Must-try Dishes
Chilaquiles - Chilaquiles (crunchy tortilla breakfast) - Fried tortilla chips simmered in red or green salsa, topped with cheese, eggs, and avocado. Locals savor this popular breakfast dish any day of the week, often after a night out.
Tacos de Camarón - Shrimp Tacos (battered shrimp delight) - Crispy battered shrimp served in corn tortillas, accompanied by creamy sauce and shredded cabbage. A popular street food option to grab on the go, especially in coastal neighborhoods.
Carnitas - Carnitas (slow-cooked pork) - Tender, juicy pork cooked in its own fat until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Typically enjoyed in a hearty burrito or taco form, best shared with friends over casual dinner.
Kalbi - Kalbi Ribs (Korean BBQ specialty) - Thinly sliced beef short ribs marinated in a sweet soy sauce mixture, grilled to perfection. A cultural favorite, it’s often enjoyed during family gatherings or communal dinners.
Elote - Grilled Corn on the Cob (street corn treat) - Char-grilled corn smeared with mayonnaise, sprinkled with cheese, chili powder, and lime. A surprising combination of flavors, it’s best enjoyed from a street vendor while taking a stroll through local parks.
Menudo - Menudo (hearty beef tripe soup) - A rich soup made with beef tripe, hominy, and spices, often garnished with lime and onions. Traditionally served as a hangover cure on Sunday mornings, it’s enjoyed in casual family diners.
Pozole - Pozole (hominy stew) - A hearty stew made with hominy and pork, garnished with radishes and chopped onion. It’s a local favorite for celebrations; many enjoy a steaming bowl during festive gatherings.
Carne Asada Fries - Carne Asada Fries (loaded fries) - Crispy fries topped with seasoned grilled steak, cheese, and guacamole. Ideal for a late-night snack, these are popular in taco stands, often shared among friends after a night out.
Desserts & Drinks
Mexican Hot Chocolate - Chocolate Caliente (rich chocolate drink) - A velvety blend of dark chocolate, milk, and spices like cinnamon, usually topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa. Locals often enjoy it in cozy cafés on chilly evenings, ideally paired with a warm pastry.
Horchata - Horchata (rice beverage) - A refreshing drink made from soaked rice, blended with cinnamon and vanilla, served over ice. It’s popular throughout the summer at hardly any fiesta—everyone indulges while snacking on tacos or tamales.
Paloma - Paloma (grapefruit cocktail) - A tangy mix of tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, and soda, served over ice with a salted rim. On sunny afternoons, it’s the go-to drink at rooftop bars, perfect after a long week; just be careful not to get it confused with a margarita when ordering!
Churros - Churros (fried pastry) - Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these long pastries are coated in cinnamon sugar and typically served with chocolate dipping sauce. You'll find them at local fairs or festivals, freshly made and piping hot—ordering them “sin chocolate” is a common mix-up!
Sparkling Watermelon Granita - Granita de Sandía (frozen dessert) - A refreshing treat made from pureed watermelon mixed with sparkling water, then frozen to a slushy texture. Best enjoyed at summer picnics or beach days; don’t forget to get the watermelon seeds removed automatically when ordering (it can save you from some unwelcome crunch).
By the way, if you're ever at a weekend festival, be sure to grab the churros and horchata combo for the ultimate treat experience!
