Mazatlán and its best food stalls

The Pearl of the Pacific, Mazatlán, captivates from the very first step. It's no wonder it was recognized in 2020 as the best destination in Mexico and Central America, according to the World Travel Awards, chosen by hospitality specialists including the World Travel and Tourism Council. But what distinguishes this port in the state of Sinaloa? Its beautiful beaches are undoubtedly a determining factor, but so are its people, their customs and traditions, and especially, its rich gastronomy. Here we share some iconic places to enjoy flavors that will surely win your heart and make you want to return at any opportunity.Medrano's Ice CreamWhat flavor do you want your ice cream to be? With Gilberto Reyes Gamboa, you can choose from more than two hundred different and delicious options (I promise you've never tried anything like it). It's not just that his story began in 1938, but Gilberto is a perfect example of a hardworking Mexican who has built and cultivated his business with love. He started working here at the age of 12 with the previous owner, who paid him 5 pesos a day to sell the best ice creams in the country and learn its secrets. When Gilberto got married, he left his job in search of more economic sources to support his family, until in 1971, his former boss, unable to work anymore, offered him the business, which he has maintained with the recipe book he was left with around 200 different recipes made with fruits, creams, and seeds. Medrano's Ice Cream (named after its location at the corner of the famous Ferretería Medrano) offers seasonal ice creams of: plum, walnut (with whole pieces), fig or date for the cold, and tangerine, lemon, mint, and grapefruit for the heat, to mention just a few. Today, he acknowledges that running the business is his greatest happiness, alongside his children and grandchildren, who have been with Gilberto from early on, smiling at all the visitors of this Pacific treasure.Find them at: @nieves_garrafa_medrano Address: Aquiles Serdán, behind the Martiniano Carbajal parkHours: 11:30 am to 9 pmGrykos, the Mazatlan Eskimos that came from GreeceNothing beats a good chocolate eskimo. Temistocles Kollias Kiriazi, originally from Grykos, Greece, arrived in Mazatlán in 1920 and decided to make this paradise his home. In 1934, he set up his stall outside the Pino Suárez Market to prepare this refreshing foamy drink made with chocolate-flavored milk. Upon his death, his family has continued the business for four generations, which now has its own shop inside the market, where both locals and tourists from all over the world visit to try this drink with over 80 years of tradition.Find them at: @GrykosAddress: Pino Suárez MarketCremería del Pueblo “Mexico is in its markets,” said Pablo Neruda. And it's true, nothing compares to the cadence of its vendors, their stories, their rhythm, and the colors of their products. The Pino Suárez Market, located in the downtown area of Mazatlán since 1900, houses incredible stories and products: food, crafts, and cenadurías (small restaurants). For example, Cremería del Pueblo is distinguished by locals for its frijoles puercos, salsas, Rosario chorizo, and delicious marlin and shrimp pâtés. Rosario García and Miguel Millán run the business. She has been cooking these exquisite products every day for 36 years and continues the legacy of her parents Sebastián García (RIP) and Rosalba Granados, who started selling eggs and tomatoes from their hometown, El Verde Concordia, Sinaloa, at a small table outside the market. “My parents worked for 35 years at Cremería del Pueblo, starting with their little table, but their hard work allowed them to secure credit for their first shop inside the market, which was ⅓ of what distinguishes us today.” Address: Pino Suárez MarketIf these three options are not enough for you, I invite you to visit Mazatlán. You will love this land of flavors irrevocably.