From palm-fringed beaches, snow capped volcanoes, lively cities and fiesta fireworks, Mexico brings together a diverse, vivid culture. What’s more, the food is to die for! Beyond what we’re used to seeing on the menus of popular Tex-Mex restaurants is a whole banquet of chilli-spiced cuisines that have been attracting foodie-lovers from across the globe for years.
If you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip to Mexico, make sure you don’t leave the country without trying each of these delicious foods! WARNING: Hungerlust to ensue.
Tamales
The creation of this classic dish dates back all the way to 5000 BC, when Aztec, Mayan and Incan tribes needed food that could be easily prepared and taken into battle. Tamales are steamed corn dough with filling (usually meats, cheeses, vegetables or fruits) which is wrapped inside a corn husk and steamed. Don’t forget to discard of the corn husk before eating!
Mole
While there are many tales as to the origins of mole, the best known moles are native to Puebla and Oaxaca. Mole is a rich sauce that is often served with meats and rice. There are lots of different types of mole (yellow, red, black, green, huaxmole, almendrado etc), each very unique in its taste; however all sauces have the same basic preparation (starting with a certain type of hot chilli and several other spices).
Chilaquiles
This popular breakfast dish starts out with corn tortillas which are cut into strips and fried to make a base. Next a sauce (usually mole or salsa) is added, before being topped with scrambled or fried eggs, pulled chicken, cheese and sour cream.
Tacos al pastor
You might think you know what a Mexican taco is, but until you’ve tried tacos al pastor, you don’t have a clue what you’re missing out on! This historic dish dates back to the 1920’s and the arrival of Lebanese and Syrian immigrants to Mexico. Tacos al pastor (which translates to ‘in the style of the shepherd’) is based on shawarma spit-grilled meat; thin strips of meat are sliced off the spit and placed on a corn tortilla. Most of the time these traditional tacos will only be served with meat, however you can sometimes have them served with onions, coriander and pineapple.
Atole
When you think of Mexican drinks, it’s likely an image of tequila comes to mind. However, it may surprise you to learn that there’s actually a lot more for you to sip on without tequila! One such drink is Atole, a pre-Hispanic drink made from cornmeal and water or milk. You can sweeten it with brown sugar or honey and also find variations with cinnamon, vanilla, nuts and guayaba.
Taste buds tingling? Check out our Mexico tours here!
