My first Tulum dinner experience was at Bal Nak @balnaktulum, which is a modern Mexican restaurant that opened in 2018. Prior to visiting, they were very responsive on WhatsApp and extended to me a nice welcome to Tulum. Similar to many places in Tulum, entering their open space is an experience in itself with the magical jungle motif.

Everything was delish. Especially the “Chocolate Clams.” My first thought was that the dish would have chocolate as an ingredient, since Mexico is known for that. However, that would be too easy. It’s actually because of the clams rich chocolate color and the silky texture of their shells. This delicacy is harvested in The Sea of Cortez and the Pacific coastal region of the Baja Peninsula. With the various flavors and textures, the “Chocolate Clams” dish was like a sensual party my palate was happy I was invited to.

With my intense sweet tooth, the “Coconut Ice Cream” was the perfect welcome to Tulum dessert. Honestly, I didn’t have another dessert in Tulum that came in even as a close second. It had me this close 🤌🏽 to asking for seconds or returning for more. The ice cream was so smooth with the Passionfruit jelly and butter cookie crunch as tasty enhancers.

The menu also consisted of an assortment of cocktails, which included the tasty “Mexican Elderberry.”

~MEXICAN ELDERBERRY – Tequila Reposado + passion fruit + lime.

~CHOCOLATE CLAMS – Cucumber + onion + pumpkin seeds + house sauce.

~PAAP POOP – Tequila Reposado + spic liquor Habanero + roasted pineapple + agave honey.

~SMOKED SHORT RIBS – Mushrooms + pickled onions + mashed avocado + hibiscus marinade. The short ribs are cooked for 18 hours and then grilled.

~Coconut Ice Cream – Butter cookie + Passion fruit jelly + almonds

Mmmmm… Bon Appetit! Cheers! Enjoy! #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #Wanderlust #SweetSpot #ColorOutsideTheLines #BeDoLoveSAVOR #IDineToWriteAboutIt #BonAppetit #Yummylicious #Yummyliciousness #Foodie #FoodieLife #FoodPorn #ExpandYourPalate #OffTheBeatenPath #Tulum #TulumDining #BalNakTulum