Chef Wilson Alonzo Báez is currently captivating the culinary world by representing Yucatán’s rich and vibrant heritage in the Arab world. After achieving the prestigious title of Best Cook of Yucatán 2023 and gaining widespread recognition through his renowned restaurant, Yaaxche, Alonzo now finds himself on a foreign yet exciting stage. His mission is clear: to introduce the intricate flavors of Yucatán to a region steeped in its own culinary history, creating a fusion of tradition and innovation that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Ya’axché, Chef Wilson Alonzo Báez’s restaurant, is a living testament to his reverence for Yucatecan heritage and the spiritual depth of Mayan culture. Named after the sacred tree that, in Mayan belief, connects the earth, the heavens, and the underworld, Ya’axché symbolizes the interconnectedness of life, tradition, and nature. For Alonzo, this tree is not merely an emblem, but a guiding principle that informs every dish.
In addition to its cultural significance, Alonzo’s establishment has revitalized the local economy by focusing on regional ingredients and traditional techniques. By collaborating with local producers and artisans, such as the group of hand-tortilla makers in San Francisco, Halachó, he has created opportunities for the community to thrive. His restaurant serves not only as a culinary beacon but also as a platform for showcasing the craft of those whose work sustains Yucatán’s rich gastronomic heritage, thus creating a positive cycle of growth and empowerment in the region.
This deep connection to his roots, both cultural and economic, is what Chef Wilson Alonzo Báez now carries with him as he embarks on his journey to the Arab Emirates, where he aims to share the essence of Yucatán’s heritage on a global stage.
A Worldwide Connection Through Gastronomy
“It’s an honor to be able to take the flavors from my hometown to a region that is also known for its rich history in cooking,” Chef Alonzo shared on his social media platforms. This moment marks a significant milestone not only for his career but also for Yucatán’s international culinary recognition. By showcasing the distinctive flavors, ingredients, and techniques of Yucatecan cuisine, Alonzo is building a bridge between two diverse cultures, united by their shared appreciation for food as an essential expression of heritage and identity.
Yucatán’s cuisine, deeply rooted in Mayan traditions, is known for its bold flavors, regional ingredients, and ancient techniques such as cooking underground with the use of pib ovens. In Arab, the region has its own complex food traditions, and rather than seeing this as an impediment, Alonzo sees it as an exciting opportunity for cultural exchange.
Although at first glance, Yucatán and the Arab Emirates may appear culturally distant, Chef Alonzo is quick to recognize the shared values that connect these two regions. “Both places hold deep respect for the land, the ingredients, and the ancient recipes passed down through generations,” Alonzo reflects. He believes that food has the unique ability to unite even the most diverse communities.
The Challenge
Being an ambassador for Yucatán’s culinary heritage in a completely different context is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles Alonzo has encountered is adapting Yucatecan recipes in a region where certain key ingredients are not readily available. “It’s a challenge to recreate the traditional flavors when we can’t always access the same ingredients we use back home,” he admits. In Yucatán, ingredients like achiote, sour oranges, and habanero peppers are staples, but they are not as easily found in the Arab world.
However, Alonzo is no stranger to innovation. He approaches this challenge as an opportunity to be creative, combining traditional Yucatecan ingredients brought from Mexico with local spices and cooking techniques available in the Middle East. “My priority is always to respect the pure essence of Yucatán’s cuisine, but I also want to find a point of union between the ingredients we have and those that are locally available,” Alonzo explains. This balance allows him to stay true to the authenticity of Yucatán while also making the dishes more accessible and appealing to local palates.
Globalizing Yucatán’s Cuisine
Alonzo’s presence in the Arab world signifies a new chapter for Yucatán’s culinary legacy. He is not just cooking; he is crafting a narrative of Yucatán’s history, identity, and future through each dish he presents. “This journey is about more than just food,” Alonzo shares. “It’s about representing a culture, a way of living, and showing the world how we see life through the lens of our culinary traditions.”
His work emphasizes the importance of sharing local food cultures on the global stage. Yucatán’s cuisine, while already renowned in Mexico, still has much to offer to international audiences. This is an experience that allows him to show Yucatán’s gastronomy , sharing the stories, values, and traditions that define his homeland.
Yucatán’s culinary heritage is a tapestry of flavors that tells the story of its people. Through his work abroad, Chef Alonzo ensures that these stories are not just confined to Mexico but are shared with the world. In each dish he prepares, there is a connection to the past, a celebration of the present, and a hope for the future of Yucatán’s cuisine.
The Future of Yucatecan Cuisine
One of the most exciting aspects of Alonzo’s journey in the Arab world has been his collaboration with local chefs. These exchanges have sparked new ideas, inspiring future projects that merge the flavors of Yucatán with Middle Eastern cuisine. “There’s a lot we can learn from them, but there’s also a lot they can learn from us,” Alonzo remarks. This cross-cultural exchange has opened up a world of possibilities, with potential for new dishes that blend the best of both culinary traditions.
For Chef Wilson Alonzo, the journey in the Arab world is just one step in a much larger mission: to see Yucatán’s culinary traditions recognized and appreciated across the globe. As he navigates this exciting chapter of his career, he remains deeply committed to sustainability, respect for the land, and cultural preservation. These values have always guided his work, and they continue to be at the heart of his global culinary journey.
- 55 3263 0832
- Yaaxche
- @y.aaxche
- C. 18 s/n, La Soledad, 97830 Halachó, Yuc.
Article by Anasofia Zapata
