For authentic, delicious low cost food, follow the locals and make for the bullfight arena, the Parque de las Palapas, or the markets. The biggest market in Cancun is Mercado 28 , close to downtown's main post office at the western end of Av Sunyaxchen. There are plenty of food stalls and tiny cheap restaurants here. The other market in Cancun, Mercado 23 , is much smaller but makes a relatively peaceful venue for a decent Mexican lunch. From the bus station, walk a few blocks north along Tulum and then turn down Flamboyan or Cerdo. Further along, at the junction of Tulum and López Portillo, is a small plaza, complete with fountain, at the edge of another market. The little cafés here are packed with Mexican families and it's the nearest Cancun comes to having a zócalo.

Xtabentun. This is the place you will find the locals eating tacos after the nightclubs close.  It is located behind the Coral Negro market and faces the entrance to the Black Pearl and Nectar. All seating is on a small outdoor patio. Reasonably priced and good food.

Taco Factory.  As the name implies, there are plenty of tacos to eat here. It is located across the street from the Daddy O's night club in the Punta Cancun area. Taco prices start at 18 pesos each (approx. $1.80).