13 Traditional Foods In Mexico That You Must Try

Are you looking for the best traditional foods in Mexico to try?

Mexico is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. With its miles and miles of sandy beaches and abundance of sunshine, fascinating ruins, and very distinct culture, it’s hardly surprising how this beautiful Latin American country attracts millions of visitors from all over the globe.

However, Mexico doesn’t only attract sunseekers and history and culture buffs; it’s a haven for foodies as well. If you’re planning a trip to the country, you should look out for its traditional dishes to get a real taste of Mexican cuisine.

Here are 13 traditional Mexican foods you should sample when in Mexico.

13 Best Traditional Foods in Mexico That You Must Try

1. Taco

Tacos are eaten by hand and a popular street food in Mexico. They are made of small hand-sized wheat or corn tortilla, then stuffed with a filling that is made with pork, beef, chicken, fish, cheese, and vegetables. Tacos are often garnished with condiments like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and others.

You will literally never run out of types of taco to choose from in Mexico. The popularity of this traditional Mexican dish has spread around the world, especially in the neighboring United States.

Related Read:

• Tacos – Everything You Need To Know
• Most Popular Types of Tacos in Mexico
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2. Burrito

The standard burrito is made with ground beef, cooked beans, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes, with chili sauce and sour cream. These ingredients are wrapped up in a flour tortilla to be shaped into a cylinder and then steamed or lightly grilled.

Although usually eaten by hand, burritos can also be served with spicy sauce covering and eaten with a fork and knife.

3. Quesadilla

The traditional Mexican quesadillas are made with corn tortillas and melted white cheese. This Mexican dish has been around since the 16th century.

While the name of the dish is derived from “queso” or cheese, practically anything besides queso can be used as fillings. Quesadillas are usually also topped with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Quesadillas are warmed on a griddle, folded over, and eaten by hand.

RELATED READ: Quesadilla; Everything You Need To Know

4. Nachos

Nachos were invented in northern Mexico, near the Texas border, by Mexican chef and restaurateur, Ignacio Anaya. The name of this Mexican dish was taken from Senior Anaya’s nickname, “Nacho.”

Nachos are a snack or appetizer made of heated or fried totopos or tortilla chips, then covered with melted cheese or cheese sauce and sliced jalapeño peppers.

RELATED READ: Nachos; Everything You Need To Know

5. Tamale

Tamale is made with a pocket of corn dough filled with various meats or frijoles (refried beans) and cheese, as well as chilies, fruits, and vegetables.

Tamales are wrapped and cooked in corn husks or banana leaves, then steamed. They are consumed with salsa or pico de gallo toppings and a side of guacamole and rice.

This traditional Mexican dish was developed by the Aztec, Mayan, and Inca tribes as a nourishing food on the go for their warriors.

6. Fajita

Fajita is any marinated grilled meat served with stripped bell peppers and onions in a warm corn or flour tortilla. Meats commonly used for fajitas are chicken and beef.

The term fajita originally signifed “skirt steak,” the cut of beef first used in making this dish. The word faja is Spanish for “belt” or “strip.”

Chicken and other beef cuts are common alternatives to skirt steak. Vegetables can also be used as replacement for meat.

Fajitas are often served with condiments like salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, shredded lettuce, grated cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and frijoles.

7. Enchilada

Enchiladas are as old as the Mayan times, when ancient Mexicans ate corn tortillas stuffed with small fish.

Today, enchiladas come in both corn and flour tortillas, with various fillings such as meat, cheese, seafood, potatoes, beans, and vegetables. Stuffed tortillas with chili covering or other savory sauces are served for breakfast.

8. Chili Con Carne

The name chili con carne means “chili with meat.” And that’s what it is. Chili con carne is a spicy stew that originated in northen Mexico.

It is made with chili peppers which are sometimes in powder form, beef or any other meat, tomatoes, and kidney beans. The dish is often seasoned with garlic, onions, and cumin.

9. Aguachile

The name aguachile is literally translated as “chile water.” It is usually made with raw shrimps cured in a gentle acid bath-like citric juice.

Aguachile is typically served immediately after tossing the shrimp in the citric juice. It is intended to be eaten raw. White-fleshed fish can be used in this dish as well.

10. Elote

Elote, or the Mexican corn on the cob, can be bought nearly in every street in Mexico. This a simple food traditionally prepared by boiling the corn and serving it on a stick. It can also be served in a cup after cutting the kernels off the cob.

The corn is added with salt, chili powder, and lime, then smothered with cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter.

11. Pozole

Pojole is a pre-Hispanic soup that was once used as part of sacrificial ceremonies and rituals. Modern pozole is made with either chicken or pork, as well as vegetables, and hominy corn, and lots of herbs and spices.

This Mexican food is traditionally stewed overnight before serving with sprinkles of chili, onion, shredded lettuce or cabbage, radish, and lime.

12. Huevos Rancheros

Huevos rancheros in Mexican Spanish is literally translated as “ranch-style eggs” or “rancher’s eggs.” They are a typical breakfast served at farms in Mexico.

This simple yet classic Mexican dish dates back to the 16th century. It is said to have been first created by Mexican farmers and peasants.

Huevos rancheros are made with corn tortillas and fried eggs, with abundant toppings of warmed salsa. This dish is often accompanied by guacamole or avocado slices, frijoles, and Mexican-style rice. It is also often garnished with cilantro, along with the salsa toppings.

Related Read:

• Best Traditional Mexican Breakfast Dishes
• Best Mexican Appetizers
• Mexican Desserts To Try

13. Guacamole

The guacamole sauce dates back to the time of the Aztecs. It is made from mashed avocadoes with tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, and chili peppers. Sometimes garlic is added, too.

Guacamole is one of the most popular Mexican dishes, commonly used as a condiment or a side dish, and oftentimes consumed with tortilla chips. It can also be used as spread or salad.