Mazatlan Culture and Cuisine

Mazatlan, our restaurant’s namesake, is a beautiful resort town located in the western coastal region of Mexico. Full of vibrant colors and the combination of a number of rich cultural influences, Mazatlan is a hub for travelers and foodies alike.

There isn’t a single influence on Mazatlan’s cuisine, but rather a beautiful mixture of coastal, midland, traditional and modern touches that make Mazatlan such a unique place. Here are the influences that helped to shape Mazatlan’s culture and cuisine that exists today:

Coastal & Seafood Influence

With a location set just south of the Gulf of California, it’s no wonder that Mazatlan’s cuisine has such strong ties to seafood. In fact, Mazatlan is not only a city, but also an important Pacific port. For centuries, seafood has been at the forefront of Mazatlan’s infamous cuisine, with dishes such as camarones apretalados: Bacon-wrapped prawns sauteed with green peppers, onions, and mushrooms.

Spain’s Colonial Influence

The Spanish invasion of the Mazatlan region in the 16th century made a lasting impact on the region’s culture, including the cuisine. The Spanish people brought with them the concept of domesticated animals for food, dairy products, and rice. Although the Spanish did not succeed in creating a total shift from Mexican food to Spanish, their influence has lasted for centuries, bringing about many delicious dishes such as our Mar y Tierra Banquet.

Mexican Influence

Since Mazatlan is located within the Mexican state of Sinaloa, it’s no wonder that there is such a heavy Mexican influence on its cuisine. Mazatlan holds tight to its traditional Mexican flavors and ingredients, while also offering a nod to its various influences in a few of its dishes. Carne asada and shrimp quesadillas are two popular and traditionally Mazatlan dishes, both of which are on our menu for you to enjoy.

Modern Influence

Mazatlan is a tourist town. With so many travellers coming and going, there has been a wave of modern influence over Mazatlan’s cuisine, including the introduction of new methods of cooking and foreign flavors. Essentially, the modern influence is exactly what makes Mazatlan itself: The combination of many different influences coming together, bound by the tradition and preparation of the region’s best-known dishes.


At Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant in Everett, Washington, we love keeping the tradition of Mexican cuisine alive. All of our menu options are created using the rich blends of spices and flavors that Mazatlan is known for.

Although we are not open for dine-in meals, we are offering our menu items for pickup and delivery. Please consider supporting our family-owned business for your next meal by placing an order online for delivery, or by calling 425-404-3084 for pickup. Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon!