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A deep dive into Mexican cuisine

A deep dive into Mexican cuisine

Discover the best traditional Mexican dishes

Mexico is undoubtfully one of the countries with the most varied and richest cuisine in the world. Multifaceted like its identity, Mexico’s gastronomy combines flavors, colors, and techniques that blend ancient traditions and the most modern fusion culinary style and has been recognized as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. From the famous street markets in Mexico City to the luxurious fish restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and vist Mazatlán, you can live an extraordinary gastronomic experience while traveling through the country. Follow us on our culinary journey and discover some of the most popular and beloved Mexican recipes.

 

Aguascalientes: Chiquiadas and Pollo San Marco

 

A plate of delicious chiquiadas, a typical recipe in Bajío from Aguascalientes

Aguascalientes gastronomy encompasses many Mexican traditional plates and offers specialties typical of the Bajío region. Among the many exquisite dishes you can enjoy here, we recommend you try the famous chiquiadas, a sort of mazas similar to gorditas, consisting of a corn dough patty fried in butter and stuffed with stew and traditionally served, believe it or not, for breakfast! Another unmissable specialty you will want to try during your stay in Aguascalientes is the pollo San Marcos, a delicious chicken dish with potatoes, pickled chilies, onions, and garlic, traditionally served during the yearly Feria de San Marco. Its exquisite taste and representative character made this recipe earn soon the designation of Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

 

San Luis Potosí: Enchiladas Potosinas and Campechanas De Santa María Del Río

 

The Enchiladas Potosinas are one of the most traditional and mouthwatering recipes from San Luis Potosí.

Among the many gourmet dishes you can try in San Luis Potosí the typical enchiladas potosinas are certainly an unmissable choice. These delicious corn and red chile masas are typically stuffed with cheese, chili, and onion and served with lettuce and guacamole sauce. If, while exploring San Luis Potosí you want to delight your sweet tooth, we suggest you try a bite of the amazing campechanas from Santa María del Río, traditional dessert puff pastry covered with caramelized sugar.

 

Querétaro: Enchiladas and Panbazos de Santiago

 

Enchiladas are largely spread among all Mexican states' cuisine: try the Querétaro-style chicken enchiladas with beans, cream sauce and queso fresco (fresh cheese)

As in many other northern states, in Querétaro you can enjoy some of the most quintessentially Mexican recipes, such as the famous enchiladas. These mouthwatering rolled tortillas are traditionally filled with varied ingredients and covered in chill-based sauces such as salsa roja and moles. If you visit the picturesque village of Santiago de Querétaro, take a chance to try the local pambazos, an appetizing sandwich stuffed with chorizo, potatoes, lettuce, crumbled queso and crema.

 

Guanajuato: Gorditas de Carnitas and Strawberries

 

Gorditas are one of the most popular Mexican dishes: in Guanajuato they are traditionally filled with pork meat and known as Gorditas de Carnitas

Renowned for a variety of culinary and tasting experiences, the state of Guanajuato offers many chances to live a unique gastronomic experience. While visiting this historical destination enjoy the popular gorditas de carnitas, thick, savory pockets of corn dough filled with shredded pork, and varied ingredients such as refried beans, cheese, and sauces. When visiting the romantic ‘Strawberry’s capital Irapuato’, you cannot miss the many strawberry-based delicatessens: covered in cream, dipped in chocolate, crystallized, sweetened, with chili, “borrachitas”, in jams or naturally fresh from the fields.

 

Baja California: Tacos de Carne Asada and Seafood

 

Tacos are a favorite in Mexican cuisine: in the Tijuana and Mexicali version, the Tacos de Carne Asada are filled with roasted meat and sauces

Baja California boasts a culinary scene as varied as its territory. Some unmissable treats you need to try while staying in Mexicali or Tijuana are the popular tacos de carne asada, corn or wheat tortillas traditionally filled with roasted meat, and various sauces such as guacamole and herbs. If you enjoy a break by the marvelous beach of Rosarito, make sure you try some of the local fish specialties such as exquisite lobsters and fresh seafood.

 

Baja California Sur: Tacos de Pescado and Burritos de Machaca de Res

 

A variation of the traditional taco recipe is the Baja California Sur style: the exquisite Tacos de Pescado are filled with fresh local fish and seafood

Baja California Sur is renowned for being one of the trendiest and most luxurious destinations in Mexico, which include its rich and varied gastronomic offer. While enjoying the sun and the enchanting beaches in Los Cabos, take advantage of the delicious local fish-based specialties. Try some tacos de pescado, a variation of the traditional tacos filled with grilled fish or seafood, lettuce, and different sauces. If you prefer stronger flavors, do not leave before trying the burritos de machaca de res, wheat burritos filled with beef meat, chilies, and spices.

 

Chihuahua: Machaca and Tortillas de Harina Hechas a Mano

 

The most representative dish in Chihuahua is certainly machaca, dried marinated beef or pork that is rubbed with spices, shredded, and combined with other ingredients

Like in the rest of northwestern Mexico, in Chihuahua you can appreciate many machaca-based dishes. The spicy, shredded beef meat is traditionally served with eggs for brunch and is traditionally associated with the Chihuahuan miners. Machaca can also be used to fill the typical tortillas de harina hechas a mano (wheat homemade tortillas), an absolute must-try when you spend a a break in Chihuahua.

 

Jalisco: Torta Ahogada and Pozole

 

When visiting Jalisco do not miss the typical Torta Ahogada, a favorite for locals and visitors

Jalisco’s gastronomic scene is varied and thriving as its cities. If you enjoy the sun and the beaches in Puerto Vallarta you can feast on many local fish delicatessens such as lobster, seafood, and dorado, while in the sizzling capital Guadalajara you can enjoy the typical torta ahogada (literally drowned sandwich), usually filled with chopped, fried pork and submerged in a dried chili pepper sauce. Another typical dish from Guadalajara is pozole, a traditional stew or soup with pork meat, lettuce, cabbage, hominy, and herbs. Try the Jalisco version for a spicier taste!

 

Sinaloa: Pescado Zarandeado and Aguachile

 

While enjoying Mazatlán's beautiful beaches make sure you try one of the best local fish delicacies, the Pescado Zarandeado

Boasting exclusive sea locations such as Mazatlán, it is no surprise that Sinaloa’s cuisine include so many fish-based dishes. When enjoying the sun and beach life we recommend you try some exquisite pescado zarandeado (slowly smoked grilled fish usually served with lettuce and vegetables), and the traditional aguachile (chile water), a locally-born dish made of shrimp, submerged in liquid seasoned with chili peppers, lime juice, salt, cilantro, and slices of cucumber and onion.

 

Sonora: Carne Asada and Gorditas

 

Barbecue grilled or roasted meat are a pillar of Mexican cuisine: when in Sonora make sure you try the typical carne asada

Certainly, Sonora’s most representative culinary specialties are meat-based dishes. Traditionally grilled on the charcoal barbeque, the carne asada (beef, pork, or chicken) is equally popular among locals and tourists and is an absolute must-try when you stay in Hermosillo or enjoy a vacation by the sea. You cannot leave without trying some delicious Sonoran-style gorditas filled with onions and cheese and covered in a chili guajillo sauce.

 

Nuevo León: Traditional Cabrito

 

El Cabrito (kid goat meat) is un unmissable part of Mexican gastronomy and the best traditional specialty in Nuevo León

In Nuevo León you will find a culinary offer strongly influenced by the local tradition. In Monterrey and in the rest of the state most specialties are meat-based. The most popular dish is undoubtedly the cabrito, roasted kid goat that is prepared by cooking it for several hours over wood fire embers and served with charros (pinto beans stewed with bacon and onions).

 

Tamaulipas: Tamales de Venado and Chocas de Sotol

 

Tamales cannot miss on any food tour in Mexico: if you are up for an exotic flavor try the Tamaulipas version of Tamales de Venado

Like the rest of northeastern Mexico,Tamaulipas is a fantastic spot for meat lovers. Many recipes are based on meat of different sorts: if you look for exotic flavors, we suggest you taste the tamales de venado, a corn-based dough mix filled with deer meat, beans, cheese, and various ingredients of choice. The asado de puerco, roasted pork slowly cooked on charcoal, is another classic in Tamaulipas cuisine.

 

Coahuila: Campechanas and Flor de Palma

 

One of the most loved desserts of Mexico's traditional cuisine, Campechanas are an absolute must-try when you visit Coahuila

While staying in Coahuila and exploring its amazing nature try some of the most traditional regional dishes. Among our favorites are the flor de palma (palm flower), a sort of torta made of beaten eggs and tomato sauce and filled with Izote yucca flowers, and the campechanas, the traditional crispy, puffy pastries sometimes filled with fruit or jams.

 

Mexico City: Torta de Chilaquiles

 

Mexico City is famous for its street and food markets: while enjoying your stay in the Mexican capital, try the famous Torta de Chilaquiles

Mexico City is famous for its varied dining scene: from gourmet restaurants to street food, everyone can be delighted by the city’s culinary offer. To live a true experience, we suggest you browse the many food stands you will find around the city and try the close-to-infinite variants of tacos and the popular torta de chilaquiles or torta tecolota. This exceptional breakfast sandwich filled with refried beans and spices, chilaquiles, crumbled queso fresco, Mexican crema, red onion, and fresh cilantro is also common in the rest of the state.

 

Hidalgo: Pastes

 

Pastes are among the most representative specialty in Hidalgo and in Central Mexico

Hidalgo’s typical gastronomy will surprise you: made of ancestral ingredients, it blends old traditions with modern flavors creating unique culinary experiences. The most representative specialties are probably pastes: originally from England, this sort of wheat empanada is particularly popular in Pachuca and Real del Monte and dates back to the colonial period. The original Mexican recipe of pastes consists of a puffy, soft pastry filled with potatoes stew, ground meat, and parsley, but you can often find both savory and sweet variations.

 

Michoacán: Charales and Tamales

 

Michoacán cuisine encompasses very different flavors and ingredients; if you like fish specialties, make sure you tried the typical fried charales

Michoacán’s cuisine includes a lot of different specialties suitable for all tastes. Enjoy the special local recipe of charales, small breaded, and fried fish served with lettuce and vegetables. There is no other place in central Mexico where you can eat such exceptional tamales. We suggest you try the sweet version of rice tamales made with butter, raisins, and rice flour.

 

Chiapas: Cochito al Horno and Pozol

 

Pozole, the traditional Mexican stew soup, is a favorite in Chiapas gastronomy

Chiapas, like most the territories in southern Mexico, enjoys a varied cuisine that melts the Spaniard influence with the native culinary traditions. Probably the most typical dish is the homemade cochito al horno, an incredibly tasty dish made with a mixture of pork meat stew, ancho peppers, and spices. If you visit Chiapa de Corzo and San Cristobal de las Casas you can try some cochito al horno for only a few dollors and served in the typical clay pots. Another hallmark of Chiapas cuisine is the pozol, a drink made from corn and cocoa, ideal to refresh you.

 

Veracruz: Pulpo al Mojo de Ajo

 

Veracruz cuisine will entice you with its exotic flavors; among the other fish specialties, try the Pulpo al Mojo de Ajo, exquisite octopus cooked according to the traditional recipe

Renowned for its amazing beaches and natural areas, the welcoming state of Veracruz offers a rich plethora of culinary specialties strongly based on fish and sea products. While you enjoy some time in Veracruz, we recommend you try some exquisite seafood and fresh fish from the local markets, if you like to put your cooking ability to the test, or by one of the numerous cozy restaurants, you will find in town. Our favorite is the pulpo al mojo de ajo, a mouthwatering octopus dish cooked in garlic sauce.

 

Tabasco: Pijije en Pipián and Chocolate

 

Being the main cocoa producer in Mexico, it is no wonder that Tabasco cuisine boast so many chocolate-based specialties; try a cup of hot chocolate before you leave

The culinary offer of Tabasco is exotic and varied, with strong influence both from the Spaniards and the traditions of local pre-Colombian populations. Among our favorite dishes, we recommend you try the pijije en pipián, a dish made with wild duck meat, garlic, sesame, pumpkin, cinnamon, chili, ancho chili, cloves, lard, duck, pumpkin seed, ancho chili seed, and one of the most representative recipes of the Tabascan culture. Tabasco is also the main cocoa producer in Mexico, so it is no wonder its gastronomy includes so many chocolate-based products. If you are in Villahermosa in November, you can attend the yearly Festival del Chocolate and delight your senses with exquisite chocolate drinks, pastries, and desserts.