Are you planning your vacation to Mexico? It’s time to get your palate ready because Mexican cuisine has some of the greatest and most delicious dishes in the world.
Mexican cuisine was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010. Be prepared for an amazing experience with flavors during your trip. To help you know what to expect, we’ve made a selection of some typical Mexican dishes from three of the greatest regions of the country: Mexico City, Cancun, and Mazatlan.
MEXICO CITY: A CELEBRATION OF FLAVORS
As the country’s capital, Mexico City is full of exquisite Mexican cuisine. However, here are some dishes you cannot miss:
- Tacos al Pastor
You can’t visit Mexico City without trying the famous Tacos al Pastor. Marinated pork with red chili and different spices is used to make these tacos, which are prepared on a spinning vertical grill similar to the Arab shawarma. They are usually served in small corn tortillas with pineapple, onion, and cilantro. However, like any good Mexican taco, a little bit of salsa will be a great extra touch. This taco is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and you will be able to find it almost everywhere. - Chiles en Nogada
This traditional dish is truly a piece of art. You will usually see them during September, as they are a big part of Independence Day traditions. This dish is a poblano chili stuffed with beef and pork picadillo, covered with a walnut-based cream sauce, and topped with spices, pomegranate seeds, and parsley. This dish is as famous as the colors of the Mexican flag: green from the pepper, white from the walnut sauce, and red from the pomegranate seeds.
CANCUN: MAYAN TRADITION IN FRONT OF THE OCEAN
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Although Cancun also has great international food, however, you still need to try the incredible regional dishes.
- Cochinita Pibil
A traditional Yucatec dish made of pork seasoned with annatto, wrapped in a plantain leaf, and slowly cooked in an underground oven. It is typically served in corn tortillas and topped with purple onion and habanero sauce. The tender meat of this dish melts in your mouth, creating a unique and exceptional flavor that all Mexico loves. - Tikin Xic
This is another traditional Yucatec dish. Tikin Xic is marinated fish with a mix of annatto and orange juice, and it is typically grilled over plantain leaves. It is usually served with tortillas, tomato, chiles, and onion.
MAZATLAN: A SEAFOOD PARADISE
Mazatlan is also well known as the Pearl of the Pacific. Not only are its golden sand beaches and incredible sunsets two of the greatest assets of the destination, but also the delicious food doesn’t stay behind.
- Aguachile
Mazatlan is famous for its delicious seafood, and aguachile is one of the most emblematic dishes of the region. This spicy and refreshing cocktail is made of raw shrimp marinated with lime juice, serrano chili, cilantro, and cucumber. - Pescado Zarandeado
This traditional dish consists of fish marinated in a mixture of spices, chiles, and lime, and then grilled on a rack. The pescado zarandeado is a juicy fish full of flavor and is typically served with tortillas, rice, and a salad.
The list of delicious food in Mexico could go on forever, and we are definitely missing some other iconic traditional meals. Make sure to try different types of food during your visit and explore the most incredible flavors of Mexican cuisine.