Snack like local in Mazatlan: cocos helados, tostilocos, escamochas and leperadas

(Published in the Pacific Pearl magazine August 2025)
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By Maaike Hoekstra

Mazatlán in summer is more than a beach destination—it’s a vibrant immersion of color, culture, and cuisine. Imagine golden light reflecting off colonial facades, the sizzle of beef tacos on a hot grill, and the warm embrace of ocean breezes after an early morning storm.
Weather-wise? Yes, during the day it’s hot and humid— or lush and tropical (glass half-full or half empty?). It also means you get the freshest ceviche, the ripest mangos, and siesta-friendly afternoons.
Usually you don’t feel for a heavy meal when it’s hot outside. So what do locals eat? We love botanas (bow-TAH-nas) to satisfy our summer appetite. Here are some that street snacks that you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Mazatlan.

Crazy about coconuts?
Can you never get enough of tropical coconuts? Are you hungry and thirsty? Along the malecón and Paseo del Centenario promenade you can find vendors who swiftly open a coconut with their machete. Look for the sign “Cocos helados”. The coconut water is usually served in a plastic bag with a straw. Then the coconut is hacked in half and with an ice scooper the pulp is removed. The vendor will add salt and lime juice, with an extensive hot sauce bar to spice it up as you wish. It doesn’t get any more tropical than this!

What is Tostilocos?
Who said that ceviche is only served at seafood restaurants? Meet Mazatlan’s Tostilocos! Think of Tostilocos as the seafood version of the Taco-in-a-bag. The small Tostitos bags are opened lengthwise and filled with shrimp or mackerel ceviche. Of course you can top it up with loads of lime and hot sauce. It seems like the strangest combination, but it has a great taste. Now there is an interesting distinction between how Tostilocos are served during the day or at night. Are you into seafood? Then look for Tostilocos during the day. Are you into Mexican street corn? Head out after sunset and get your Tostilocos with corn, sour cream and cotija cheese.

What is an Escamocha?
Do you have a sweet tooth, but still want to eat healthy? Have you ever tried Mazatlan’s fruit salad Escamocha? Street food snacks are not by definition all savory. A case in point is the Escamocha. It is originally from Guadalajara and it has a unique blend of chopped tropical fruits topped with orange juice, condensed milk, walnuts, raisins and desiccated coconut. Which fruits are part of an Escamocha? Usually melon, water melon, pineapple, papaya, apple and banana. Are you allergic to any of these ingredients? Don’t worry: the escamochas are made in the moment and the vendor can leave out any fruit or topping. So are Escamochas a breakfast thing? Not necessarily, you can find them all day long at any juice bar around town.

What is a Leperada?
Let’s take street food to a whole different level. Have you ever heard about Leperadas? It’s a popular local snack made with coconut. It was invented in the early 2000’s by Cocos Lepe, also famous for their coconut horchata. Nowadays you can find it at several small curbside vendors around town. The word “leperada” literally means a rude or insulting comment. The list of ingredients does seem like an offensive combination. So what are they? A true leperada has chunks of coconut pulp, cucumber, jicama, mango, tostitos chips, tamarind candy, peanuts, chili powder, hot sauce, sweet-n-spicy Chamoy sauce, lime and salt. Would you try it?

How to book a Flavor Teller food tour?
Mazatlán in summer isn’t for everyone—but if you crave authentic connection, culinary surprises, and vibrant culture, this season just might be your perfect escape. Hungry for more? Let Flavor Teller show you the real Mazatlán, one bite at a time. You’ll get access to vendors locals love—without the guesswork. Check out all our food tours online (www.flavorteller.com) or contact us via [email protected].