Asado de boda: The traditional dish you must try in Zacatecas

Photo: Shutterstock

With its striking pink cantera-stone facades, cobblestone alleyways, and an atmosphere steeped in colonial charm, Zacatecas is a destination best discovered through its cuisine as much as its architecture. Among the region’s most iconic recipes is Asado de Boda, a traditional dish deeply rooted in the state’s identity and one that, much like the celebrations it is named after, deserves to be experienced at least once.

Here is a journey into the history and flavor of one of Zacatecas’ most treasured culinary traditions.

THE STORY BEHIND ASADO DE BODA

Every culinary treasure has a story, and the legend of Asado de Boda begins during the Mexican Revolution, when General Francisco Villa arrived in Zacatecas with his troops and asked local cooks to prepare something simple yet special—a dish he would often request to celebrate his victories.
According to tradition, the cooks created a recipe unlike any other: tender pork simmered in a sauce made with dried chiles and a delicate touch of sweetness to balance its bold flavors. The combination not only won over the general, but also became a favorite among the people of Zacatecas.

Over time, families began serving the dish at weddings, where its rich flavors came to symbolize the joy and celebration surrounding a marriage. It was there that the name Asado de Boda, or “wedding roast,” became firmly associated with this beloved Zacatecan specialty.

Photo: Shutterstock

WHERE TO TRY AUTHENTIC ASADO DE BODA

Over the years, the traditional recipe has evolved without losing its essence. Some versions incorporate additional spices and a subtle touch of chocolate, adding depth to the sauce and enhancing the delicate balance between the sweet and spicy notes that define this iconic dish.

One of the most memorable ways to experience it is at Tierra Mía, the signature restaurant at Quinta Real Zacatecas, where the dish is served in a setting as extraordinary as the recipe itself: the historic San Pedro Bullring, carefully restored and transformed into one of the city’s most distinctive spaces.

STAY IN AN ARCHITECTURAL GEM

Make your Zacatecas getaway truly memorable with a stay at Quinta Real Zacatecas, a luxury hotel set within an authentic 19th-century bullring and reimagined with refined interiors and contemporary comforts in the heart of the city.

The hotel offers three types of suites arranged around its central courtyard. More than simply a place to stay, Quinta Real Zacatecas offers a timeless experience defined by romantic arches, intricate stone details, and warm lighting that creates an atmosphere that is intimate, elegant, and utterly distinctive.

Quinta Real Zacatecas. Photo: Quinta Real Zacatecas.

Its privileged location also makes it easy to explore the Historic Centre of Zacatecas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the city’s historic mines, and discover scenic viewpoints offering some of the finest panoramas of Zacatecas.

After a day of exploration, returning to Quinta Real Zacatecas becomes part of the journey itself.