Mayan Secrets:
Restoring our Culinary Heritage

It is a rare and extraordinary opportunity to have Chef Rosalía Chay Chuc, a descendant of the Maya, sharing her philosophy and culinary secrets with us.

Chef Rosalía is bringing her world into this masterclass — a world where cooking transcends the act of making food; it is a sacred ritual that keeps the spirit of the Maya alive. In her small village of Yaxunah, deep in the Yucatan region of Mexico, Rosalia learned the art of cooking from her grandmothers, using techniques that have been passed down through generations. Her kitchen is a place where tradition thrives, and every dish is a living testament to the history of her people.

At Maison del Gusto, we honour the profound connection between food and identity, where every dish serves as a bridge to the past. Mayan cooking is deeply rooted in the land, relying on the simple yet essential staples of corn, beans, and squash. It is the intricate blend of spices and herbs that truly brings these dishes to life — a blend perfected over thousands of years. Chef Rosalia continues this legacy with every meal she prepares, offering a taste of the ancient flavours that have nourished her ancestors.

Rosalia’s signature dishes, such as Cochinita Pibil and Relleno Negro, are more than just food — they are a direct connection to her heritage. She prepares them using traditional methods, including cooking in an underground oven called a pib, which imparts a deep, smoky flavour that is impossible to replicate with modern techniques. This method is as much about patience and reverence as it is about cooking.

In this masterclass, Rosalia’s cooking becomes an immersive experience. You will witness the ancient art of hand-making tortillas and watch as the cochinita is unearthed from the pib, allowing you to taste the authentic flavours of the Yucatan. Through this experience, you will gain a deeper understanding of the Maya’s intimate connection with their food — a connection that has endured for millennia.

Rosalia’s dedication to preserving Mayan culinary traditions has captivated the world, earning her a feature in the Netflix series Chef’s Table: BBQ. The show highlights her unique cooking methods and the rich cultural history behind them, bringing the flavours of Yaxunah to an international audience.

During the MDG Masterclass at the Monaco Yacht Show, Chef Rosalia will guide us through the process of making tortillas by hand and explore her three types of recados: red, white, and black. The red recado will be used to prepare her famous Cochinita Pibil. Together, we will assemble the cochinita, place it in the oven, and reveal the finished dish. As part of this culinary journey, we will also prepare 50 tortillas on the comal, make pickled red onions, and craft a traditional habanero salsa, culminating in the serving of *tacos de cochinita*.

Maison del Gusto is honoured to have flown Chef Rosalía Chay Chuc from Mexico to share this profound, immersive experience with our MDG community at the CC Lounge MYS.