This is from Ken Purchell … one of my frequent comments.
Good tips!
A guide to traveling and dining in Cancun, Mexico for the Diabetic.
Eating out while away from home is difficult when you are diabetic but doing
so in another country is even more so. There are not many resources
available to guide you except your food knowledge and portion estimation
skills.
First, prepare for travel stress! If you make small plans they can pay off
big in your stress level and keeping a handle on your blood sugar. Take
appropriate snacks and beverages on the plane with you.
Once in Cancun, remain cool. The area for customs is getting better every
year but the air conditioning is not always working at its best. Dress for
the beach unless you’re coming from Vancouver or similar climate. A good tip
is to fill in the temporary visas while on the plane; you will not a have a
convenient place to do so once you arrive. Gather your bags and head for
the stop light. They use a random system to inspect bags, I hope you get a
green light, we didn’t this trip. Ground transportation from the airport is
limited to three types: Tourist style bus – this is the cheapest option but
not work the hassle of stopping at every hotel along the way $5-$8 per
person, Multi-passenger van – good option but still too many stops for my
tastes $7-$9 per person, Suburban – best option to get to your hotel or
condo quickly and not that much more expensive $8-$10 per person. Avoid all
the tours and condo hucksters.
Ok, you’re finally in your condo or hotel and hungry. What’s to eat? There
are now all the familiar restaurant chains in Cancun but why eat there. You
traveled to Mexico so that it is different from home, right? There are many
fine restaurants in Mexico to sample. Some of our long time favorites are:
Carlos and Charlie’s (loud and great ribs), Lorenzillo’s (Seafood), La
Habuchela (Mayan Garden, downtown). A good local restaurant guide is by Dos
Gringos a husband wife team that has menus from many of the long standing
restaurants. For info: http://www.cancunmenus.com/aboutus.html.
My favorite dishes for a diabetic are: (even before being diagnosed)
Tikin Zic – Grouper filets served in banana leaves with tomatoes, onions,
poblano chile strips. This is very similar to Veracruz style but without
the green olives. The whole package is then grilled over charcoal giving a
subtle smoky flavor that lightly permeates through the banana leaves. Served
with Mexican rice, black beans.
Tampiquena Steak – Marinated skirt steak chargrilled and served topped with
cheese, served with Mexican rice, black beans, guacamole and usually rags
(grilled strips of onions and poblano peppers).
Chiles Rellenos de Mariscos – Green poblano peppers stuffed with shellfish
and covered with a red-brown sauce containing orange, tomato, pured mild
chile. Usual sides of rice and black beans.
Remember to use that sunscreen and return safe!
Ken