ABOUT US
WHY COOLE CHEPA CHI?
The name Coole Chepa Chi honors the legacy of a remarkable woman from the historic Hacienda Uxmal.
One afternoon, the Mayoral of the hacienda gathered the women who lived there, offering them a unique and honorable opportunity: to cook for the renowned explorers John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood during their stay at Uxmal. In the 1840s, these explorers documented numerous Maya sites, including Uxmal.
Among them, a strong-willed and stout woman named Chepa Chi, accompanied by her grandson José, accepted the task. As the explorers’ cook, she skillfully ground corn, made fresh tortillas, and prepared traditional dishes for the men who would later introduce Uxmal to the world through their book, ‘Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatán’.
The word KO’OLEL in the Mayan language means “married woman” or “woman with children”, a title fitting for Chepa Chi, whose strength and culinary talent left a lasting mark on history.
Coole Chepa Chi is more than just a restaurant—it is a tribute to the women who shaped Yucatán’s culinary heritage, bringing tradition and history to every plate.
TRUE FARM-TO-TABLE
We are proud to say that our restaurant is well on its way to becoming a fully integrated farm-totable operation, sourcing fresh ingredients directly from our own plantation next door and nearby local establishments. Currently, more than 80% of the produce used in our dishes comes from our farm, ensuring the highest quality and freshest flavors while staying true to Yucatán’s rich culinary traditions. All of the eggs used in our kitchen come from our own free-range hens, raised on the farm with care and respect for natural, sustainable farming practices.
By cultivating heirloom corn, tropical fruits, aromatic herbs, a wide variety of citrus and vegetables, we honor the land’s heritage, support local farmers and are able to offer a pure harvestto- plate experience. Every dish at Coole Chepa Chi is crafted with a deep respect for the region’s flavors, incorporating time-honored techniques that celebrate Yucatán’s history.
For those interested in learning more about where their food comes from, visits to the plantation can be arranged with our staff, offering a deeper connection to the ingredients that make each meal special.
Through this commitment to sustainability and authenticity, Coole Chepa Chi continues to evolve, bringing the essence of Yucatán’s land and traditions to every plate.