Food in Mexico: What to Eat on Your Mexico Holiday
From busy market stalls to refined regional specialties, food in Mexico is as bright and diverse as the country itself. Every region brings its own ingredients, traditions and flavours to the table, with culinary techniques being passed down for generations. You can expect sweet treats, late-night street food and celebratory feasts on your Mexico holiday, and our Mexico holiday food guide explores the must-try dishes (and drinks) that’ll bring the country’s culinary heritage to life.
What to eat in Mexico
Mexican street food
A foodie’s trip to Mexico wouldn’t be complete without diving into the country’s famous street food scene. Found on bustling city corners, local markets and beachside promenades, Mexican street food is bold, affordable and packed with flavour. Tacos are the most popular, from al pastor carved straight off the spit to slow-cooked carnitas or grilled fish tacos along the coast.
You’ll also find elotes (corn on the cob slathered in lime, chilli and cheese), crispy quesadillas with an assortment of fillings and tamales steamed in corn husks for a comforting grab-and-go snack.
Mole
Mole is one of the most iconic dishes you’ll find when exploring food in Mexico and mole poblano is often dubbed the country’s national dish. This is a rich, deeply flavoured sauce that perfectly blends a surprising combination of ingredients, including dried chillies, spices, nuts, seeds and even dark chocolate. Traditionally, this sauce will be served over chicken or turkey, alongside rice and tortillas so you can scoop up every last drop.
Mextlapique
For something a little different, why not try the pre-Hispanic dish of mextlapique that originated in central Mexico. Enjoy fresh fish caught that very morning, marinated with herbs, chillies and vegetables, then carefully wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed until tender. On our Mezcal to Mole holiday, you can learn how to prepare this authentic dish in a hands-on culinary class where you’ll be taught how to master traditional techniques.
Chilesennogada
Puebla is well-known for being the birthplace of many of Mexico’s classic dishes, including chiles en nogada. You’ll be served large poblano chillies stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, fruits and spices, topped with a creamy walnut sauce, then scattered with bright pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley on top. The visually striking green, white and red colours are meant to represent the Mexican flag, making this an especially popular treat around Independence Day in September.
Pozole
Pozole is a type of stew that incorporates hominy (large, tender maize kernels) and slow-cooked meat, simmering for hours before serving to create a rich, flavourful broth. There are several regional variations to choose from, such as pozole rojo with dried chillies or pozole verde made with fresh green herbs and tomatillos. This hearty and comforting dish gives you a delicious, warming taste of authentic Mexican food.
Conchas
Make your way to any Mexican bakery and you’ll find a treasure trove of pastries, breads and the one-of-a-kind sweet buns called conchas. Topped with a crumbly sugar paste patterned to resemble a seashell, these buns are typically enjoyed at breakfast or as an afternoon treat alongside coffee or hot chocolate. You’ll find all sorts of flavours ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to pastel pink strawberry.
Carne asada
A staple in northern Mexico, carne asada translates to ‘grilled meat’ and that’s exactly what to expect. Imagine thin cuts of beef marinated in lime juice, garlic and spices before being cooked over an open flame. The result is a mouth-watering, smoky, tender piece of meat, often served with sliced warm tortillas, fresh salsa and guacamole.
Churros
No Mexico holiday would be complete without indulging in freshly made churros. A popular and well-known sweet treat, churros can be enjoyed as a snack as you’re walking along cobbled city streets or as a dessert after a hearty meal in a coastal town. These golden pastries are piped into hot oil until crisp on the outside while maintaining a soft, fluffy texture within. You’ll find churros everywhere, offering a simple yet irresistible taste of Mexican street food culture.
Mezcal
Oaxaca is home to local mezcal distilleries known as palenques, where you can learn all about the process of making mezcal. Discover how the spiky agave hearts are harvested beneath the hot Mexican sun. See where they’re slow roasted in smoky underground pits, before being crushed, fermented and distilled using traditional methods passed down through generations.
A guided mezcal tasting is an unmissable experience. You’ll sip the spirit from a small clay cup and taste the herbal, rich, smoky flavour as you listen to stories from the mezcaleros themselves.
Café de olla
Served from a traditional clay cup like the mezcal, café de olla is a comforting Mexican coffee that’s usually enjoyed during cool mornings or festive gatherings. Brewed with cinnamon sticks and unrefined cane sugar, this special coffee contains a subtly spiced sweetness that invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment as conversation flows and the day unfolds.
Ready to plan your perfect Mexico food holiday?
Whether you’re after freshly grilled tacos or smoky mezcal, our Travel Specialists at Latin Routes can help you create a flavour-filled itinerary you’ll never forget. Be inspired by our Mexico holiday experiences, featuring culinary classes, distillery visits and authentic cultural encounters but if you’re ready, contact us today to start planning your own holiday to Mexico. Now you've ready our Mexico holiday food guide, what will be the first thing you try?
