We have spent a lot of time exploring the food scene here in Puerto Vallarta. While we LOVE the local taco stands and the amazing restaurants in Old Town, there is something so special about cooking in our own space.
One of my favorite things to do is wake up early and head to the local markets. Our condo in Amapas has a beautiful kitchen that is just begging to be used. Honestly, we think the Amapas area is the best place to rent if you want a bit of peace but still want to be close to all the action.
Having a full kitchen changes the whole vacation vibe. It makes the place feel like a real home. If you are a solo traveler or even a couple, having that extra room to whip up a fresh meal is a game changer.
The Local Market Adventure
My mornings usually start with a quick walk down the hill from Amapas toward the Emiliano Zapata market. This is where the locals shop, and the energy there is AMAZING!!
The smells of fresh cilantro, ripe mangoes, and warm tortillas are everywhere. It can be a little overwhelming at first if you aren't used to it, but everyone is so friendly.
We always make sure to stop by the fish mongers first. The seafood is caught fresh every morning, and you can really tell the difference. I usually pick up some shrimp or a nice piece of white fish for our dinner later.
If you are looking for puerto vallarta old town condo rentals, you really want to find a place with a modern kitchen like the ones we’ve stayed in. It makes processing all those fresh ingredients so much easier.
Stocking Your Condo Kitchen
When we first arrived, we had to figure out what the essentials were. You don't need a lot of fancy tools to cook authentic Mexican food, but a good knife and a blender are definitely helpful.
We learned quickly that the key to great Mexican cooking is the quality of the ingredients. The tomatoes here are so red and juicy, and the avocados are always perfectly creamy.
I highly recommend grabbing a few bags of "totopos" (tortilla chips) from the market. They are so much better than the ones you find in the bags back home.
We also make sure to stock up on different types of chiles. Don't be afraid to ask the vendors which ones are spicy and which ones are mild. They are usually happy to help a visitor!
If you want to know more about the best parts of living in a local neighborhood, you should check out A Couples Weekend in Amapas: The Perfect Itinerary. It really explains why we prefer this over any resort.
Making the Perfect Ceviche
One of the easiest and most refreshing things to make in your condo is shrimp ceviche. It doesn't require any heat, which is great when it’s a warm day in Vallarta.
We start by dicing our fresh shrimp and soaking them in plenty of lime juice. The acid in the lime actually "cooks" the shrimp until they are pink and opaque.
While that's happening, we chop up some red onion, tomato, and plenty of cilantro. I LOVE adding a little bit of finely minced serrano chile for a tiny kick of heat.
Once the shrimp are ready, we mix it all together and fold in some diced avocado. It is SOOO good when served on a crispy tostada.
It’s the perfect lunch to eat on your balcony while looking out at the mountains. We feel so lucky to have found such a great apartments for rent in puerto vallarta for our stay.
Breakfast: The Chilaquiles Way
If you haven't tried making chilaquiles at home yet, you are missing out. It is the ultimate Mexican comfort breakfast.
We usually buy a jar of fresh salsa verde or roja from the market to save some time. You just simmer the salsa in a pan, toss in your thick tortilla chips until they are just slightly soft, and you are done!
But best of all, you can top them with whatever you like. We always do a big dollop of Mexican crema, some crumbled queso fresco, and a fried egg on top.
It is such a hearty way to start the day. If it happens to be a grey morning, it’s one of How to Find the Most Charming Apartments for Rent in Puerto Vallarta while we wait for the sun to come back out.
Cooking these simple dishes makes us feel so much more connected to the local culture. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience of choosing the ingredients and taking the time to enjoy them.
The Magic of Fresh Tortillas
You haven't lived until you've had a tortilla that was made just minutes ago. We often find the local "tortilleria" by just following the smell of toasted corn.
A small stack only costs a few pesos and stays warm for a long time if you wrap it in a clean cloth. We use them for everything: tacos, quesadillas, or even just as a side for our morning eggs.
The texture is so different from what you get at a grocery store. They are soft, fragrant, and slightly chewy.
I always tell my friends that the best part of renting a condo in Amapas is that you get to live like a local. You get to know the people at the stands, and they start to recognize you after a few days.
Final Tips for Your Condo Cooking
If you are planning to cook during your vacation, try not to overcomplicate things. The best Mexican dishes are often the simplest ones.
Make sure you have plenty of limes on hand. In Mexico, we put lime on almost everything! It really brings out the flavors in seafood and salsas.
Also, don't be afraid to try new fruits. We discovered so many different types of pitaya and passion fruit just by asking "What is this?" at the market.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to spend so much time in this beautiful city. Every meal we cook in our condo feels like a little celebration of our time here.
If you are looking for a place that feels like home, we highly recommend checking out the rentals in the Amapas area. They really offer the best of both worlds: stunning views and easy access to the local markets.
Happy cooking, and we hope you enjoy your taste of Vallarta as much as we do!
You can follow along with our latest cooking adventures on Instagram.
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