WHAT TO EAT IN MEXICO

Mexican cuisine is rich in flavors, ingredients, and culinary traditions. It offers a diverse range of dishes that reflect the country's cultural heritage and regional variations. On your travels in the country make sure you try some of the quintessential Mexican cuisine. Here are some of the main Mexican dishes you can try on a trip to Mexico!

 

Chilies Rellenos

The Tortilla

The humble tortilla is a staple in Mexican cuisine and has been a dietary cornerstone for centuries. The process of nixtamalization, which involves treating corn with an alkaline solution like lime, was developed by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. This technique not only increased the nutritional value of corn but also made its nutrients more bioavailable. Corn tortillas are a versatile and essential element in Mexican dishes, serving as the foundation for tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, and more.

 

Tortillas

 

The Influence of Indigenous Ingredients

Mexican cuisine showcases a remarkable array of indigenous ingredients that have been cultivated and consumed for centuries. From various chili peppers like jalapeños, poblanos, and habaneros to indigenous herbs like epazote and hoja santa, these ingredients contribute to the unique flavors and depth of Mexican dishes. Exploring the use of these ingredients not only highlights the indigenous culinary heritage but also celebrates the biodiversity and cultural richness of Mexico.

Tacos

Tacos are one of the most iconic Mexican dishes. They consist of a tortilla (usually corn) filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat (asada), shredded chicken (pollo), or marinated pork (al pastor). Tacos are often garnished with salsa, onions, cilantro, and lime. Tacos al Pastor, a beloved street food in Mexico, has an interesting cultural significance. The dish is said to have been influenced by Lebanese immigrants who came to Mexico in the early 20th century. They brought with them their tradition of spit-roasting meat, which eventually merged with Mexican flavors and ingredients to create the iconic tacos al Pastor. The marinated pork, cooked on a vertical spit similar to shawarma, is often served with a slice of pineapple on top, adding a sweet and tangy flavor to the savory meat.

 

Tacos

Guacamole

Guacamole is a classic Mexican dip made from mashed avocados mixed with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and seasonings. It's commonly served with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.

 

Enchiladas

Enchiladas are tortillas filled with meat, cheese, or beans, rolled up, and then covered in a chili pepper sauce. The filled tortillas are often baked until the cheese melts and the sauce flavors are absorbed.

 

Enchilada

 

Chiles Rellenos

Chiles Rellenos are large, mild green chilies (such as poblano) stuffed with cheese, meat, or a combination of ingredients. The stuffed chilies are then battered and fried until golden. They are typically served with a tomato-based sauce.

 

Mole

Mole is a complex and flavorful sauce that is a staple in Mexican cuisine. It is made from a blend of chili peppers, spices, nuts, seeds, and chocolate. Mole is often served over chicken or enchiladas and can vary in spiciness and richness depending on the region. Mole Poblano, a complex and flavorful sauce, has a legendary origin story. According to the legend, it was created by a nun in Puebla who wanted to impress a visiting archbishop. With limited ingredients available, she combined spices, chili peppers, chocolate, and other elements to create a sauce that would become known as mole. The rich and decadent sauce has since become synonymous with Puebla and is often enjoyed during special occasions and festivals.
 

Mole

 

Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made from masa (a dough made from corn) that is filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, or vegetables. The filled masa is wrapped in a corn husk and steamed until cooked. Tamales can be savory or sweet and are often enjoyed during celebrations or holidays.

 

Chocolate and Cacao

 

Chocolate holds deep cultural and historical significance in Mexico. The cacao tree, from which chocolate is derived, is native to the region, and ancient civilizations such as the Mayans and Aztecs considered cacao beans a precious commodity. They used cacao to make a bitter beverage known as xocoatl, often reserved for royalty and religious ceremonies. Today, Mexican chocolate is still highly regarded, with its distinct flavors and traditional methods of preparation, including grinding roasted cacao beans with sugar and spices like cinnamon and chili.

 

Hot Chocolate

 

Pozole

Pozole is a hearty and comforting Mexican soup made with hominy (dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali solution), meat (usually pork), and seasoned with chili peppers and spices. It is often garnished with shredded lettuce, radishes, onions, and lime juice.

Day of the Dead and Pan de Muerto

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a significant cultural holiday in Mexico that celebrates and honors deceased loved ones. During this time, families prepare special foods, including Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead). This sweet bread, shaped like a round loaf with bone-shaped decorations on top, is often enjoyed alongside hot chocolate or at altars dedicated to the departed. The bread symbolizes the circle of life and the connection between the living and the dead.

 

Pan de Muerto

 

Ceviche

Ceviche is a popular seafood dish made by marinating raw fish or seafood (such as shrimp or scallops) in citrus juice, typically lime or lemon juice. The acid in the juice "cooks" the seafood, giving it a tangy and refreshing flavor. Ceviche is usually mixed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and chili peppers.

Churros

Churros are a beloved Mexican dessert made from fried dough that is typically shaped into long, ridged sticks. They are often dusted with cinnamon and sugar and served with a side of hot chocolate or dulce de leche for dipping.

 

Coffee and Churros

 

The Art of Molcajete

The molcajete, a traditional Mexican mortar, and pestle made from volcanic stone, is not only a practical tool in the kitchen but also holds cultural significance. It is often passed down through generations and is believed to enhance the flavors of food prepared in it. Using a molcajete to grind spices, make salsas, or prepare guacamole adds an authentic touch to Mexican cooking and connects people to their culinary heritage.

Tostadas

Tostadas are crispy tortillas that are typically topped with refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and various garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. They can also be topped with seafood, ceviche, or shredded chicken for a more substantial meal.

 

Tostadas

 

Cochinita Pibil

Cochinita Pibil is a traditional Yucatecan dish consisting of marinated and slow-roasted pork. The pork is traditionally marinated in a flavorful blend of achiote paste, citrus juices, and spices. It is often served with pickled onions and accompanied by warm tortillas for making tacos.

 

Salsa and Salsas

Mexican cuisine is famous for its diverse array of salsas. From the fiery habanero salsa to the smoky chipotle salsa and the tangy salsa verde, there is a salsa to suit every taste. Salsas are made from a variety of ingredients such as tomatoes, chili peppers, tomatillos, onions, garlic, and herbs. They can be used as a condiment, a topping, or a dip.

 

Mexican Salsa

 

Birria

Birria is a flavorful and aromatic Mexican stew traditionally made with goat meat or beef. The meat is slow-cooked with spices, including chili peppers, garlic, cumin, and oregano until it becomes tender and falls apart. Birria is often served as a filling for tacos or as a main dish with rice and beans.

 

Aguachile

Aguachile is a refreshing and spicy Mexican dish similar to ceviche. It features raw shrimp or fish marinated in a mixture of lime juice, chili peppers, onions, and cilantro. The dish is typically served with cucumber slices and avocado, making it a perfect choice for seafood lovers.

 

Aguachile

 

Mezcal

Mezcal is a traditional Mexican spirit made from the agave plant. It has a distinct smoky flavor and is often enjoyed neat or used as an ingredient in cocktails. Mezcal tastings and exploring different varieties can be an exciting addition to your blog for those interested in Mexican beverages.

 

Street Food

Mexican street food is a vibrant and essential part of the culinary scene. From tacos al pastor cooked on vertical spits to elote (grilled corn on the cob) slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder, and delicious quesadillas cooked on griddles, exploring the world of Mexican street food can offer a unique and exciting perspective for your foodie readers.

 

Mexican Street Food

 

Desserts

Mexican desserts are not to be missed! In addition to churros, you can explore delights such as tres leches cake (a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk), flan (a creamy caramel custard), and Mexican hot chocolate, which is often spiced with cinnamon and sometimes infused with chili peppers for a hint of heat.

 

Mexican Sweets

 

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes in Mexican cuisine. You can explore different regional specialties, street food, and beverages like horchata and margaritas, and delve into the vibrant culinary culture of Mexico. Enjoying Mexican cuisine is an integral part of a vacation to Mexico and an excellent introduction to the wonderful world of Mexican gastronomy!