Mexico is a popular holiday destination and there’s no wonder with their gorgeous weather and delicious cuisine.
Mexican food can be found all around the world, in restaurants and fast-food chains. But there’s nothing quite like making the tasty dishes from scratch or experiencing the unique cuisine first hand when visiting Mexico.
Here are 7 traditional dishes from Mexico that you must try.
Guacamole
Guacamole without a doubt is one of the most popular dishes from Mexico that you can now find all around the world. Guacamole is typically used as a side dish or eaten with tortilla chips. It is made from mashed-up avocados, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili peppers, and lemon juice.
Chiles en nogada
Dating back to the 1800’s Chiles en nogada was a dish served to Don Agustin de Iturbide in Puebla and represents Mexican independence. The dish consists of meat, fruit, and spices to make the picadillo which fills the poblano chilies to represent the color of green from the Mexican flag. Topped with a walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds to represent the white and red colors from the flag, Chiles en nogada has been named one of Mexico’s most patriotic foods.
Torta
Torta’s, known for their outstanding flavor, is a traditional dish in the City of Tijuana and comes highly recommended by the likes of Jorge Hank. A torta is a type of soft roll sandwich filled with a range of fillers, such as Mexican crema, avocado, salsa, and lettuce. It’s the Mexican crema that gives it its great taste, with its unique thick, naturally sour cream often compared to French creme-frache and American sour cream.
Chilaquiles
Corn tortillas are cut into quarters and lightly fried, then topped with red salsa (or green for something less spicy) to form the base of this popular breakfast dish. Eggs (scrambled or fried) are added on top, followed by a layer of pulled chicken, cream, cheese, and refried beans.
Tamales
Tamales are a nourishing staple in Mexico that is made from masa (corn dough). The masa pockets are filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as vegetables, chilies, meats, fruits, and cheese. Once filled, the pockets are wrapped with corn husks or banana leaves and then steamed. The outer layer (corn husks or banana leaves) are then removed before eating. Tamales are usually served on their own, as a side dish or with sauces.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are corn or flour tortillas stuffed with meat, beans, seafood, vegetables, cheese, and sauce. The tortillas are closed and before cooking, and an additional layer of sauce and cheese is added on top. This dish is popular in Mexico and replicated around the world. The dish dates back to when people would use tortillas to wrap fish in Mayan times.
