Mexican Traditional Food

Mexican traditional food is very different from the Tex-Mex that most Americans are used to. While you can get the Tex-Mex type foods while traveling in Mexico you will usually only find them at the more tourist trap kind of places. They will almost certainly be expensive. Instead, since you are on a cultural adventure anyway, why not try the small, local eateries and introduce your taste buds to some new flavors.

After all, that is the point of traveling isn't it?

The traditional foods of Mexico are flavorful and varied. Some are rich and spicy while others are more delicate. Each region has its own specialties as well so be prepared to have different items and flavors as you move from one place to the next.

Traveling in Mexico you will probably find the following foods and ingredients no matter where you go.

Beans – Beans are generally served  refried. This means they are cooked by boiling and then drained and fried in fat (usually lard or bacon fat). As they are frying they are mashed and seasoned.

Chilies -Chilies are the peppers that add spice to Mexican foods. Interestingly it is the large chilies that have the milder flavor and the smallest ones that are the most intense. If you are concerned that a dish might be too spicy for your palate simple ask your server, "Es picante?"

Salsa – Salsa just means sauce. It can be the traditional fresh tomato salsa or any other type. Often you will find small bottles of habanero  salsa at the table. Be careful, these bottles contain a very hot sauce.

Tortillas- Tortillas are a staple bread for most of the population. They are made of flour or corn. You will find that the flour tortillas are more prevalent in the northern regions and the corn tortillas are more popular in the south. They may be served with the meal as a bread or as an ingredient in dishes like enchiladas or tacos.

Ceviche- Raw fish or conch marinated in lime juice. The acids in the lime actually "cold cook" the delicate fish.

Chilie Renellos – Large chilies stuffed with cheese or meat. The most spice will be found in the sauce..

Enchiladas – This rolled tortilla dish will be stuffed with meat, vegetables, cheese, or poultry depending on the region.

Fish – In the areas surrounding Veracruz most traditional foods rely on fish. Tacos, tamales, enchiladas and other traditional Mexican fare is usually made with fish, often accompanied by chilies, olives, and tomatoes.

Fruit – Especially around Yucatan fruit plays an important role in the food. The traditional foods often have fruit based sauces or may be served on banana leaves. This gives the region a Caribbean fusion twist to the Mexican traditional foods.

Huachinango, or Red Snapper – This fish is one of the most common proteins used in the coastal regions of Mexico.

Mole (MO-lay) Sauce – A regional specialty of Puebla this sweet sauce has chocolate, herbs, and spices and is often served over poultry. You will also find a mole sauce in Oaxaca, however they often add banana to it.

Pipían – A sauce made from pumpkin seeds that is served with chicken. You will find this most often in Oaxaca.

Poc Chuc – This pork dish is a specialty of Yucatecan. Fillet of pork is cooked with a tomato based sauce.

Pollo Pibil – You may only come across this delicious dish if you are traveling in Yucatecan. It consistes of orange marinated chicken that is barbequed in banana leaves.

Tacos  - This Mexican street food is made from crisply fried tortillas filled with a variety of fillings and eaten out of hand.

Tamales – This steamed dish is made from cornmeal paste that is stuffed with meat, poultry, or vegetables, and then wrapped in corn husks for steaming.

Tortas- These Mexican sandwiches are served on large rolls and filled generously. There are numerous fillings that might go inside depending on the region or the city.

Tostadas – Tortillas are fried flat until crispy and then topped with a variety of toppings.

It is fun to travel and to explore different regions. By also including the real flavors of the country you are visiting you will get more out of your trip. You will undoubtedly taste new flavors, experience new textures, and get to know the people and culture as they are.