Mexican cuisine is colourful, bold and deeply rooted in history. Indeed, it mixes ancient Indigenous traditions with Spanish and other influences. In fact, UNESCO recognised traditional Mexican cuisine as intangible cultural heritage in 2010. As a result, eating in Mexico is a highlight of any trip.
This guide presents the dishes you must try, the best street food, desserts and drinks.
The Basics of Mexican Cuisine
Corn, beans and chili peppers are the foundation of most meals. For example, corn tortillas accompany almost every dish. Then, fresh salsas, lime and herbs add brightness. Moreover, each region has its own specialities.
Iconic Dishes You Must Try
Tacos
Tacos are soft corn tortillas filled with almost anything. Above all, try tacos al pastor, spit-grilled pork with pineapple. Interestingly, this style was inspired by Lebanese immigrants, so it resembles shawarma. Also, fish tacos and slow-cooked barbacoa are popular.
Mole
Mole is a rich sauce made with chili peppers, spices, nuts and sometimes chocolate. Some recipes use more than 20 ingredients. For example, mole poblano, from Puebla, is usually served over chicken or turkey. Meanwhile, Oaxaca is famous for its seven moles.
Enchiladas and Tamales
Enchiladas are rolled tortillas covered in chili sauce. Similarly, tamales are corn dough filled with meat or cheese, wrapped in a husk and steamed. Also, families often prepare them together for holidays.
Chiles en Nogada
This festive dish features stuffed poblano peppers with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. Moreover, its green, white and red colours match the flag. So, it is served mainly in August and September, around Independence Day.
Regional Classics
In Yucatán, try cochinita pibil, pork slow-cooked in achiote and citrus. Also, taste pozole, a hearty corn soup served at celebrations.
Mexican Street Food
- Elote: Grilled corn with mayonnaise, cheese, chili and lime. Also, try esquites, the same flavours served in a cup.
- Quesadillas: Folded tortillas filled with cheese, mushrooms or squash flowers. Surprisingly, in Mexico City they don’t always include cheese.
- Tlayudas: Large crispy tortillas from Oaxaca, topped with beans, cheese and meat.
Sweet Endings
- Churros: Fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar, often dipped in hot chocolate.
- Flan: A smooth caramel custard, perfect after a spicy meal.
- Pan dulce: Sweet breads such as shell-shaped conchas. In autumn, also try pan de muerto for the Day of the Dead.
Drinks in Mexican Cuisine
Tequila comes from blue agave grown around Guadalajara, in Jalisco. Meanwhile, smoky mezcal is a speciality of Oaxaca. For non-alcoholic options, try horchata, a sweet rice drink, or fresh aguas frescas.
Exploring Mexican Cuisine in Markets
Markets are also the best place to taste local food. For example, Mercado de San Juan in Mexico City sells rare ingredients and fine produce. In addition, small market stalls called fondas serve cheap and delicious set lunches. Also, Mercado 28 in Cancún mixes food stalls with souvenirs.
Tips for Enjoying Mexican Cuisine
- Choose busy street stalls, because high turnover means fresh food.
- Ask about spice levels. Some salsas are very hot.
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
- Join a food tour to discover hidden local favourites.
For more about its heritage status, see the UNESCO page on traditional Mexican cuisine.
Final Thoughts on Mexican Cuisine
Mexican cuisine is a celebration of flavour, family and tradition. Whether you eat a simple taco or a complex mole, every bite tells a story. Afterwards, explore the food of Yucatán. Discover all our Mexico travel guides.
