Mexican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, traditions, and history. From pre-Hispanic roots to global influences, Mexico Foods offer a diverse and exciting culinary landscape. For anyone looking to explore authentic tastes, this guide unveils 10 must-try Mexico foods that promise a delicious adventure.
1. Chilaquiles
Overhead shot of chilaquiles rojos with eggs
Start your day the Mexican way with chilaquiles, a beloved breakfast staple. This hearty dish features lightly fried corn tortillas, quartered and simmered in a flavorful salsa, either roja (red) for a spicy kick or verde (green) for a milder taste. Often enriched with scrambled or fried eggs and shredded chicken, chilaquiles are then generously topped with creamy cheese and a drizzle of fresh cream. No plate of chilaquiles is complete without a side of frijoles – savory refried beans that perfectly complement the dish’s richness.
2. Pozole
Overhead shot of chilaquiles rojos with eggs
Delve into the depths of Mexican culinary history with pozole, a comforting soup with ancient origins. Anthropological records suggest this pre-Hispanic stew once held ritualistic significance. Today, pozole is enjoyed in everyday settings, with popular variations featuring chicken, pork, or even vegetarian options. The soul of pozole lies in hominy corn, slow-cooked for hours, often overnight, with a medley of herbs and spices infusing rich flavors. Served piping hot, pozole is traditionally garnished with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced radishes, chopped onion, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of chilli for an extra layer of zest.
3. Tacos al Pastor
Close-up of tacos al pastor being assembled with pork and pineapple
Experience the iconic tacos al pastor, a street food sensation with a fascinating history. This popular taco variety traces its roots back to the influx of Lebanese and Syrian immigrants to Mexico in the 1920s and 30s. The term “al pastor” translates to ‘in the style of the shepherd,’ hinting at the dish’s shawarma-like preparation. Thin strips of marinated pork are shaved off a vertical spit, nestled into warm corn tortillas, and crowned with chopped onions, fresh coriander leaves, and a sweet-tangy piece of pineapple. Tacos al pastor are a true testament to Mexico’s ability to blend culinary traditions into something uniquely its own.
4. Tostadas
Discover the versatility of tostadas, a crispy and satisfying dish born from resourceful cooking. Literally meaning “toasted,” tostadas are created by frying stale corn tortillas in hot oil until they achieve a golden, crunchy perfection. These crispy bases are then transformed into a blank canvas for culinary creativity, served plain or piled high with an array of toppings. Classic tostada toppings include frijoles (refried beans), crumbled cheese, shredded cooked meat, fresh seafood, or zesty ceviche.
5. Chiles en Nogada
Chiles en nogada dish showcasing the green, white, and red colors of the Mexican flag
Celebrate Mexican patriotism with chiles en nogada, a dish that embodies the colors of the Mexican flag. This visually stunning and flavorful dish features poblano chillies, generously stuffed with picadillo – a savory-sweet mixture of minced meat, fruits, and aromatic spices, representing the green of the flag. A rich, creamy walnut-based sauce, known as nogada, blankets the chilli, symbolizing the white. Finally, vibrant pomegranate seeds are sprinkled on top, completing the tricolor presentation and adding a burst of red. Originating from Puebla, legend has it that chiles en nogada was first served to Don Agustín de Iturbide, a pivotal figure in Mexican independence.
6. Elote
Grilled elote covered in mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder
Experience the quintessential Mexican street food with elote, the local term for corn on the cob. You’ll find vendors selling elote on almost every street corner throughout Mexico. The corn is traditionally boiled to tender perfection and served in two popular ways: on a stick, for a convenient and portable snack, or in cups, with the kernels neatly cut from the cob. Generous helpings of salt, chilli powder, a squeeze of lime, melted butter, crumbled cheese, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy sour cream are then added, creating a symphony of flavors that perfectly complement the sweet corn.
7. Enchiladas
Journey back to Mayan times with enchiladas, a dish with ancient roots in the Valley of Mexico. Historically, corn tortillas were simply wrapped around small fish. Today, enchiladas have evolved into a versatile and satisfying meal, utilizing both corn and flour tortillas. These tortillas are filled with a variety of ingredients, from savory meats and cheeses to fresh seafood, hearty beans, and colorful vegetables, or a combination of everything. The filled tortillas are then smothered in a flavorful chilli sauce, creating a comforting and quintessential Mexico food, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
8. Mole
Chicken mole poblano served with rice and garnished with sesame seeds
Indulge in the complexity of mole (pronounced ‘mol-eh’), a rich and deeply flavorful sauce that holds a prominent place in Mexican cooking. The origin of mole is debated, with three states vying for the title of its birthplace. While countless variations of mole exist, they all share a common characteristic: a lengthy ingredient list, often containing around 20 or more components, including multiple types of chilli peppers. The preparation of mole is a labor of love, requiring constant stirring over an extended period to achieve its signature depth of flavor. Perhaps the most famous mole is mole poblano, a reddish-brown sauce typically served over turkey or chicken, offering a complex blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
9. Guacamole
Guacamole in a molcajete with tortilla chips
Savor the simplicity and freshness of guacamole, undoubtedly one of Mexico’s most globally recognized and beloved dishes. This traditional sauce dates back to the Aztec civilization. Guacamole is made by mashing ripe avocados with chopped onions, tomatoes, fresh lime juice, and spicy chilli peppers, sometimes with the addition of garlic. Often enjoyed as a dip with crunchy tortilla chips, guacamole also serves as a versatile side dish, adding creamy texture and vibrant flavor to countless Mexican meals.
10. Tamales
Close up of a tamale unwrapped from its corn husk
Discover the ancient convenience food of tamales, developed for the Aztec, Mayan, and Inca civilizations. Tamales were created as a nourishing and portable food source for warriors heading into battle. They consist of pockets of moist corn dough, known as masa, filled with either sweet or savory ingredients. Fillings range from meats and cheeses to fruits, vegetables, chillies, and mole. These filled dough pockets are then wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks and steamed until cooked through. Remember to discard the wrapping before enjoying the flavorful tamale within.
These ten dishes offer just a glimpse into the incredible world of Mexico foods. From street food to sophisticated sauces, Mexican cuisine is an adventure for the palate, rich in history and bursting with flavor.
