If you rightly thought that Puerto Vallarta, Mexico was a gourmet destination, it should also be rewarded for the quality of its street food. When driving around Banderas Bay, get ready to see mobile stands selling everything from roasted chicken, fresh seafood cocktails, fruit and veggies in cups and tacos, tacos and more TACOS! Drive up and shout for your meal because we can guarantee your server will be happy to please you from the comfort of your vehicle or taxi.
How to know which stand to choose?
Busy with locals means good street food
The best way to feed a foodie is to look for a stand that is crowded with people. Why? If lots of locals are eating the street food there, it is probably because it’s great and that is why people are flocking to it. A busy place will also mean that the turnover of food and freshness is good.
Check the cleanliness
Little details can help you tell if the standards of cleanliness are good. For example, see if the spoons serving the salsa are clean. Check the grill and if there is a small area to wash ones hands. If the server’s hair is pulled back and they are wearing an apron, this is a good indicator to ensure a safe and healthy experience while eating street food in Puerto Vallarta.
Ask for a sample
Some stands are happy to let you taste before you buy. Ask and you shall receive.
Salsas
A good street food stand has GREAT salsas. Green, orange, red and a dozen varieties of chilies blackened, or freshly chopped, mixed with avocado, garlic tomatoes and/or other secret ingredients. Salsas make a taco a full experience in Mexico. Familiarize yourself with them and don’t hesitate to ask for the recipe.
Don’t be shy
Those who live north of the border are sometimes shy at approaching a busy stand to ask in for something in a foreign language. Don’t be shy! Ask in English or practice the Spanish that you know, and use sign language if necessary because you could be missing out on that life changing culinary experience you can only find while trying street food in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
The Malecon
Puerto Vallarta’s boardwalk comes to life food wise in the evenings along the southern end of the Malecon. Serving everything from deep fried hotdogs and crepes, to corn in the cup, this is a place that will keep everyone happy with the fun food and the best people-watching spot on the bay.
If you don’t want to explore the street food in Puerto Vallarta on your own, there are two local companies that offer a highly dynamic food tour. Vallarta Eats Click https://www.vallartaeats.com/ and Puerto Vallarta Food Tours Click https://puertovallartafoodtours.com/
