Kinich

Kinich is a restaurant on Calle 28 in the Itzimná neighbourhood of Mérida, in the state of Yucatán, Mexico, specialising in Mayan-Yucatecan cooking. It is set in a house with a shaded courtyard garden, where much of the seating is outdoors under trees and roofing, giving the restaurant a cool, leafy setting that suits the heat of the Yucatán Peninsula. The restaurant is well known locally and with visitors who want a sit-down introduction to the region's cuisine, which draws on Mayan traditions, local produce and slow-cooking techniques.

Poc chuc, priced around MXN 220, is one of the signature dishes: thin slices of pork marinated in sour orange juice and grilled over charcoal, usually served with pickled red onion, tomato and beans. Sopa de lima, at about MXN 120, is a Yucatecan soup of shredded chicken in a broth flavoured with local lime, served with crisp tortilla strips. The wider menu includes cochinita pibil, relleno negro, papadzules, salbutes and other regional staples, as well as traditional desserts and drinks. Local ingredients such as achiote, habanero, sour orange and epazote feature throughout.

The atmosphere is relaxed and family-oriented, with garden seating, wooden furniture and a steady flow of both local and international guests. Noise levels are moderate and dress is casual. Beverages include aguas frescas made from local fruits, Mexican beer, and regional spirits such as xtabentún, a honey-and-anise liqueur from the peninsula.

The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, which makes it a lunch destination. Reservations are generally not needed and walk-ins are the norm, but Sunday lunch is a popular family occasion in Mérida and may be busier. Prices fall in the $$ range, which is moderate for the region. The Itzimná neighbourhood is a short taxi ride from the historic centre of Mérida, and visitors usually take a taxi or ride-hailing service.