Who hasn’t heard of Mexican food? It is loved around the world. But nothing compares to enjoying authentic Mexican dishes in Mexico itself. For food lovers, it’s an experience that’s hard to beat. Every region offers its own unique flavours and traditional dishes, giving visitors plenty of options to discover with every meal.
To help you decide what to order during your trip, here are 10 local favourites that showcase the best of Mexican cuisine.
Tacos are certainly one of the best foods to try while in Mexico. Your trip to Mexico would be incomplete without this iconic dish. A taco is a tortilla filled with grilled beef, pork, seafood or vegetables. The toppings commonly include onions, coriander, salsa and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Where to try it: Street food stalls (taquerías) and local taco restaurants throughout Mexico.
Tamales originated thousands of years ago and were used by the Maya and Aztecs as portable food during hunting trips. They are made from corn dough, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and are steamed until soft. Tamales are filled with meat, cheese, vegetables and sometimes sweet ingredients.
Where to Try: Bakeries, local markets and traditional breakfast stalls
Mole is a rich, scrumptious sauce made with dried chillies, flavourful spices, nuts, herbs, and a bit of chocolate or cocoa. The colour and ingredients of Mole may vary by region. It is usually served with chicken or turkey.
Where to Try: Traditional restaurants in Oaxaca and Puebla
Pozole is a popular traditional Mexican soup made with hominy (large corn kernels), broth and meat. It is typically served with shredded lettuce, onions, dry oregano and chilli peppers. It is one of the main dishes served during festivals, including New Year’s Eve in Mexico.
Where to Try: Traditional restaurants and local eateries across western and central Mexico
This traditional dish consists of poblano peppers stuffed with minced meat, fruits and spices. These are served with pomegranate seeds and walnut cream sauce. These are traditionally prepared during the pomegranate season i.e., August and September.
Where to Try it: Traditional restaurants in Puebla, including places such as El Mural de los Poblanos and Casareyna.
Visiting Mexico without trying Cochinita Pibil is like visiting Japan without tasting Sushi. It’s a speciality of the Yucatán Peninsula. The dish is made by roasting pork slowly with achiote paste and sour orange juice. It is often served with beans and rice and is tender, juicy and flavourful.
Where to Try it: Local restaurants and markets in Mérida and across the Yucatán Peninsula.
Originally from the state of Jalisco, Birria is a slow-cooked meat stew prepared with dried chillies and spices. It is commonly served with tortillas and a rich broth for dipping.
Where to try it: Traditional restaurants and birrierías, especially in Guadalajara and the state of Jalisco.
