Eastern flavors are at home amid Mérida’s flourishing Asian food scene
Determined to venture beyond our comfort zone, we headed north to explore the culinary landscape outside Centro. Our journey led us to two hidden gems serving authentic Asian cuisine.
Tama Shokudo
Nestled a few blocks from El Parque de la Alemán sits a charming house adorned with Japanese lamps and striking kanji signs. This intimate spot operates on a “no reservations” policy, and though you might wait briefly for a table, the experience justifies the patience.
The dining space strikes a perfect balance with its understated Japanese-inspired décor. While there was no Japanese music playing, we were warmly welcomed with a “konnichiwa!“
The Miso Ramen with cashew topping immediately caught my eye. The chicken broth came generously laden with noodles and tender, slow-cooked pork belly. I paired it with Calpis, a classic Japanese beverage that proved refreshingly light.
My companion’s Katsu curry featured a perfectly breaded pork fillet with curry sauce and rice. The breading maintained its crispiness without any trace of grease, while the curry sauce delivered rich flavor.
The reasonable prices at Tama Shokudo add to its appeal. Though too full for dessert, the matcha macaroons beckoned for our next visit. While they don’t offer delivery, the memorable Miso Ramen alone warrants return trips to explore more of their menu.
Instagram: @tamashokudo
Choga Seoul
Traveling north on Avenida Correa Rachó in Fraccionamiento del Arco, just before Altabrisa, you’ll find this unassuming Korean restaurant – a true hidden gem that requires keen eyes to spot.
The menu celebrates traditional Korean cuisine, from homemade ramen to Korean sushi, and even an intriguing cold soup served with ice. Popular demand means reservations are recommended, but the wait gives you time to browse their shop of Korean products, including BTS-branded drip coffee.
Despite its location near a busy street, the outdoor seating area (complementing two indoor tables) maintains its charm. Korean pop music and thoughtful décor create an authentic atmosphere that transports you straight to Seoul.
We started with Mandu, Korean mini-fried empanadas. Though the beef filling was modest, these eight dumplings took the edge off our hunger.
My Doenjang-jjigae, a hearty pork stew with potato, onion, squash, and homemade tofu, proved to be a delicious choice accompanied by refreshing cold ginger tea. My companion’s Chap-Chae consisted of sweet-potato noodles with vegetables and pork – delightful, though the envious glances at my stew spoke volumes. The Korean date tea perfectly complemented their dish.
The massive Strawberry Bing-Su we spotted on a neighboring table will have to wait until next time, when we’ll be sure to save room for dessert.
Instagram: @chogaseoul

Eduardo Vázquez is Roof Cat Media’s creative consultant as well as director at Flirt Content Marketing. He also owns the restaurant Flamante Burgers and Lalo’s Comedor Casual in Mérida.