Mexican Food: 23 Popular Dishes + 4 Secret Recipe Tips

Diana Barkley (Senior Editor)

Do you think you’re a Mexican food enthusiast? Think again! There’s a lot more to Mexican food than burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into Mexican cuisine and its vibrant tapestry of flavors.

Whether you’re a Mexican food expert or just a regular tacos enjoyer, there’s always a lot to learn about the Mexican kitchen.

Mexican cuisine packs a bunch of indigenous ingredients and flavors that dance across your taste buds. We’re here to give you an inside scoop on the diverse components, flavors, and cooking techniques of Mexican food. So get ready to get your taste buds dancing to a spicy salsa beat.

Traditional Mexican Cuisine- More Than Elote and Enchiladas

Traditional Mexican Cuisine- More Than Elote and Enchiladas

Mexican cuisine is often celebrated for its rich traditions and vibrant flavors, and it is much more than just elotes and enchiladas.

With a rich history that dates back to 7000 BCE, the Mexicans have developed a diverse and flavorful culinary tradition that was once dubbed an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

The Mexican cuisine brings a wide array of dishes to your table. The dishes are as diverse as Mexico’s region themselves, as every region has its signature dish.

For example, the Yucatan peninsula has one of the country’s richest culinary heritages. Most Yucatecan dishes are influenced by the Spanish, Lebanese, and Mayan cuisines.

The Cochinita Pibil is the most popular dish in the region, which is a slow-roasted pork marinated in annatto and citrus seeds. Poc Chuch is another popular dish in the Yucatan peninsula. It’s a grilled pork dish marinated in citrus juices.

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll find a new favorite in the cuisine of Baja California. It involves an abundance of sea-influenced dishes such as ceviche, a fish or shellfish marinated in citrus and seasonings.

Tacos de Pescado is another Baja California traditional dish that consists of fried or grilled fish, lettuce, and sour cream or mayo sauce placed on a tortilla.

The culinary exploration of Mexican cuisine wouldn’t be complete without the Oaxacan cuisine. Known as the gastronomic center of Mexico, Oaxaca is a culinary treasure trove with its diverse ingredients and flavors.

As the majority of Mexican food, Oaxaca food utilizes staples such as corn, beans, and chile peppers. Tlayudas is an iconic Oaxacan dish that is basically Mexican pizza made of crispy tortillas topped with avocado, meat, refried beans, salsa, and Oaxaca cheese.

While popular Mexican food like burritos, enchiladas, and tacos definitely have their place in Mexican cuisine, there’s a whole world of other flavors to check out.

What we know internationally is just a needle in the haystack of Mexican food. Let’s have a closer look at some of the most iconic Mexican dishes.

Most Popular Street Food in Mexico

Most Popular Street Food in Mexico

The lively Mexican streets offer a gastronomic adventure for every food enthusiast. There’s a plethora of delicious snacks and meals out there that are delicious, quick, affordable, and packed with authentic flavors. And yes, these dishes are well worth traveling for.

While Mexican food varies depending on the region you’re visiting, you’ll find some staples throughout the country.

Even if you’ve tried these dishes before anywhere in the world, it’s always best to try some dishes in their place of origin. Here are some of the most popular street food in Mexico:

1. Tacos: Arguably the most iconic street food in Mexico. They come in different varieties, from al pastor (marinated pork) to carne asada (grilled beef) and tacos de Pescado (fish tacos).
2. Tortas: They’re Mexican sandwiches made with crusty bolillo filled with avocados, tomatoes, meat, pickled jalapenos, beans, and a variety of beans.
3. Tamales: A popular morning or evening Mexican snack made from corn dough filled with anything from meats and chicken to fruits and cheese. They’re usually wrapped in corn husks or banana leaf wrappers
4. Sopes and Gorditas: Sopes are corn disks usually topped with beans, cheese, salsa, and other ingredients. Gorditas, or little fat ones, are thick tortillas stuffed with fillings like beans, meat, and cheese, then fried or grilled.
5. Tostadas: Toasted, crispy, or fried tortillas topped with meat, refried beans, cream, cheese, or salsa.
6. Quesadillas: Traditional Mexican quesadillas are basically corn or wheat tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients.

The streets of Mexico never fail to attract food enthusiasts from all over the world. The symphony of textures and tastes in Mexican street cuisine is compared to none, and every street has its touch of local cooking.

Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to Mexico to try out Mexican food simply because it’s everywhere in the world.

Mexican Food in the World

Mexican Food in the World

The influence of the rich Mexican cuisine extends far beyond the borders of this vibrant country. Think about it. Mexican restaurants have been around for decades, not only in the United States but in Asia, Europe, and Africa as well.

On top of that, the flavors and ingredients of Mexican cuisine have been integrated into the food culture of numerous countries.

In the United States

In the United States

You know what’s amazing? The way Mexican food has woven itself into the American food culture. Mexican food isn’t just a new type of food to try out once.

It’s now a flavorful phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. Walk around any city or town in the United States, and you’ll definitely stumble across cozy Mexican restaurants.

But what’s the secret behind the love affair between us and Mexican food? Is it just because we love tacos, burritos, and enchiladas? Well, it’s all about variety.

Mexican cuisine is a treasure of different flavors and ingredients that accommodate every palate out there. If you think of Mexican food only as meaty and spicy, then you’re surely missing out. There are a bunch of Mexican dishes for meat lovers, vegans, and every food enthusiast out there.

Ever heard about Tex-Mex? It’s a glorious blend of American and Mexican food, resulting in delights such as fajitas and chili con carne. This type of cross-cultural cuisine shows how much Mexican food influenced the global food culture. But guess what? It doesn’t stop in the United States.

In Europe

In Europe

As we mentioned, the versatility and diversity of Mexican food ingredients and flavors provide something for everyone’s taste buds. That’s why there’s a significant increase in the number of Mexican restaurants and food trucks in Europe. But what’s fueling the spicy sensation in Europe?

Well, it’s a bunch of different factors. First, the growing interest in international food always drives people to try out new flavors and experiences.

Thanks to its refreshing spices and unique flavors, Mexican food provides a huge drift from traditional European food. That’s what people want, to try something completely different from what they’re used to.

Secondly, the allure of the Mexican culture plays a huge role in getting people to try Mexican food. Movies, songs, and travel have done their job of showing Europeans the vibrant culture associated with Mexican food.

So now, Europeans are eager to try Mexican food and experience the lively traditions that come with it. It’s like you bring a small piece of Mexico into the heart of Italy or France.

But here’s the best part: you don’t need a Mexican passport to experience Mexican dishes. The abundance of Mexican products and ingredients in supermarkets made it much easier for people to recreate the magic of Mexican food in their own kitchens.

That’s why Mexican food has found its way into the stomachs of Europeans, from Spain’s sunny streets to the cozy corners of France.

In Asia

In Asia

The global love affair with Mexican cuisine extends to the bustling cities of Asia. Be it Mumbai, Seoul, Tokyo, or Bangkok, there are endless Mexican restaurants in every Asian city. Wondering why Mexican food is too popular in Asia? Well, it can be attributed to several factors.

First, it’s the magic of globalization. As people travel more, they want to buy more than just souvenirs, and food is always on top of every traveler’s list.

And speaking about Mexican food, it’s a carnival of bold flavors and dishes, so there’s always something for everyone’s taste buds. That’s why Mexican cuisine has made its way into Asian hearts and menus.

Let’s not forget our dear friend, social media. There are numerous food bloggers and influencers sharing mouthwatering Mexican food vlogs, which sparks curiosity among viewers to try Mexcian food.

From TikToks to Instagram posts and YouTube videos, Mexican food is now everywhere, and it’s so difficult to resist trying it out.

What’s more, the versatility and adaptability of Mexican food allow chefs to get creative and blend the Asian and Mexican flavors to create exotic dishes.

These cross-culture fusion dishes are like a flavor fiesta, and customers get to enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience by trying out two different cuisines in one dish.

The growing trend of health-conscious eating in Asian countries also played a huge role in raising the popularity of Mexican food.

That’s because Mexican food incorporates fresh and healthy ingredients like beans, tomatoes, avocados, and lean meats in the majority of dishes. Speaking of healthy ingredients, let’s have a closer look at vegan food in Mexico.

Vegan Food In Mexico

Vegan Food In Mexico

When you hear the word “Mexican food,” you probably imagine meaty tacos and cheese enchiladas. However, Mexican food isn’t all about meat, dairy, and lard.

In fact, beans, corn, avocados, and many other vegetables are staples in Mexican food. This is good news if you’re a vegan looking to try out Mexican food.

To be honest, being a vegan in Mexico isn’t the easiest. That’s because food options can vary significantly from one region to another.

For example, in large cities like Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey, it can be easy to find vegan options. On the other hand, veganism fades in rural areas as finding vegan options is too challenging.

Despite all that, embracing a vegan lifestyle in Mexico while savoring the authentic Mexican flavors is totally doable if you know where to look.

First off, don’t expect to find vegan options in street food vendors. They most likely serve only meaty tacos with basic fixings like salsa, tomatoes, and onions.

For a mouthwatering start, try out guacamole and chips: a savory connection of avocado, tomato, and lime often accompanied by chips. Pico de Gallo is another vegan-friendly dish that consists of Mexican salsa, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, and onions.

Craving something heartier? Try any of the following hearty vegan Mexican meals:

• Chilaquiles: a breakfast classic featuring baked tortilla chips with roja salsa or verde. Opt for a vegan-friendly version with soy meat, or simply request it without meat, cream, and egg.
• Sopa Azteca: a traditional Mexican soup bursting with vegetables, tortilla strips, and tomato broth.

Sopa Azteca

• Chiles en Nogada: a seasonal delight featuring poblano peppers filled with a tantalizing mixture of fruits, spices, and nuts topped with pomegranate seeds and a layer of creamy walnut sauce.
• Enchiladas Verdes: a special type of enchiladas enveloped in green tomato sauce and filled with vegetables and beans.

Enchiladas Verdes

For street food enthusiasts, there are some vegan-friendly options as well. Try out churros, sweet fried dough pastries sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

Or opt for elotes, grilled corn on the cob dusted with chili powder. But be careful of the sneaky additions such as butter and mayonnaise. Tostadas de Coyoacán is another Mexican street snack that features a crispy tostada covered with refried beans, lettuce, and salsa.

Though Mexican food features a wide range of high-caloric ingredients, there are multiple healthy ingredients, such as beans, corn, and tomatoes, that are staples in Mexican cuisine.

Fortunately, it turns out that Mexican cuisine isn’t just a heaven of different flavors and ingredients. It packs a lot of health benefits as well.

How Healthy Mexican Food Is

How Healthy Mexican Food Is

People from all over the world go crazy over Mexican cuisine because of its diverse and flavorful dishes. One bite is full of different flavors to the point that you can’t get enough. But what about the health-conscious people? Should they avoid Mexican food?

Well, not exactly. While many Mexican dishes feature high-caloric components such as sour cream, fried foods, and cheese, there are plenty of healthier choices that showcase the versatility of Mexican cuisine.

One of the key factors that make Mexican food a healthy option is its emphasis on natural, fresh ingredients. As we mentioned earlier, many traditional Mexican dishes contain beans, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

These are all healthy options for anyone watching their weight. Here are some of the staples of Mexican cuisine and their health benefits:

Beans and Corn

Beans and Corn

Beans and corn are staples in Mexican cooking, and they’re incredible sources of fiber and protein. They promote a feeling of fullness and aid in digestion, as the fiber content facilitates the movement of food through your digestive system.

More importantly, beans and corn play a role in reducing blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Beans can also be an excellent source of antioxidants that protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh Vegetables

It’s no secret that fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and avocados are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for our health.

Avocados and jalapenos are abundant in various Mexican dishes, such as guacamole, tacos, salads, and enchiladas, and they’re both incredibly beneficial for your overall health.

For example, jalapenos contain capsaicin, a compound that plays a role in controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the blood.

Meanwhile, avocados can be an excellent source of multiple nutrients such as vitamins K, C, B5, B6, E, folate, and small amounts of copper, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.

In short, Mexican food offers a plethora of healthy options rich in nutrients, fibers, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But remember that it’s not always about the ingredients. You should be mindful of portions and preparation methods as well.

For instance, grilled or baked dishes are always healthier than fried ones. Opting for dishes full of vegetables and lean proteins and ordering corn tortillas over flour can make your meal much healthier.

Famous and Popular Mexican Dishes You Have to Try

Famous and Popular Mexican Dishes You Have to Try

If you’re trying Mexican food for the first time, it’s tough to know where to start. Should you go for tacos, enchiladas, and burritos? What about quesadillas and guacamole?

You’re always in a dilemma when trying a specific type of food for the first time. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve made a list of must-try popular Mexican dishes. Let’s dive straight into it.

Tacos Al Pastor

Tacos Al Pastor

Let’s start with tacos al pastor, a must-try Mexican food delicacy. These are basically tacos made of marinated pork slices that are slowly cooked on a spit or a trompo.

They’re usually served in corn tortillas and topped with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. This mix of savory and sweet flavors creates a unique taste sensation that captures the spirit of Mexican cuisine.

Burritos

Burritos

Burritos made their grand entrance into the culinary scene in the border town of Ciudad Juárez. This region is basically a flour tortilla heaven.

There, burritos are made of large flour tortillas stuffed with a handful of ingredients like beans, barbacoa, and braised beef. Some people call it an Americanized version of Mexican food, but it’s really as authentic as it gets.

The Cuidad Juárez burritos are on the slimmer side if you compare them to the Mission-style burritos you find in food chains like Chipotle. These hefty versions of burritos contain rice, beans, shredded lettuce, cheese, onions, and sour cream, all packed into a tortilla roll.

Enchiladas

Enchiladas

If you have ever been to a Mexican diner before, you must have stumbled across enchiladas on the menu. This beloved Mexican dish consists of rolled tortillas filled with a mix of ingredients, including meat, cheese, refried beans, and hot peppers.

The filled tortillas are then placed on a plate and covered in red or green salsa, bean sauce, or melted fresh cheese. Enchiladas showcase the vibrant flavors and versatility of the Mexican kitchen.

That’s why they’re a popular choice among Mexican and American households alike.

Barbacoa

Barbacoa

Barbacoa refers to a unique barbecue style historically used by the Taino people of the Caribbean. The process involves the slow cooking of beef/lamb over an open flame or in an underground pit until the meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.

The used meat can vary depending on the region. For example, in the United States, Barbacoa is often prepared from the heads of the cattle, like the cheeks. Meanwhile, in Central Mexico, lamb is often the meat of choice. In the Yucatan, they usually prepare Barbacoa with pork.

Soups & Salads

Soups & Salads

While we automatically think of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas when we hear about Mexican food, we can’t neglect the wide array of soups and salads in this extensive cuisine.

It’s no surprise that Mexican soups and salads can be a game changer to your meal since they offer an interesting combination of different flavors and textures.

If you’re confused about which soup or salad to order at a Mexican restaurant, here are a few recommendations for popular soups and salads.

Once you hear about Mexican soups, you must think of pozole. But guess what? There’s a bunch of other Mexican soups that fit perfectly into every meal. The best part is that you can even enjoy these soups on their own, not just as a side dish.

Pozole

Pozole

Pozole is arguably the most famous Mexican soup, and it’s no surprise as it represents the Mexican flag. Depending on the used ingredients, pozole has a red, green, or white color, which mimics the Mexican flag.

This iconic soup is often crafted from hominy kernels and pork. However, vegan and chicken versions have also increased in popularity recently. You can order pozole in any of its variations, including Rojo (red), verde (green), or white.

The red version features red guajillo or ancho chiles. Meanwhile, the green version includes cilantro, jalapenos, and tomatillos. You can also enjoy pozole in its white form, which is void of either base.

Menudo

Menudo

If you’re a meat fanatic, you’ll definitely enjoy Menudo. It’s a traditional Mexican soup that boasts a unique history and a hearty taste. Menudo features beef tripe, hominy, garlic, oregano, and red chili pepper. There are two main versions of Menudo: Menudo Rojo and Menudo Blanco.

Menudo Rojo is popular in Guadalajara and north Mexico, and it’s a spicy soap that consists of beef tripe and a red chili base. On the other hand, Menudo Blanco is more popular in Sinaloa and central Mexico, and it’s basically Mendudo Rojo but without chili peppers.

This soul-warming soup is usually enjoyed at special occasions and weekend brunches, and it’s often served with onions, chopped cilantro, and zesty lime wedges.

Sopa De Tortilla

Sopa De Tortilla

For chicken lovers, Sopa De Tortilla is a must-try. This comforting and flavorful Mexican soup is usually prepared with chicken broth and a handful of ingredients, including tomatoes, onions, epazote, chipotle chiles, and fried tortilla chips.

Sopa De Tortilla can be enjoyed as a side or main dish, and it tastes much better with toppings like avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeno, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Ensalada de Nopales

Ensalada de Nopales

Ensalada de Nopales is a unique and nutritious Mexican salad that’s popular in Central Mexico. There are many variations of this salad, especially because salad is all about mixing different ingredients.

However, it’s usually made from tender cactus paddles, onions, tomatoes, salt, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, oregano, and salt. The salad can also be topped with jalapeno strips, queso fresco, sliced onions, and chopped tomatoes.

Salpicón De Res

Salpicón De Res

Salpicón de res is another Mexican nutritious salad that’s notorious throughout Latin America. This flavorful and refreshing salad is usually made from shredded or diced beef mixed with tomatoes, onions, avocado slices, and hot chiles.

You can consume this salad on its own, but it can also be used as a topping for other dishes like tortillas and tostadas.

Starters, Sandwiches, Sides

Starters, Sandwiches, Sides

Mexican cuisine isn’t just famous for its main courses but for a wide variety of delicious starters, sandwiches, and sides as well.

From tantalizing starters like nachos and salsa verde to sandwiches like Pambazo and Cemitas, Mexican food never fails to satisfy your taste buds. Let’s take a closer look at the best Mexican starters, sandwiches, and sides.

Starters and Sides

Starters and Sides

Mexican appetizers aren’t only a great way to awaken your taste buds and prepare for the main dish, but they make excellent party food as well. These aren’t just your average appetizers.

They’re rich, flavorful, and can even be enjoyed on their own. Here are some of the most popular Mexican starters:

• Nachos: classic Mexican starters typically consist of totopos or tortilla chips covered with cheese and other ingredients like beef, vegetables, and condiments. There are a thousand ways to enjoy nachos, such as nachos supreme, buffalo nachos, and cowboy nachos.
• Pico de Gallo: an iconic Mexican salsa made from tomatoes, onions, peppers, salt, cilantro, and lime juice. It makes great additions to nachos and tortilla chips for game events and parties.

Pico de Gallo

• Flautas: slender, rolled tortillas filled with cheese, beef, or chicken and then deep or shallow-fried. They’re a celebration of contrasting textures: the crispiness of the tortilla and the softness of the inside filling.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches

Mexican food boasts a variety of flavorful and nutritious sandwiches. They range from stuffed pambazos to burger-like cemitas. Here are the most popular Mexican sandwiches:

• Pambazos: a delectable Mexican sandwich featuring a soft white bread roll filled with chorizo, potatoes, salsa, lettuce, crema, and queso crumbles.
• Torta Ahogada: a traditional Mexican sandwich made from birote (local bread), filled with pork carnitas, and drowned in tomato and red chile sauce.

Torta Ahogada

• Cemitas: hearty Mexican sandwiches that originated from the city of Puebla. They feature a sesame seed bun filled with beef or pork and avocado, onions, cheese, salsa, and papalo leaves.

Bread, Pastries, Dessert

Bread, Pastries, Dessert

Mexican Kitchen offers a variety of delightful bread, pastries, and desserts that are rich in flavor and tradition. Mexican treats offer something for everyone to enjoy, from savory delights to sweet confections. Let’s delve into some of the most popular Mexican breads, pastries, and desserts.

Mexico’s bakeries are like mad scientist labs mixed with a touch of European flair. For centuries, Mexican bakeries have been influenced by European baking traditions. The result? Modern Mexican bakery goodness.

• Conchas: Traditional Mexican seashell-like bread rolls featuring sweet bread rolls and crunchy sugary toppings.
• Bolillo: A Mexican version of white crusty bread. You can use it to make tortas or as a side dish to soak up soups and chili sauces.
• Rosca de Reyes: Ring-shaped bread that’s often baked to celebrate the Three Kings Day. It’s sweet and has a slight orange flavor and a soft, buttery texture.

Rosca de Reyes

• Orejas: Also known as palmiers, they’re made from rolled-out puff pastries and often coated with sugar or cinnamon sugar and sliced into individual pastries.
• Tres Leches Cake: Popular Mexican dessert featuring a moist sponge cake soaked in three milk types and topped with fresh fruits and whipped cream.

Tres Leches Cake

• Churros: Fried dough pastries covered with sugar or cinnamon and often served with sweet dipping sauces like chocolate and caramel.
• Flan: A creamy caramel custard dessert made by cooking custard in a water bath. It has a creamy smooth texture and has several variations, such as coffee flan and orange flan.
• Empanadas: Savory or sweet pastries made of dough and can be stuffed with fruits, caramel, meat, or pumpkin.

Secret Recipe Tips

Secret Recipe Tips

With thousands of Mexican diners out there, you might be tempted to copy their recipes and recreate their dishes at home. But things can be a bit challenging if you don’t have a Mexican grandmother.

Not to worry, we’ve provided some secret recipe tips to amp up your Mexican cooking game.

Don’t Give Much Attention to Accurate Measurements

Don’t Give Much Attention to Accurate Measurements

Most modern cooking recipes scream out for accuracy and precision in measurements. However, it’s not the case when it comes to Mexican cooking. Why? Simply because Mexican cooking is all about "mide con tus manos" – measuring with your hands.

Authentic Mexican dishes are made with love and care, not strict measurements. Of course, you can try to be accurate. But the best measuring way is to use your fingers to measure the ingredients until you master it to perfection.

Opt for Fresh Cilantro

Opt for Fresh Cilantro

Cilantro is a vibrant green herb and a staple in numerous Mexican recipes as it adds a burst of freshness to your dishes. However, many cooks make the mistake of buying dried cilantro, which lacks flavor.

So, it’s best to avoid it altogether and use fresh cilantro instead. It’s not difficult to find in local supermarkets anymore, so no excuses.

Don’t Add Much to Your Guacamole

Don’t Add Much to Your Guacamole

When making guacamole, forget all the fancy stuff. You just need ripe avocados, tomatoes, salt, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

The trick is to use the freshest ingredients, especially the avocados, to achieve your dreamy, creamy texture. Those ingredients are more than enough to provide a burst of flavor and freshness, so don’t use any extra spices or seasonings. Keep it simple, and your guac will shine.

Don’t Be Afraid to Use Modern Cooking Techniques

Don’t Be Afraid to Use Modern Cooking Techniques

Even though traditional Mexican recipes were born over open fires and ceramic kitchenware, today’s chefs utilize modern cooking appliances to achieve their desired results. Don’t worry.

It won’t take off the authenticity of your dish. For example, metal grinders do a great job of mashing corn to yield the perfect masa for tamales. Ovens are extremely efficient in slow-roasting meats to pack in moisture and lock in flavors.

Beverages

Beverages

Mexican cuisine never fails to impress, even when it comes to soft beverages. There’s a diverse range of options that go beyond the ordinary in Mexican restaurants. Here are a few tantalizing popular Mexican beverages to try.

Horchata

Horchata

Horchata is a sweet, traditional Mexican beverage that’s popular inside and outside of Mexico. It’s a milky drink made from rice water, cinnamon, almonds, and vanilla. There are many variations of horchata. It can also be served hot, cold, or as a flavor for other beverages.

Jarritos

Jarritos

Jarritos is an iconic Mexican brand of sodas that has been around since 1950. It’s also the leading Mexican soft drink in the American market today, with over 70 million dollars in annual sales.

What sets Jarritos apart is its diversification of flavors like guava, mango, tamarind, strawberry, pineapple, mandarin, and more.

Tepache

Tepache

Tepache is the perfect blend of pineapple flavor and effervescent bubbles that’s flavorful and refreshing. This traditional Mexican drink is made from pineapple skin, water, and cinnamon sticks.

It’s often left to ferment for a few days, leading to a slightly alcoholic, fizzy beverage with a unique taste profile.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo

If you’re a sweet-and-sour fan, you’ll fall in love with agua de tamarindo. It’s a non-alcoholic beverage made from tamarind pulp, sugar, and water, which creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly sour flavor. It’s a great, delicious alternative to soda.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Mexican cuisine utilizes a wide variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Common staples include beans, tomatoes, avocados, chili peppers, and more. If you’re shopping for your next Mexican meal, here are some of the most widely used ingredients:

• Beans: Pinto and black beans are used in many Mexican main and side dishes such as burritos, tacos, gorditas, enchiladas, and more.
• Tomatoes: Canned, fresh, or as salsa, tomatoes are omnipresent in Mexican dishes. They’re the base for many sauces, stews, and salsas.
• Avocados: They go well with almost every Mexican dish, from tacos and burritos to guacamole and salads.

Avocados

• Tortillas: Flour and corn tortillas are the vessels that hold many Mexican dishes together. Tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas all rely on tortillas.
• Cheese: Cotija, queso fresco, and Oaxaca cheese are staples for many dishes, such as salads, tacos, and enchiladas.
• Rice: Often seasoned with tomatoes and spices, rice complements endless Mexican dishes, including tacos, picadillo, mole, refried beans, and more.

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and Spices

Whether you’re crafting tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, or even just refried beans, herbs and spices can take your dishes to the next level.

With a wide range of herbs and spices available in supermarkets, it can be daunting to pick the right ones for your Mexican recipes. That’s why we created a list of the most popular herbs and spices in Mexican food.

• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to several dishes, including guacamole, salsas, and more.
• Basil: Used primarily in soups and tomato-based dishes.
• Oregano: Adds a touch of citric and licorice and goes well with avocados, salsas, and chiles.
• Epazote: Provides a pungent flavor of citrus and mint. It’s most commonly used with peppers and beans.

Epazote

• Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor to tacos, marinades, and chili.
• Chilli powder: A staple in various Mexican recipes to add a deep, rich flavor with mild heat.
• Coriander: Add a lemony, citrusy flavor. Widely used in pickling and spice blends.
• Cinnamon: Provides a woodsy, pungent taste to many Mexican desserts and drinks.

Mexican Food Culture

Mexican Food Culture

Mexican cuisine is a rich cultural tapestry that blends ancient farming methods, culinary skills, common traditions, and rituals. Looking at the majority of Mexican dishes, you can clearly see that Mexican cuisine thrives on corn, chili, and beans.

On top of that, unique techniques like nixtamalization and the use of traditional tools like grinding stones enhance the essence of Mexican food.

But guess what? That’s not the end of it. There are some distinctive eating habits, meal structure, and etiquette that set the Mexican food culture apart.

Eating Habits

Eating Habits

Due to centuries of Spanish influence, Mexicans have adapted to a slightly delayed eating schedule. So if you’re in Mexico, you can expect to eat your meals a bit later than you’re used to.

And, of course, as you can imagine, mealtime is a cherished tradition in Mexico that brings family and friends together around tables.

Mexicans typically enjoy three meals per day: breakfast (el desayuno), lunch (la comida), and dinner (la cena). Breakfast is enjoyed between 7 AM and 10 AM.

It can be a simple cup of coffee, but it’s usually accompanied by a hearty meal such as Huevos Rancheros, which consists of corn tortillas stuffed with chili sauce, tomatoes, onions, and fried eggs.

As expected, lunch is the largest meal in Mexico, served between 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM. Mexican lunch features appetizers, salads, and soups, plus the main course: meat, poultry, seafood, or rice, and of course, some tortillas. Be ready for some chatting, as lunch is a restful meal.

Finally, Mexicans end their day with dinner, which is served from 8 PM to 9 PM. It’s the lightest meal of the day and usually includes tacos or soup. Snacking is also common between meals in Mexico.

Meal Structure

Meal Structure

As we mentioned earlier, Mexican food is a symphony of different flavors and textures. You can easily notice this in the Mexican meal structure.

A typical Mexican meal features various dishes, such as salads, soup, and tacos, and main courses that include beef, chicken, or pork. We can’t forget about accompaniments, too, as rice, tortillas, beans, and guacamole are staples in almost every meal.

Etiquette

Etiquette

Hosting a Mexican-themed dinner? It’s crucial to learn more about the Mexican dining etiquette that revolves around warmth and welcoming. First, it’s customary for the host to greet his customers with a friendly "buen provecho" (enjoy your meal). So, don’t start eating before you hear it.

Similar to the table manners in many other countries, it’s polite to wait until everyone is served to start eating.

If you’re invited to a Mexican dinner, wait for your host to take the first bite, then start eating your meal. In case you have to leave the table early, excuse yourself and don’t forget to wish the other diners “buen provecho.”

In general, you should use your hands to eat finger foods like tortas and tacos. Utensils are mainly used for soups and formal settings. Be careful, though. Mexicans aren’t used to switching knives and forks. So, keep your knife in your right hand and the fork in the left.

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