If you visit Xalapa, trying the food of the region is an absolute must. Influenced by surrounding towns and cities, flavors, aromas and savory condiments mix to create incredibly delicious dishes such as Chiles Xalapenos (chiles stuffed with tuna, cheese or beef) or the Chileatole de Pollo, which is a soup seasoned with Ancho chiles, epazote leaves and corn. There is also mole verde (a green sauce usually eaten with chicken or pork) or Pipian Rojo (a chicken dish with red sauce), Enfrijoladas (chicken-filled tortillas smothered in beans) and Pambazos (wheat bread rolls filled with chorizo and beans). You can also find places where they make Mole de Xico, made of many spices and herbs.
The local sweets of the region are also a must, such as the jamoncillo (finely ground nuts or seeds, especially pumpkin, pine-nuts, or peanuts, prepared with milk and sugar, usually made into a brick) made by nuns in the shape of miniature fruits or fruits covered in piloncillo (chunks of unrefined brown sugar, often sold wrapped in corn husks and used as an alternate source to refined white sugar). The typical drink is coffee, produced in the area and considered one of the best in the world.
Asadero Cien
Asadero Cien offers exquisite Arracheras (a juicy cut of flank steak) and American cuts, all char-grilled. There are also a variety of fondues, molcajetes (a type of bowl used typically as a mortar to grind spices in and made of lava rock. It can also be used to serve salsas or food), tacos and the traditional grilled cheese with nopales, accompanied by hand-made corn or flour tortillas. Enjoy our food at any of our restaurants.
Cafe Bola de Oro
This is a local favorite for Xalapenos, where you can spend an enjoyable moment over a cup of great coffee and some traditional dishes from the area. There are two locales, one in the city and the other in the Plaza Crystal Mall.
Cafe Chiquito
This cafe is on Bravo Street in the center of Xalapa. It offers a varied menu of dishes and a wide selection of coffee for the discerning client. Come and visit round the clock and enjoy the appetizing dishes.
Cafe Lindo
It is located in the center of the city and is an ideal place to enjoy a good chat and a steaming mug of coffee. After you've taken a turn around the city and all its attractions, this is a nice locale to top off the day.
Churreria del Recuerdo
Excellent locale to crunch on some delicious churros (deep-fried dough sticks sprinkled with sugar) accompanied with hot chocolate. This cozy locale offers traditional Mexican dishes such as tamales (cooked corn meal and lard mix, with either meat or fruit, wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf), gorditas (a corn meal-lard patty with either a bean or meat filling), tostadas (crisp corn meal disks that usually are smothered with beans and dressed with cheese, cream and lettuce) and enchiladas (tortillas stuffed with chicken, bathed in either red or green sauce or mole).
Del Tingo al Tango
This restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy excellent and juicy cuts of great varieties of Argentinean cuisine, accompanied by the best wines. Del Tingo al Tango is the best alternative for great food to whet your appetite.
Il Postodoro
If you love Italian food, visit the Il Postodoro. We provide a culinary experience where you can enjoy flavors and aromas of Italy through a tasty array of dishes. At whatever hour of the day, morning, noon or night, Postodoro offers a large variety of dishes to whet your appetite.
La Casa de Mama
This is a restaurant of great tradition in the city of Xalapa and is highly recommendable to enjoy great international food in a comfortable atmosphere and great service.
La Sopa
This restaurant is located in the famous Callejon del Diamante, built solely for students. It is a hot spot with Xalapenos and visitors alike, where you can savor traditional homemade Mexican food or international fare.