Mexican cuisine is rich in flavour, colour and tradition. From its expertly blended spices to its unique mixtures of ingredients, each dish tells a story and reflects a living culture. Here is a selection of the five best dishes to discover in Mexico has to offer.
1. Tacos: the undeniable classic
Tacos are without doubt Mexico’s most emblematic dish. Grilled meats, fish, vegetables, and accompanied by salsa, onions, coriander and infinite variety of ingredients fill a corn or wheat tortilla. Among the most popular varieties are tacos al pastor, made with marinated meat cooked on a spit, often served with pineapple chunks for a sweet touch.
2. Guacamole: an essential Mexican flavour
Simple but delicious, guacamole is made with ripe avocados, lime juice, onions, tomatoes and coriander. This versatile side dish is often served with tortilla chips or as a garnish for other dishes. Fresh and tasty, guacamole is a true symbol of the Mexican way of life.
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3. Enchiladas: an explosion of flavours
Enchiladas are tortillas filled with meat, cheese or vegetables, then topped with a sauce. The sauces vary from region to region: red with tomatoes and chillies, green with tomatillos, or mole sauce, a complex blend of spices, cocoa and dried fruit. Baked au gratin, enchiladas are a treat for lovers of rich, flavoursome dishes.
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4. Pozole: a traditional soup
This ancestral dish, inherited from the Aztecs, is a soup made from nixtamalised corn kernels, meat (often pork or chicken) and spices. Served with garnishes such as lettuce, radish, onions, lemon and chillies, pozole is a feast in a bowl. It is often prepared for special occasions or traditional celebrations.
5. Chiles en nogada: an ode to culinary patriotism
This dish, associated with the Mexican bank holidays, is as beautiful as it is delicious. Chiles en nogada consist of poblano peppers stuffed with a mixture of meat, fruit and spices, topped with a creamy nut sauce (nogada) and garnished with pomegranate seeds. Their colours – green, white and red – represent the Mexican flag.
To conclude
Every Mexican dish is an invitation to travel, a culinary experience that delights the senses and tells a story. Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes, subtle flavours or recipes rich in history, Mexican cuisine has something for every taste bud. So why not start your exploration with these five must-tries?
