Authentic Caribbean Mexican Cooking Class: Tikin Xic Fish

About

Come hungry, curious, and ready to cook like a true Mexican. Discover the authentic essence of Cancún through Tikin Xic, one of the most traditional dishes of Cancún. More than a cooking class, this is an intimate cultural experience where you will share flavors, stories, and ancestral techniques inside an authentic smoke kitchen.

Together, we will prepare fresh fish marinated with achiote, citrus, and local spices using traditional methods passed down through generations. You will learn about the history of Tikin Xic, regional ingredients, and the importance of Mayan gastronomy in local culture.

The experience includes the cooking workshop, meal, and drinks. Each fish weighs approximately 1 kg and is shared between two guests, accompanied by rice, beans, fresh fruit water or beer, and a traditional dessert.

This is not a crowded tourist activity, but a warm and authentic space to cook, connect, and experience the real Mexico through its food, traditions, and hospitality.

Menu

Main Course:

• Traditional Tikin Xic Fish – Fresh fish marinated with achiote, citrus, and regional spices, then cooked using authentic Mayan techniques in a traditional smoke kitchen.

Sides:

• Mexican rice and seasoned beans.

Dessert:

• Traditional local dessert

Drinks:

• Choice of fresh fruit water (agua fresca) or a beer.

During the experience, you'll also learn about Mayan gastronomy, regional ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques through hands-on preparation, cultural storytelling, and guidance from certified local hosts. You'll leave with recipes and practical skills to recreate this authentic Cancún specialty at home.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Welcome & Introduction

Guests arrive at the traditional smoke kitchen and enjoy a warm welcome while learning about the history of Tikin Xic, Mayan gastronomy, and the cultural importance of local ingredients.

9:20 AM – Preparing the Marinade
We begin preparing the traditional achiote marinade using citrus, spices, and regional ingredients while explaining the flavors and techniques behind this iconic dish.

10:00 AM – Fish Preparation & Cooking Process
Guests marinate the fresh fish and learn traditional cooking methods used in the Yucatán Peninsula. The fish is then placed to cook inside the smoke kitchen.

10:40 AM – Pool Time & Cultural Break
While the fish slowly cooks, guests are invited to relax and enjoy the swimming pool facilities. During this time, we also share conversations about Mexican culture, local traditions, and life in Cancún and the Yucatán Peninsula. Drinks are available while guests unwind in a peaceful atmosphere.

11:15 AM – Traditional Meal
Guests enjoy the freshly prepared Tikin Xic fish served with rice, beans, drinks, and traditional Mexican dessert in a warm communal atmosphere.

12:00 PM – Closing & Farewell
Final conversations, photos, recommendations, and goodbye. Guests leave with recipes, memories, and a deeper connection to authentic Mexican culture.