Travel Inspiration

WWT Logo
Celine Krone
July 4, 2025
The 5 most important Mexican dishes you must try on your trip

Anyone who travels to Mexico quickly realizes that food here is not just food - it is identity, history, community and passion. Mexican cuisine is one of the most diverse in the world. And the best thing? Many of the dishes are ideal for on the go - inexpensive, served quickly and yet full of depth.

Especially for young travelers, backpackers and food lovers, Mexico offers a culinary journey of discovery that goes far beyond tacos. Here are Five superordinate courts and categoriesthat you shouldn't miss - including popular variations and tips on where to try them.

Tacos - the heart of Mexican cuisine

Tacos are much more than just a snack - they are cultural heritage, everyday food and culinary experimentation all rolled into one. Almost every region in Mexico has its own taco variations, its own way of preparation, its own favorite ingredients.

Typical variants you should know:

  • Tacos al pastorThinly sliced, spicy marinated pork, cut from a skewer like a kebab. Served with pineapple, onions, coriander and lime. Particularly popular in Mexico City - at night on street corners with long queues.
  • Tacos de BarbacoaSlowly braised lamb or beef, usually cooked in agave leaves. Especially found in Hidalgo or Querétaro.
  • Tacos de PescadoCrispy breaded fish or grilled fish, often with cabbage, crema and spicy salsa - typical of Baja California and the Pacific coast.
  • Vegetarian tacosFor example with champiñones (mushrooms), nopales (cactus), beans or pumpkin blossoms.

Tip: Go where there are lots of people. A full taco stand is almost always a good taco stand.

Tamales - tradition for breakfast (or simply always)

Tamales are one of the oldest dishes in Mexico. Even in Aztec and Mayan times, this combination of corn dough and filling was wrapped in leaves and steamed. Today you can find tamales in many variations - depending on the region, occasion and taste.

What you can expect:

  • A tamal consists of "masa", a special dough made from corn, which is filled with various ingredients.
  • The whole thing is wrapped in corn or banana leaves, in which it is steamed until the consistency is soft and fluffy.

Classic variants:

  • Tamal verde/rojoWith green or red chili sauce, often filled with chicken or pork.
  • Tamales dulcesSweet filled, for example with raisins, aniseed or chocolate - often dyed pink.
  • Tamales oaxaqueñosSteamed in banana leaves, with more complex fillings such as mole.

When to eat?
Traditionally for breakfast, for example with hot chocolate or "atole", a sweet corn drink. But they actually taste good at any time of day.

Mole - The mysterious soul of Mexican cuisine

Mole is perhaps the most symbolic dish in Mexico - or rather: the most symbolic sauce. Mole is not a single dish, but an elaborate sauce that often takes hours or days to prepare and is served over meat (usually chicken or turkey).

What's inside?
A true explosion of ingredients: different types of chili, nuts, chocolate, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, bread, tomatoes, seeds - over 30 different ingredients depending on the recipe and region.

Important variants:

  • Mole PoblanoThe best-known version - with dark chocolate and a pleasant spiciness. Originally from Puebla.
  • Mole NegroParticularly spicy and intense, typical of Oaxaca. Often contains smoked chilies and is deep black.
  • Mole VerdeFresh, herbal and lighter - usually with pumpkin seeds, coriander and tomatillos.

Tip: Mole is cooked in many families on special occasions - but you can also get great versions in good "fondas" (small family restaurants)

Quesadillas, gringas & co - everything about the tortilla

Tortillas made from corn or wheat are the basis of many Mexican dishes. And a whole world of small, filling snacks has developed around them. One of the best-known examples is the quesadilla.

Quesadillas - more than just cheese:
In Mexico, quesadilla does not automatically mean that it contains cheese. Many variations do without - instead with pumpkin blossoms, mushrooms, beans or chicharrón (deep-fried pork).

Other variants:

  • GringasWheat tortillas with al pastor meat and cheese - melted and folded.
  • SincronizadasTwo tortillas with ham and cheese - like a Mexican sandwich.
  • TlacoyosThick, oval corn pockets filled with beans or cheese, grilled and topped with salsa and cactus.

You can find these snacks on every street corner, at markets or in small snack bars - especially in central Mexico and the capital.

Street food snacks - elotes, esquites & more

Between big meals, people in Mexico like to snack a lot - preferably directly on the street. Corn is almost always involved.

Must-try snacks:

  • ElotesGrilled or boiled corn on the cob, spread with mayonnaise, cheese (usually cotija), lime juice and chili. Sounds unusual - but tastes great.
  • EsquitesThe grain version in a cup - with the same ingredients as Elotes, only spoonable.
  • TostadasCrispy fried tortillas topped with everything from beans and ceviche to chicken in salsa.
  • ChurrosSweet, deep-fried dough sticks with sugar, cinnamon and sometimes filled with dulce de leche or chocolate.

Tip: The street stalls really come to life in the evening - perfect for a spontaneous street food dinner.

Conclusion: Mexico's cuisine is diversity, history and real life

Whether savory or sweet, hearty or light, traditional or creatively interpreted - Mexican cuisine has something for everyone. These five overarching categories cover the most important culinary classics while giving you enough leeway to try out regional specialties on site.

Eating in Mexico is more than just a pleasure - it's a social moment, a conversation starter, a window into the culture. So bring an appetite, keep an open mind and simply try it.

Would you like to find out more about our programs?

THEN COME TO OUR WANDERWORLD CONSULTATION!
Line

TALK TO ...

Sophia

Founder of Wanderworld Travel

Marina

Advice and travel preparation

Amanda

On-site advice and support

... ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURE !

Here we can plan your trip together and talk about your ideas.

Sign up now for our WanderWorld consultation. We look forward seeing you!

All without obligation and free of charge.