The Food to Find in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is an excellent destination for a great many things – not the least of which is the food. With more than 400 restaurants, there’s certain to be exactly what you’re hungry for at any given time of day or night. But, why go with the things you know and love? It’s a vacation, after all, so shouldn’t you be a bit more daring? Your child will appreciate the opportunity to see you as uncertain about foods as they are, so you should have a much easier time getting them interested in stepping out of their food comfort zone. The region around Puerto Vallarta has some incredible dishes and each gives you another chance to find a new favorite.
Pescado Embarazado
The first of the local favorites you’ll encounter, more than likely, will be Pescado Embarazado, or “pregnant fish” translated to English. Don’t worry. The name’s become deformed over time. It’s fish roasted on a stick – pescado en vara asado – and it’s delicious. Most often served with a huichol salsa, the fish refers to marlin or shark in most cases, but if you look around you’ll find shrimp and assorted other seafood roasted, conveniently, on a stick. They make for great walking around food when you’re not interested in a taco.
Birria
Among the locals eating at restaurants across Puerto Vallarta, you’re sure to find a plate of Birria at more than a few tables. Birria is a favorite made from lamb or goat boiled for hours in a spicy sauce heavy with cumin, ginger, and oregano. Drenched in lime and served on tortillas, you eat it with as little or as much mess as you like – it’s drippy. Oh, and onions, lots and lots of onions.
Pozole
Pozole is a traditional Mexican dish that comes in different forms depending on where it’s served. In Puerto Vallarta, it’s a delicious broth made with chili (of course), pork or chicken, and a specially-popped corn. You’ll be served it with a generous topping of lettuce, radishes, and tostadas. These sun-dried tortillas come in two varieties across Puerto Vallarta – rojo or blanco, “red” or “white”.
Tamales
We all know tamales. They’re an American creation. But, just because our country came up with something doesn’t mean our partner to the south hasn’t perfected it. In Puerto Vallarta, tamales have reached the pinnacle of their existence. Inexpensive, delicious, and crafted with care by people who love them just as much as you will, the tamales found everywhere in Puerto Vallarta will call to you every single day you’re there. They can be spicy, so make sure to ask before you bite into one. There’s sure to be some that are less deadly to your palate. Your child will love the fruit-filled ones, so look for those as well. The pineapple tamales are a personal favorite.
Tortas Ahogadas
Tortas Ahogadas, or “drowned sandwiches”, are found all around Puerto Vallarta. Made from all sorts of protein – from seafood to pork – stuffed into a salty, baguette-style bread, called a birote, and drenched in spicy chili-infused tomato sauce. There’s a saying that says, “if you come to Guadalajara, you must eat tortas ahogadas”, so be prepared to try it at least once. If your stomach is sensitive, be sure to request the least-spicy one they can offer. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so remember the words pica poquito, or “a bit spicy”. They’ll save you the trouble later.
No matter what you do, try everything you feel comfortable with – and even some you’re totally uncomfortable with. That’s the way to make the best of your time in Puerto Vallarta. Be adventurous, be spontaneous, but, above all, be safe. Keep your humor and your wits about you. You’ll need them both. Plus, your handling the stress for two, so take a deep breath and focus on the fun you envisioned when you planned your PV trip. Now, grab a tamal and get out into the sunshine!