A Guide to Traditional Mexican Cuisine

Mexico is home to dozens of different Indigenous groups, some of which are descendants of ancient civilisations such as the Maya, Aztecs and Zapotecs. Much of modern Mexican culture is rooted in Indigenous history and traditions, and cuisine is no exception. 

Core ingredients like avocados, tomatoes, chilli peppers, cacao and vanilla (plus many others) are native to Mexico and were originally cultivated by Indigenous groups. The native staples of maize, beans and squash – called ‘the three sisters’ – are especially notable. They provide complementary nutritional benefits and plant-based protein, and are traditionally grown together in a symbiotic, sustainable and highly productive agricultural system.

The Spanish colonisation of Mexico in the 16th century led to the introduction of ingredients like cheese, pork, beef, rice and wheat, all of which play a prominent role in contemporary Mexican cuisine. Today many authentic dishes reflect a combination of Indigenous elements and international influences, while others still rely primarily or solely on native ingredients.

The idea of ‘pure Mexican food’ isn’t as simple as it might sound. After all, Mexico is a large country composed of 31 states (plus Mexico City) and each region has its own specialties. On the Pacific Coast and in Baja California you’ll find lots of fresh seafood, while Jalisco is famous for birria (marinated meat stew) and Oaxaca is known for its moles (richly flavoured sauces).

Northern Mexican cuisine includes grilled meats, cheeses and flour tortillas, while the Yucatán Peninsula is known for dishes like cochinita pibil (marinated pork slow-roasted underground) and the use of achiote (annatto) and bitter oranges. This is just a small taste of the culinary variation that exists across Mexico.

Narrowing down the list of traditional Mexican dishes is no easy task, but we’ve selected a few that simply can’t be missed. If you’re headed to Mexico, make sure to seek out these delicacies.

1. Tacos

Authentic Mexican tacos are usually made with corn tortillas and fillings like carnitas (crispy pork), grilled beef, shrimp, cochinita pibil or birria.

2. Pozole

This traditional stew is made from hominy (dried corn) and broth with meat and various toppings.

3. Mole

Mole is a type of sauce that often incorporates chilli peppers, spices, nuts and seeds. Try mole negro, made with chocolate, and mole verde, made with pumpkin seeds.

4. Chilaquiles

Often eaten for breakfast, chilaquiles are made from tortilla chips covered in green or red sauce and accompanied by eggs, chicken, cheese, avocado, onion and other toppings.

5. Tamales

Traditional tamales are made from masa (corn dough) stuffed with meat, cheese, beans or veggies, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves (mostly in southern Mexico) and steamed.

In Mexican cuisine, foods like tacos, tamales and tortas (sandwiches) are known as antojitos – a concept that encompasses snacks, appetisers and street food. You can get these savoury little treats from street vendors and market stalls all over the country.

Other common Mexican street foods include elotes (grilled sweetcorn topped with creamy sauce, cheese and seasonings), quesadillas, gorditas (baked or fried masa stuffed with various fillings) and many other combinations of maize, meat, cheese and toppings.

Typical Mexican drinks include aguas frescas: refreshing beverages usually made from water, sugar and fruit. Common flavours include pineapple, lime, watermelon, tamarind and cucumber. Aguas frescas can also be made from rice (horchata), chia seeds, hibiscus (jamaica) and more.

As for alcoholic drinks, the most iconic Mexican spirit is tequila. It can be enjoyed in a margarita (with orange liqueur and lime juice) or a paloma (with grapefruit soda and lime juice). Another popular drink is the michelada, which combines beer with lime juice, hot sauce and seasonings.

In Mexican cuisine, spices are sometimes used to flavour drinks and desserts – most notably hot chocolate. Cacao-based beverages have existed here for thousands of years, and were originally unsweetened. Today they usually include sugar and milk along with cinnamon and sometimes chilli powder. Fruit is also often sprinkled with chilli powder, lime and salt.

Classic Mexican sweets include pan dulce (assorted pastries and baked goods), flan (egg custard with caramel sauce) and pastel de tres leches (cake made with whole milk, sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk). Some common desserts are connected to other cuisines, including churros and arroz con leche, both of which have their roots in the Iberian Peninsula.

At Jacada, we believe food has the power to forge connections and cultural understanding. When you travel to Mexico with us, you can choose from a long list of immersive and bespoke culinary experiences, from street food tours to hands-on cooking classes.

In Mexico City, join chefs to shop for ingredients at local markets or embark on a walking tour through the culinary highlights of Colonia Roma. You can also explore the historic centre to learn how Mexican cuisine has evolved over the millennia.

If you’re headed to Mérida, we suggest a food tour featuring tacos, aguas frescas and traditional sorbets. You can also learn how to prepare traditional recipes for Mexican food in Puebla or sample the famous tlayuda (sometimes called a ‘Mexican pizza’) on an evening street food tour of Oaxaca.

No matter where your travels take you, we can arrange an authentic – and delicious – experience that’s perfectly suited to your tastes.