Popular Food in Mexico: All The Food You MUST Try in Mexico

Posted 04/10/2024 | 4th October, 2024
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Mexico is a culinary paradise where vibrant flavours, rich traditions, and diverse ingredients create an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Yes, it’s true. Mexican food really is as good as everyone says.
What’s so special about Mexico is that it caters to every taste – and every budget. So whether you’re sampling the street food vendors or the Michelin-star restaurants, here are all the popular Mexican foods that you have to try!
Tacos


If this is your first trip to Mexico, I can guarantee you will eat tacos almost daily.
The variety and incredible price point of this delicious meal is simply unbeatable. If you’re looking to sample all the types of popular Mexican food, then you have to start with tacos.
It would be practically impossible to list out every kind of taco you can buy in Mexico however, here are some of the most common:
⭐ Al Pastor
🌮 Arabes
⭐Birria
🌮Chorizo
⭐Carne Asada
🌮Barbacoa
⭐Suadero
🌮Pescado
⭐Cameron
🌮Cochinita Pibil
Tacos are essentially your choice of topping on a corn tortilla (sometimes a double tortilla). They are simply delicious and excellent for those who can’t eat wheat flour. Occasionally, the tortillas used will be wheat (harina de trigo) rather than corn (maiz). If you have an allergy or intolerance, it is always best to check!
We found that, typically, three tacos were enough to fill one person. However, it is very common in Mexico to order more food once you have finished a plate, and therefore, we regularly order a couple of extras on particularly hungry days!
Tortas
In Mexico, a torta is made with a crusty white sandwich roll. The bread is typically sliced lengthwise and filled with various ingredients such as meats (such as grilled beef, pork, or chicken), cheese, avocado, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and mayonnaise or other condiments.
Tortas are an extremely popular food in Mexico, and they are found at markets, food stalls, and street corners throughout the country. They’re customisable, and different regions have variations, adding local flavours and ingredients.
For example, when we arrived in Puebla, we noticed ‘Cemitas’ were much more popular than tortas, served on a slightly smaller, softer roll.
Tortas are a hearty meal! You might not think a sandwich could be so filling, but trust me, they will keep you going throughout the afternoon.
Tostadas
The name “tostada” translates to “toasted” in Spanish, referring to the method of preparation where the tortilla is toasted or fried until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Tostadas are certainly one of the most popular foods in Mexico, and you will find them on almost every menu.
Once the tortilla is crispy, it serves as the base for a variety of toppings, similar to a flat taco. Common toppings for tostadas include refried beans, shredded meat or seafood (such as ceviche or shrimp).
The latter is my absolute favourite! In fact, seafood toastas are one of my favourite Mexican foods.
Elote
Now, I’m guessing you’re starting to gather just how important corn is to Mexicans.
So, it would be crazy to go to the country and not try it in its purest form.
Elote refers to grilled or boiled corn on the cob, typically served on a stick and coated in various savoury toppings. It’s a popular street food enjoyed throughout the country.
Once cooked, the corn is typically coated in mayonnaise or crema (Mexican sour cream), and then sprinkled with crumbled cotija cheese and chili powder. Lime juice is often squeezed over the top to add brightness and acidity.
Some variations may also include butter, garlic, coriander, or other seasonings.
Churros – Popular Dessert Food in Mexico
Churros are deep-fried dough pastries, often sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and sometimes filled or served with chocolate.
Originating in Spain, churros are very popular in Mexico as a traditional snack, particularly enjoyed with hot chocolate or café con leche. Churros are served on almost every street corner in Mexico – so you won’t struggle to find them.
And my advice – head to the busiest place you can find, as they taste 100 times better when fresh!
Guacamole


If you’ve tried Guacamole but have never been to Mexico, I’m afraid you haven’t tried it at all!
Guacamole is a traditional Mexican dip made from mashed avocados mixed with lime juice, salt, and other ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and chilli peppers.
Avocados are such a staple of Mexican culture – and enjoying a shared pot of guacamole whilst waiting for your tacos will be a nightly experience!
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish made from tortillas filled with meat, beans, or vegetables, then rolled up and covered in chilli sauce. They are often baked and topped with cheese, sour cream, and other garnishes.
If you’re from the UK and used to eating what we call enchiladas, you will be seriously shocked! The ingredients above might sound similar, but the flavours are completely different – one bite and you will be converted!
Milanesa

Milanesa is a popular dish made from breaded and fried meat cutlets. It has its origins in Italian and Austrian cuisine but has been adapted to suit Mexican tastes and ingredients.
Milanesa is commonly served with a combination of rice, beans, salad, and potatoes. This is a great option if you’re looking for something a little simpler to snack on between all the heartier Mexican dishes.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a popular and versatile Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla filled with cheese and often other ingredients, then folded in half and cooked until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Chorizo Quesadillas are one of my favourite Mexican foods! Absolutely delicious!
Tamales
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made from masa (a dough made from corn) that is filled with various ingredients, wrapped in corn husks, and then steamed. They are a beloved part of Mexican cuisine and are often associated with special occasions and holidays.
The masa and filling are placed on a softened corn husk or banana leaf, which is then folded and wrapped securely. The wrapped tamales are then steamed until the masa is firm and cooked through.
Gorditas
Gorditas are a very popular Mexican dish that consists of thick, stuffed masa cakes. They are filling, delicious, and one of my favourite Mexican staple dishes. The word “gordita” translates to “little fat one” in Spanish, referring to the shape and thickness of the masa cakes.
To make gorditas, masa dough (a mixture of masa flour, water, and sometimes fat) is formed into thick, round discs and cooked on a griddle or comal until they are lightly browned and cooked through. Once cooked, a slit is made along one side of the gordita to create a pocket, which is then stuffed with a variety of fillings.
Common fillings for gorditas include refried beans, shredded meats, cheese, potatoes, or chicharrón (fried pork rinds). Chorizo and potato are very popular options and is one of my personal favourites.
The stuffed gorditas are often topped with salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and crumbled cheese for added flavour and texture.
Birria – Most Popular Food in Jalisco, Mexico


Birria is a traditional Mexican dish, particularly popular in Jalisco and its capital, Guadalajara. In fact, eating Birria is known to be one of the best things to do in the city!
It typically consists of slow-cooked meat, often goat or beef, marinated in various spices, including dried chillies, cumin, cloves, garlic, and bay leaves. The meat is traditionally cooked in an earthenware pot or over an open flame for several hours until it becomes tender.
Birria is known for its rich, complex flavour and deep red colour, which come from the combination of spices used in the marinade. It’s often served in a bowl with a side of consommé, the flavorful broth that results from cooking the meat.
Birria can be eaten independently or served in tacos, quesadillas, or tortas. It is one of my favourite Mexican foods; it is rich, flavourful, and filling.
Huevos Rancheros – Popular Breakfast Food in Mexico
Every meal in Mexico is hearty – breakfast is no exception. If you’re looking for a more ‘traditional’ breakfast option in Mexico, then opt for Huevos Rancheros.
Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that translates to “ranch-style eggs.” It typically consists of fried eggs served on lightly fried corn tortillas and smothered in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
The tomato sauce used in Huevos Rancheros is often made with ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, chilli peppers (such as jalapeños or serranos), and spices like cumin and paprika. The sauce is cooked until thickened and flavorful, then spooned generously over the fried eggs and tortillas.
In addition to the eggs and sauce, Huevos Rancheros can be garnished with a variety of toppings. This is usually crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or crema. Some variations may also include refried beans or rice on the side.
Sopa
Sopa refers to soup, a culinary staple deeply ingrained in Mexican cuisine. Soups play a significant role in Mexican gastronomy. They offer diverse flavours, textures, and ingredients that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Mexican sopas come in various forms, each showcasing distinctive regional flavours and ingredients. Some examples of popular Mexican sopas include:
🍲 Sopa de tortilla: A beloved soup made with a tomato-based broth infused with fried tortilla strips, and garnished with avocado, cheese, sour cream, and sometimes chillies or lime.
🍋 Sopa de lima: Originating from the Yucatán Peninsula, features a tangy broth flavoured with lime and chicken, with crispy tortilla strips as a topping.
🍜 Sopa de fideo: A simple yet comforting soup made with pasta cooked in a tomato or chicken broth, often accompanied by vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or zucchini.
🍝 Sopa de albondigas: Offers hearty meatball soup, with tender meatballs simmered in a savoury broth alongside vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas.
Mole

Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce known for its rich and complex flavour profile.
It’s made with a combination of ingredients such as chilli peppers (often a variety of dried peppers like ancho, pasilla, and mulato), nuts, seeds (like sesame seeds), spices, chocolate, and sometimes even fruit. The ingredients are toasted, ground, and then simmered together to create a thick and flavourful sauce.
There are many different types of mole, each with its unique flavour and regional variations.
Some of the most well-known varieties include mole poblano, which hails from the state of Puebla and is characterised by its dark colour and slightly sweet and spicy flavour. As well as mole negro, which comes from Oaxaca and features a dark, rich sauce made with a variety of chillies and chocolate.
Mole is often served over meat, such as chicken or turkey. It’s a popular dish for special occasions and celebrations in Mexico, particularly during holidays like Dia de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo.
Queso Fundido
Queso fundido is a popular Mexican appetiser or snack that translates to “melted cheese.” It consists of melted cheese, usually a blend of cheeses such as Oaxaca cheese, asadero cheese, or Chihuahua cheese.
It is often served with cooked chorizo, onions, and sometimes other ingredients like poblano peppers or mushrooms.
Now, controversially, I am not a lover of queso fundito. Cheese in the Americas is very different to what we are used to in Europe, and I found it to taste a little artificial. However, it is an extremely popular Mexican dish and well worth trying!
Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are by far the most popular breakfast food across Mexico. You won’t struggle to find them in any restaurant in any city across the country. They are made by frying pieces of corn tortillas until they are crispy and then tossing them in a flavourful sauce.
The sauce used for chilaquiles can vary widely, but it often includes ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chilli peppers. Depending on the type of chilli peppers used, the sauce may be red or green.
Sometimes, the tortillas are simmered in the sauce until they soften slightly. While other times, the sauce is poured over the crispy tortillas just before serving (my favourite style!), allowing them to maintain their crunchiness.
Chilaquiles are typically topped with various garnishes, including shredded chicken or beef, fried or scrambled eggs, crumbled cheese (such as queso fresco or cotija), sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or crema.
Flauta
Our final Mexican favourite food is one I hadn’t heard of until I touched down in Mexico – flautas!
Flautas are a famous Mexican food consisting of tightly rolled tortillas filled with various ingredients. The filled tortillas are then fried until they are crispy and golden brown, resembling flutes or “flautas” in Spanish, hence the name.
The tortillas used for flautas are typically corn, although flour tortillas can also be used. The choice of filling can vary, but shredded meat is the most common option. Depending on regional variations and personal preferences, other fillings may include cheese, beans, or potatoes.
Flautas are often served as appetisers, snacks, or as part of a larger meal. Various toppings and garnishes, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and crumbled cheese typically accompany them.
Useful Links for Travelling Mexico:
🛌 Booking.com or Hostelworld for booking the best accommodation.
🌴 Viator or Get Your Guide for the best day trips
🚌 Busbud for organising long-distance busses in Mexico
🚙 Discover Cars to compare the best car rentals in Mexico
MORE MEXICO INSPIRATION:
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Tequila Jalisco Tour – Best Day Trip From Guadalajara
13 Fun Things to Do in San Cristobal de Las Casas
How to Get to Hierve El Agua From Oaxaca
13 Best Things to Do in Puebla, Mexico
How to See Lucha Libre in Mexico City (Without A Tour!)
21 Unmissable Things to Do in Oaxaca City
How to Get From Merida to Chichen Itza
Your Complete Guide to the Homun Cenotes
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