Top 20 Mexican foods to try | GVI (2024)

Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant flavours and colourful presentations. From tacos and tamales to enchiladas and chiles rellenos, there’s no shortage of delicious and satisfying dishes to choose from. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 of the best Mexican foods that you absolutely must try.

Tacos al pastor

These tacos are made with marinated pork that is cooked on a spit and then sliced thin. They’re typically topped with pineapple, cilantro, and onions, and are the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and tangy.

Enchiladas

These rolled tortillas are filled with meat or cheese and topped with a flavourful sauce. They’re often served with rice and beans, making for a comforting and filling meal.

Tamales

These steamed corn dough dumplings are filled with meat or cheese and are often served with a spicy salsa. They’re a great option for those looking for something a little more substantial.

Top 20 Mexican foods to try | GVI (1)

Chiles rellenos

These stuffed peppers are filled with meat or cheese and then fried. They’re often served with a tomato-based sauce, making for a perfect combination of flavours and textures.

Pozole

This traditional soup is made with hominy, meat and spices. It’s often garnished with shredded cabbage, radishes and lime wedges, making for a hearty and flavourful dish.

Guacamole

This avocado-based dip is a staple at Mexican restaurants. It’s typically made with mashed avocado, lime juice and cilantro, making for a fresh and delicious appetiser.

Sopaipillas

These fried pastries are often served as a dessert. They’re typically topped with honey or powdered sugar, making for a sweet and satisfying treat.

Tortas

These sandwiches are made with a telera roll and filled with meat, cheese, and avocado. They’re a great option for those looking for something a little more substantial.

Queso fundido

This melted cheese dish is often served as an appetiser. It’s typically made with Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese, making for a decadent and creamy start to your meal.

Carne asada

This grilled meat dish is often served with tortillas, beans and salsa. It’s a classic dish that never disappoints.

Ceviche

This raw fish dish is marinated in lime juice and typically served with tomatoes, onions and cilantro. It’s a refreshing and light option that’s perfect for hot summer days.

Pico de gallo

This salsa is made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro and lime juice. It’s a simple but delicious condiment that adds a burst of flavour to any dish.

Chile con queso

This cheese dip is made with melted cheese and diced green chilies. It’s a comforting and satisfying dip that’s perfect for parties.

Tostadas

These crispy tortillas are topped with beans, meat, lettuce and cheese. They’re a great option for those looking for something a little more substantial.

Flan

This creamy custard is a popular Mexican dessert. It’s a classic and satisfying end to any meal.

Margaritas

This cocktail is made with tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur. It’s a refreshing and delicious drink that’s perfect for hot summer days.

Molletes

These open-faced sandwiches are made with bolillo rolls and are typically filled with beans and cheese. They’re a great option for a quick and satisfying breakfast or lunch.

Churros

These fried pastries are often dusted with cinnamon and sugar, making for a sweet and satisfying treat. They’re perfect for dipping in a warm cup of chocolate.

Tostadas de ceviche

These crispy tortillas are topped with a ceviche-style fish mixture, making for a refreshing and light option that’s perfect for hot summer days.

Elote

This street food is made with grilled corn that is topped with a variety of toppings such as cotija cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice and chilli powder. It’s a simple but delicious treat that’s perfect for a snack or side dish.

If you’re planning to travel to Mexico, it’s definitely worth trying all of these delicious foods. While you’re there, don’t forget to explore the local markets to find the best street food and try to find local taquerias, where you can get some of the most authentic and delicious tacos.

Travel tips

  • It’s always a good idea to be familiar with basic Spanish phrases, it can help you to communicate better and understand the menu better.
  • To save money and try more different foods, try to eat like a local, eating street foods or at local taquerias.
  • If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, ask locals for recommendations, or check out the restaurants that have been recommended by reputable food critics.
  • Don’t be afraid to try new things, Mexican cuisine is incredibly diverse and you might discover your new favourite dish.
  • And finally, bring a good appetite and be ready to enjoy some of the most delicious food you’ve ever had.

Looking for a way to make your Mexico trip more than just a vacation? Check out GVI. They’ve got volunteer opportunities like marine conservation and turtle conservation, and even scuba-diving in Puerto Morelos. Not only will you get to explore the country in a unique way, but you’ll also be doing something good for the environment. So, if you want to make your Mexico trip more than just eating tacos and lounging on the beach, hit up GVI and make a real difference in the community!

Top 20 Mexican foods to try | GVI (2024)

FAQs

What is the #1 most popular food in Mexico? ›

10 most famous Mexican dishes
  • Tacos. It's the most popular Mexican dish globally. ...
  • Chilaquiles. Fried or toasted corn tortilla topped with meats and scrambled eggs and served with red or green sauce. ...
  • ​Menudo. ...
  • Burritos. ...
  • Tamales. ...
  • Quesadilla. ...
  • Enchiladas. ...
  • Chile en Nogada.
Jul 19, 2022

What is the name of Mexican food that has more than 20 ingredients? ›

M. Moles – Rich Mexican sauces, some of the most common of which are Mole Poblano, Black Mole, and Mole Verde. Mole Poblano contains around 20 ingredients, including chocolate and mulato peppers and things like pulverized raisins, almonds, and peanuts.

What are the top 10 Hispanic foods? ›

Hispanic Food List
  • Tacos. Tacos are the epitome of Hispanic food culture. ...
  • Ropa Vieja. This dish is of Cuban origin. ...
  • Enchilada De Pollo. Tacos aside, Enchiladas are perhaps one of the most loved Hispanic foods out there. ...
  • Chicken Fajita. ...
  • Paella. ...
  • Mole Sauce. ...
  • Ceviche De Camarones (Shrimp) ...
  • Lomo Saltado.
May 19, 2023

What are four popular Mexican dishes? ›

filters
  • 1 Nachos81%
  • 2 Fajitas78%
  • 3 Quesadilla78%
  • 4 Burritos78%
  • 5 Salsa76%
  • 6 Guacamole67%
  • 7 Chili con Carne65%
  • 8 Chimichangas62%

What is Mexico's national dish? ›

Mole poblano is perhaps the best known of all mole varieties. An ancient dish native to the state of Puebla, it has been called the national dish of Mexico, and ranked first as the most typical of Mexican dishes.

What is a classic Mexican dish? ›

1. Tacos al Pastor. Sink your teeth into the epitome of Mexican street food - the legendary Tacos al Pastor. Marinated pork, roasted on a spit with fragrant spices, creates a succulent filling that is complemented by a soft tortilla, garnished with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.

What is true Mexican food? ›

Authentic Mexican food dates back to the times of Mayan Indians and the Aztec Empire. Both cultures collided, combining foods like corn tortillas, beans, chili peppers, wild game, and fish. When Spain invaded Mexico in the 1500s, foods like pork, dairy, garlic, and other herbs and spices became popular.

What do Mexican people eat for dinner? ›

Food in Mexico
  • Enchiladas. This dish of Mexican cuisine is similar to tacos, but it differs by carrying a lot of cheese and being much spicier. ...
  • Fajitas. To make the authentic Mexican fajitas meat is prepared in tomato sauce, which is rolled in a corn or wheat tortilla. ...
  • Burritos. ...
  • Tacos. ...
  • Pozoles. ...
  • Empanadas. ...
  • Totopos. ...
  • Quesadillas.

What is the most eaten food in Mexico? ›

Corn as a staple

Corn is the most eaten staple among Mexican consumers. It is the base ingredient of tortillas, a type of slim flatbread and, one of the most representative and widely consumed food products in the country, used for the preparation of tacos, quesadillas, and other dishes.

What are 4 foods native to Mexico? ›

Today's food staples native to the land include corn (maize), turkey, beans, squash, amaranth, chia, avocados, tomatoes, tomatillos, cacao, vanilla, agave, spirulina, sweet potato, cactus, and chili pepper.

What to drink with Mexican food? ›

Subtler drinks like agua fresca make an excellent pairing for light Mexican dishes like shrimp ceviche and Mexican street corn. And smoky mezcal margaritas go alongside charcoal-tinged dishes like grilled steak tacos.

What is a common Mexican diet? ›

The main staple foods in Mexican food are corn, beans, peppers, tomato, and squash. These foods have supported the Mexican people's health since well before the Europeans' arrival. Corn is most famously used in Mexican food for tortillas, but it has countless uses in Latin American food culture.

What to eat besides tacos? ›

So think outside the taco box and get creative with this all-time favourite cuisine.
  • Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken Nachos. ...
  • Mexican Lasagne. ...
  • Cheesy Chicken Mexican Quesadillas with Chipotle Sauce. ...
  • Mexican Bean Dip. ...
  • Easy Mexican Rice with Barbecue Chicken. ...
  • Tortilla Beef Stack. ...
  • Healthy Mexican Bowl.

What foods are originally from Mexico? ›

Many foods are originally from Mexico. These include corn, many beans, squash (including pumpkin and zucchini), tomato, avocado, chile, guava, chocolate, vanilla, chia seeds, spirulina, and more.

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