13 Foods to Try on Your Mexican Holiday
Planning a trip to Mexico and wondering what to expect from the cuisine?
Chances are you already know the classic types of Mexican food: tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas. But this Central American nation boasts many other lesser known, but equally delicious, foods.
Here are 13 must-try traditional Mexican dishes to whet your appetite; you'll quickly realise that the food is just as exciting as the ancient ruins and the white sandy beaches!
Chilaquiles
One of Mexico's most popular comfort foods, chilaquiles verde consists of fried tortillas and salsa verde (green sauce). Fried eggs, shredded chicken and cheese are then added on top, for a delicious, protein-packed breakfast dish.
Chilaquiles use the same ingredients as an enchilada, but are much easier and quicker to make.
Alongside 'chilaquiles verde' - which uses tomatillos - there's 'chilaquiles rojos', which uses a tomato-based sauce.
Tostadas
Simple but delicious, tostadas (which literally means 'toasted'), are fried tortillas topped with all manner of garnishes.
Tostadas are commonly made from sale tortillas; so they are a great anti-waste dish.
Among the most popular toppings are the classic refried beans, seafood, cheese and ceviche (fresh raw fish cured in lime or lemon juice).
Elote
Much of Mexico's cuisine is either vegetarian or can be tailored to be so.
In the case of Elote, it's nearly always vegetarian.
Elote is essentially boiled corn on the cob, served on a stick or in a cup, and topped with chili powder, salt, lime, butter, cheese, sour cream and mayo.
You'll find elote served on almost every street corner - so it's a quick, easy and relatively healthy snack to grab on the go.
Better still, at around $1.50, it's very cheap indeed.
Enchiladas
Rooted in Ancient Mayan culture, enchiladas started out as tortillas wrapped around fish.
Today, all manner of fillings are used - including meat, cheese and vegetable (or a combination of all!).
Chili sauce is then added - resulting in a spicy breakfast dish (although you can eat enchilada at all hours).
It's among the most famous Mexican foods - and it's easy to see (or taste) why!
Guacamole
No Mexican cuisine list would be complete without guacamole - a thick sauce made of avocados, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice and chili pepper.
Guacamole dates back to the ancient Azteks, but today is often served with tortillas or as a side dish.
Tamales
You won't often find tamales in UK Mexican restaurants, but they are a lot more common in Mexico.
And they are a top-rated Mexican food to try during your trip.
These delicious snacks comprise corn dough and all manner of fillings - including meat, cheese and vegetables.
They are prepared using corn husks (which must be removed before consumption).
These delicious envelopes were created by the Aztec, Mayan and Inca tribes who needed something quick and easy to eat when hunting or fighting.
Chiles en nogada
This wonderfully patriotic dish resembles the Mexican flag.
Poblano chiles - filled with meat, fruit and spices - double as the green part of the flag; pomegranate seeds the red; and a walnut-based sauce the white.
The history books maintain that the dish hails from the town of Puebla, and was first created for Don Agustín de Iturbide, liberator and later emperor of Mexico.
Tacos al pastor
This popular type of taco was created by Syrian and Lebanese immigrants in the 1920s and 30s and comprises thin strips of pork in a corn tortilla, served with pineapple and coriander.
The name 'al pastor' means 'in the style of the shepherd'.
Vegetarians and pescatarians should be able to track down versions suitable for their dietary needs - especially in the larger towns and cities.
Tacos are among the most popular Mexican foods, so expect to see them in all manner of variations.
Pozole
Hominy corn forms the basis of the hearty soup, which was consumed long before the Spanish arrived.
While pork and chicken are commonly added, these days you can find veggie versions, too.
Herbs, spices and a long overnight stew are also essential for authentic pozole, as are lettuce, onion, lime and radish to serve.
Mole
Pronounced "mol-eh", this rich sauce is made in a variety of different ways.
Indeed, no fewer than three states lay claim to mole, which is usually poured over chicken or other meats.
Whichever recipe is used, about 20 ingredients comprise mole, which must be stirred constantly when being made. One or more types of chilli, onions, garlic, cinnamon, chipotle paste and even dark chocolate are common elements.
Burritos
While they may be an obvious addition to any Mexican cuisine list, they deserve a mention.
These soft flour tortillas are wrapped around various ingredients into a roughly cylindrical shape.
Everything from meat to cheese to vegetables are stuffed into these wonders, which are served everywhere from street vendor carts to fancy restaurants.
Chimichanga
Similar to a burrito, the chimichanga is deep fried to give a crunchy exterior.
Again, meat, vegetarian and even vegan versions are available.
Churros
While Mexico does ‘savoury’ like few other nations, its people also have a sweet tooth.
A case in point are ‘churros’ - long strips of dough deep fried, dusted in sugar and dipped in a rich chocolate sauce.
Churros were actually imported by the Spanish and Portuguese when they settled Central and South America, and the recipe hasn’t changed.
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