Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches, innovative mixology, and incredible history, but foodies travel from all over to come to eat. While tacos are a mainstay among tourists when it comes to gastronomy, the country features a variety of authentic Mexican food that dates back hundreds and even thousands of years with varying flavors and styles.
On your next trip to Mexico, branch out and try some of these top authentic Mexican tourist destinations. We promise they won’t disappoint.
Traditional Mexican dishes you should eat
First dish you need to try: Chilaquiles in Mexico
Chilaquiles is an authentic Mexican food that consists of fried corn tortilla chips covered in either a traditional verde or rojo sauce topped with cheese. While this dish has a mouthwatering appeal, many add to it with items such as a fried egg, shredded chicken, roasted vegetables, or a side of beans.
The word chilaquiles means chilis and greens, and it stems from the Nahuatl language. The crispness of the chip and the color of the sauce will vary depending on which region you’re in, but the heart-warming feel you’ll get after eating transcends place and time. While the dish is traditionally served as a breakfast staple, many eat it as a late-night snack or whip it up to clear leftovers from the fridge. Chilaquiles is the ultimate Mexican comfort food!
Pozole: Tradition and flavor in Mexico
Pozole is a pork-based stew that contains pork, hominy, onions, garlic, lettuce or cabbage, chili peppers, salsa, avocado, and radishes. However, garnishes may vary depending on region and chef. The traditional version is known for having a white broth, but some add red or green sauces into the literal mixture.
The word pozole also stems from the Nahuatl language and translates to a variety of maize or corn. The dish has been around since the pre-Colombian era and was a common meal among the Pueblo Indians. Today, you can find many versions of the recipe throughout Mexico and Central America. While the dish was originally used for a celebratory meal, many cook the stew year-round as a dinner staple in the home. No trip to this country is complete without trying this delicious soup!
Traditional Tostadas are always a good option in Mexico
Tostadas offer many of the same ingredients as tacos, but the signature difference is the large, toasted tortilla that lies flat on the bottom of the dish. Traditionally, this round and crunchy circle of deliciousness is topped with a variety of meats or fish, cheeses, beans, and garnishes that make this treat so popular. You can make them as simple or as complex as you’d like!
The word tostada literally translates to toasted, and the dish itself can be traced back over 2,000 years to Oaxaca and the Monte Alban ruins. It’s believed the creation was a way to use tortillas that were losing their freshness, while also using up whatever meats or garnishes were leftover from the nights and days before. Get in the traditional spirit on your next trip to Mexico and order a variety of tostadas to see which flavors you like best!
If you travel to México, you should try Tacos al pastor
Tacos al pastor is a popular Mexican dish, but did you know there was a mixing of cultures that occurred to create this favorite? When Lebanese immigrants came to Mexico, they brought shawarma with them, which led the way for the current tacos al pastor.
This dish uses al pastor or “shepherd style” cooking which features meat roasting vertically on a spit, the same as you’d find with shawarma, the Turkish kabob, or Greek gyro meat. Traditionally, these tacos are made with pork, and the spice adobada is used to create that mouthwatering flavor. You’ll typically find al pastor tacos served on corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, pineapple, and a lime wedge, but the variation will differ depending on region and chef. While this dish has become a popular street food item throughout the US, you have to try the real deal here in Mexico on your next trip!
