán envelop you.