When you spot the decorative cacti out front, you'll know you've arrived at Bakan. This lovely Wynwood restaurant offers traditional Mexican dishes far removed from the taco joints that proliferate throughout Miami. Here you'll find Oaxacan mole dishes and whole grilled fish. If you're feeling adventurous, look for the “Los Insectos” section of the menu, where you'll find gusanos de maguey – pan-fried agave worms served with blue corn tortillas and a side of guacamole; and escamoles, a rare ant caviar sautéed with butter, serrano chilies, and epazote and then wrapped in a blue corn tortilla and topped with a spoonful of guacamole and pickled vegetables. Bakan also offers chapulines (a type of grasshopper native to Mexico and Central America) as a tostada dish. Pair your meal with a selection from Bakan's list of 200-plus tequilas and mezcals.
Rachel Costa is a contributor at Miami New Times. Based in Coconut Creek, she specializes in covering the vibrant food scene in South Florida, with a focus on beverage production, restaurant innovation, and the hospitality and leisure industries. Her work has been featured in notable publications such as the Miami Times, INC., New Times Broward Palm Beach, Coral Gables Magazine, and NewsBreak.
