Pavo en escabeche oriental is Yucatecan turkey simmered in toasted-spice broth with onion, garlic and bitter orange, served with the broth poured over and corn tortillas alongside.

The dish is one of the oldest Yucatecan turkey preparations, named for the 'eastern' (oriental) Yucatán towns of Valladolid and Tizimín, where it originated. The escabeche uses toasted whole spices (allspice, oregano, cumin, cloves) and an acidic citrus stock from Yucatán sour orange, a Mayan technique softened by Spanish contact. The turkey is roasted whole, then served in clay bowls of broth with the escabeche and a stack of charcoal-grilled red onions; sides are pickled habanero, lime wedges and warm corn tortillas. Restaurante Kinich in Izamal and Yerba Buena del Sisal in Mérida run authoritative versions; the dish anchors Valladolid's Sunday market lunch.

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