Since we first started working remotely from Puerto Vallarta, one of the biggest changes to our daily routine was how we handled food. When you are a puerto vallarta digital nomad, your condo isn't just a place to sleep; it is your office, your sanctuary, and your private cafe. We quickly realized that eating out for every single meal in the Romantic Zone: while delicious: wasn't sustainable for our focus or our health.
Amapas has become our absolute favorite place to stay because it offers a peaceful hillside retreat that is still incredibly close to everything. But when you are deep in a deep-work session and need a quick healthy lunch, knowing where to grab the best ingredients is a total game-changer. We have spent months figuring out the best grocery spots and meal prep hacks so you don’t have to!
Your Neighborhood Lifeline: Mini Super & Deli Amapas
When we first moved into our Amapas condo, we were worried about having to trek down the hill every time we ran out of coffee or eggs. But best of all, we discovered Mini Super & Deli Amapas right on Calle Amapas. It is literally a lifeline for anyone staying in the area.
This isn't just a tiny corner store; it’s surprisingly well-stocked with the essentials. We visit at least three times a week for fresh eggs, local milk, and those mid-afternoon snacks that keep us going through Zoom calls. If you are a solo traveller, this spot is perfect because you can buy exactly what you need for a few days without a massive haul. The staff here are so friendly, and we are always so grateful for their local recommendations on which cheese is freshest that morning!
The Saturday Ritual: Olas Altas Farmers Market
If you want to feel like a true local, you absolutely have to make the Olas Altas Farmers Market a part of your Saturday morning. It is just a short walk down from the Amapas hillside into the heart of Old Town. We LOVE the atmosphere here: it is vibrant, colorful, and smells like fresh baking and roasting coffee.
This is where we do our big weekly haul for meal prepping. We load up on organic spinach, heirloom tomatoes, and the most incredible avocados you will ever taste. If you're looking for apartments for rent in puerto vallarta, having a kitchen where you can process these fresh finds is a must. We usually grab a fresh loaf of artisanal sourdough and some local honey while we are there too. It makes our Monday morning breakfasts feel like a 5-star experience!
Authentic Finds at Mercado Emiliano Zapata
For a more traditional experience, we highly recommend heading over to the Mercado Emiliano Zapata. This is a local municipal market that has a much more "authentic" vibe than the tourist-facing shops. This is where we go when we want to get serious about our Mexican cooking.
The produce here is remarkably fresh and often much more affordable than the specialty delis. We always stop by the spice stalls to stock up on dried hibiscus for Jamaica tea and various dried chilies for homemade salsas. If you want to dive deeper into the local flavors, check out our neighborhood guide for travelers to see how this market fits into the wider Amapas lifestyle.
Mastering the Protein: Carnes Selectas
Meal prepping as a digital nomad usually means having a reliable protein source ready to go. We found Carnes Selectas in the Zona Romantica to be the best butcher in the area. The quality of the chicken and beef is far superior to what you’ll find in the larger supermarkets, and they are happy to cut things exactly how you want them.
We usually buy a couple of kilos of chicken breast or lean beef, marinate them with local limes and cilantro, and grill them up for the week. Having that prepped and ready in the fridge makes those 30-minute lunch breaks between meetings so much less stressful. We have a whole guide on cooking with fresh ingredients that explains exactly how to use these local cuts in your condo kitchen.
Filling the Gaps at Mercado Ollin
Sometimes, as much as we love the local markets, we just really want that specific hot sauce or cereal from back home. That is where Mercado Ollin comes in. They specialize in imported goods and "U.S.-style" products. It is a bit of a luxury to find certain brands here, but for a long-term nomad, it provides a sense of comfort that is sometimes needed.
They also have a fantastic selection of high-quality oils, vinegars, and international grains like quinoa or farro, which can be harder to find in the smaller neighborhood mercados. We usually make a trip here once every two weeks to restock our specialty pantry items.
The Occasional Big Run: Soriana
Once a month, we usually take a quick Uber ride over to the large Soriana supermarket near the maritime terminal. While we prefer supporting the local Amapas shops for our daily needs, Soriana is unbeatable for bulk items like laundry detergent, large bags of rice, or cleaning supplies.
It is also a great place to stock up on beverages and heavier items that you don't want to carry up the Amapas hills by hand. We recommend doing this trip mid-week during the day when it’s much quieter, so you can get in and out quickly and back to your laptop!
Our Top Meal Prep Tips for Amapas Nomads
Living and working in an Amapas condo has taught us a few things about staying fed and focused:
- Shop Early: The best produce at the markets is usually gone by noon. Set your alarm and get there early!
- Embrace the Seasonal: Learn what fruits are in season. Mango season in PV is LIFE-CHANGING, but you won't find the good ones year-round.
- Watch the Heat: Since it can get humid, we recommend storing your grains and spices in airtight glass containers to keep them fresh.
- Batch Cook Your Salsas: Making a big jar of fresh roasted tomato and serrano salsa on Sunday will make every meal during the week taste AMAZING.
- Utilize Your Balcony: If you have a balcony with a view (which most Amapas condos do!), make it your "lunchroom." Stepping away from the screen to eat fresh ceviche while looking at the trees is the best mental reset.
Puerto Vallarta is such an incredible place to live the nomad life, especially when you have a beautiful home base in Amapas. Having a kitchen stocked with fresh, local ingredients makes the experience feel so much more grounded and authentic.
Whether you are staying for a month or a year, we highly recommend taking the time to explore these local gems. Staying in Amapas is SOOO wonderful because you get the peace of the hills with the convenience of these amazing markets just steps away. It truly is the BEST of both worlds!
If you're planning your next stay, come hang out with us on Facebook where we share more of our daily Vallarta adventures!
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