Marquesitas Playa del Carmen: Best Mexican Dessert

Updated: 3 days ago

Imagine standing in a corner in Playa del Carmen at night. The air is filled with laughter and distant music. On one side, the first marquesita stand crackles enticingly as the dough folds, releasing the sweet aroma of melted cheese and Nutella. The cheerful and chatty vendor exchanges jokes with customers, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. On the other side, the second stand has a different energy. Here, the pace is quicker, with a steady line of people waiting their turn. The air is rich with vanilla and sugar, accompanied by the sizzling sound of dough on the griddle. People chat animatedly, sharing stories as they wait, creating a sense of community. Both stands, though distinct, share the vibrant essence of Playa del Carmen, making each marquesita a little night-time feast. — Few things are as characteristic of Playa del Carmen as a marquesita; they are a gastronomic and cultural phenomenon.

Marquesitas Playa del Carmen. The marquesita is a popular treat in Yucatan and represents the region's unique culinary heritage. Both locals and visitors enjoy it.

As a beloved part of the street food in Playa del Carmen, the marquesita offers a delicious introduction to local flavors.

Let's dive into the world of marquesitas and discover why this crispy, sweet delicacy has become a must-try for anyone visiting Playa del Carmen.

What is a Marquesita?

Imagine a freshly prepared, crispy marquesita filled with Nutella and strawberries. The golden-brown edges are perfectly crisp, and the rich, melted Nutella oozes slightly from the fold, mixing with juicy slices of vibrant red strawberries. In the background, there's a jar of Nutella and a bunch of ripe bananas, adding to the scene's tempting appeal. The setup invites you to indulge in this delightful street treat. — A marquesita is like a small gourmet street dessert that becomes irresistible to everyone who tries it.

A marquesita is a traditional Yucatecan street food that resembles a crispy rolled crepe or a thin waffle cone. Its origins trace back to the Yucatán Peninsula, where it was invented as a new take on the traditional crepe.

The key to a marquesita's allure is its texture and flavor contrast: the outside is crispy and crunchy, while the inside is filled with sweet and savory ingredients.

The History of Marquesitas

Picture a lady at a busy street stand in Playa del Carmen. She skillfully pours a thin batter onto a sizzling skillet, spreading it evenly. The air fills with a sweet aroma as she adds a generous layer of Nutella, followed by thin slices of strawberry. She folds the crispy, golden marquesita with a warm smile and hands it to a waiting customer. Her eyes reflect the joy of sharing this beloved treat, surrounded by the lively chatter of the evening crowd. — In the 1930s, Leopoldo Mena created marquesitas by combining sweet jams with salty queso de bola to attract winter customers. The name "marquesita" likely came from the daughters of a marquis who loved this dessert.

Marquesitas was created in the 1930s by Leopoldo Mena, an ice cream business owner who faced declining customers during winter.

To attract more customers, he invented this new sweet treat, combining the sweet taste of jams with the salty flavor of queso de bola (Edam cheese).

The result was a delightful contrast that quickly became a success. The name "marquesita" is said to have originated from the daughters of a marquis who frequented the place and often bought this sweet Mexican crepe dessert.

The Magic of Fillings

Picture a lively street stand at night. The air is thick with the sweet scent of Nutella and the rich aroma of queso de bola. You can almost hear the sizzle as the batter hits the griddle, blending with the sound of cheerful chatter around. Jars of Nutella and crunchy cookies are neatly arranged, ready to be added to the crispy marquesitas. The vendor's hands move swiftly, creating a symphony of delicious scents and sounds, inviting you to enjoy this delightful treat. — Although not suitable for diabetics, the number of toppings you can add to a marquesita is limitless. The most common are fruits like strawberries and kiwi.

The classic filling for a marquesita includes melted Edam cheese, known locally as "queso de bola."

This cheese is known for its slightly salty and nutty flavor. It pairs perfectly with sweet toppings like Nutella, chocolate syrup, caramel, fruit preserves, or condensed milk.

Some vendors also offer additional fillings such as sliced bananas, strawberries, or savory options like ham or turkey, making marquesitas a versatile snack tailored to different tastes.

Where to Find the Best Marquesitas in Playa del Carmen

Imagine standing at the lively corner of 10th Avenue and Constituyentes. The air is filled with the sounds of people and music from nearby shops. To your right, next to the bustling Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall, there's a vibrant spot. It's colorful and inviting, with chairs and tables where people relax and enjoy their treats. The friendly and bustling atmosphere makes it a perfect place to soak in the local vibe. — My favorite place is on 10th Avenue at Constituyentes, next to Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall. It's a colorful spot with chairs and tables to sit at.

Marquesita stands are a common sight throughout Playa del Carmen, often setting up shop in bustling areas where people gather. Some of the most popular spots to enjoy delicious marques ita include:

Parque del Palacio Municipal: This is a classic spot in the heart of the city, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy street food and the lively atmosphere.
Walmart Entrance: Another convenient location, especially for those who want to grab a quick snack after shopping.
Constituyentes and 25th Avenue Corner: This area is known for its variety of street food vendors and offers a chance to enjoy marquesitas alongside other local treats.
Avenida 10 with Constituyentes Plaza del Karma: Avenida 10 is a famous street lined with shops and eateries, perfect for a stroll and a tasty treat.

No matter where you try a marquesita, each vendor offers the same delightful combination of crispy dough and delicious fillings, making it a consistent favorite among locals and visitors enjoying street food in Playa del Carmen.

A Part of Local Culture

Imagine a bustling street stand with the rich scent of melted cheese and sweet toppings in the air. The menu offers a variety of choices: crispy marquesitas filled with Nutella, sliced strawberries, and bananas. You can also add savory queso de bola for a perfect blend of flavors. Other options include toppings like caramel, chocolate chips, and crushed cookies, allowing endless combinations to suit your taste. The atmosphere is lively, with the sound of the sizzling grill and cheerful conversations around you. — The price of a marquesita ranges from 70 to 150 pesos, depending on how many ingredients you want to add. The quality is consistent throughout the city.

Marquesitas are more than just a dessert; they're a part of Playa del Carmen's vibrant street food culture.

The sight of a vendor expertly rolling out the thin dough, the sizzle of the grill, and the aroma of melting cheese and sweet toppings create a quintessentially local experience.

For many, enjoying a marquesita is not just about the taste but also about being a part of the local culinary scene.

Conclusion

Imagine a vibrant street stand with the sweet aroma of freshly made marquesitas. The air is filled with the scent of Nutella and toasted batter. There's a bowl of Ferrero Rocher chocolates on the counter, adding a rich, nutty fragrance. The vendor moves quickly, spreading the batter on the grill and folding it with precision around the chocolates. The sound of sizzling and cheerful chatter surrounds you, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. — If you visit Playa del Carmen, having a marquesita at one of the numerous street stands is a must that you can't miss.

If you're visiting Playa del Carmen for the first time or have been living there for a while, trying a marquesita is essential.

This delicious treat gives you a taste of local tradition, diverse flavors, and a glimpse into the city's lively street food scene. Unsurprisingly, marquesitas are considered some of the best street food in Playa del Carmen.

So, the next time you're in Playa del Carmen, visit one of the many marquesita stands and treat yourself to this irresistible Mexican dessert and Yucatecan delight.