What's the food like in Mexico?

Tacos got your tastebuds tingling? Discover what's cooking in Mexico.

Fancy hopping on a plane to Mexico this year? You’re not alone. In fact, more than half a million holidaymakers usually swap the UK for sun and sombreros every year. It’s not hard to see why, either. Mexico’s Caribbean Coast sidles up to bright-blue waters, making it a snorkeller’s paradise. Speaking of diving, did you know the sleepy fishing village of Puerto Morelos is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world? We can’t think of a better reason to visit. Back on dry land, sights like Mayan ruins, and tropical jungles are just a stone’s throw away from our luxury hotels, so it’s the perfect place to pair beaches with culture.

Delicious cuisine is another big reason why holidaymakers love Mexico. And if you ask us it's pretty easy to see why - it’s home to some of the tastiest dishes and drinks on the globe, like tacos, churros, and tequila, to name a few. Keep reading to find out what you can expect to eat in Mexico...

Once you’re ready, get the info on Dine & Discover to uncover your foodie escape.

Tacos

Tacos are one of Mexico’s staples. This traditional dish is made from a folded flour tortilla that’s filled with tonnes of delicious fillings. Think beef, pork, chicken, fried vegetables and grated cheese. Plus, many food stalls in Mexico offer radishes, red onion, slices of lime pickled chillies and an assortment of spicy sauces to complement your meal, so it’s up to you how hot you have it.

Enchiladas

E is for enchiladas. We think this dish takes the crown when it comes to food in Mexico. It’s made from a corn tortilla, which is wrapped around ingredients like meat, cheese, beans, potatoes and vegetables. Then it’s covered in a chilli sauce and baked until crispy. Spicy rice and salsa are usually served alongside, too. It’s said that the rolling of tortillas around other food dates back to Mayan times, when the tortillas were wrapped around fish. Fast forward to today, and it’s still one of the most popular meals on the planet.

Fajitas

Fajitas are another one of Mexico’s culinary crowd pleasers. They’re usually made with tortilla wraps, which are filled to the brim with fried strips of chicken or pork, grilled red and green peppers and chopped onions. Freshly made salsa, grated cheese and soured cream tend to top things off. They’re eaten all over Mexico, so it won’t be hard to find wherever you’re staying in the Cactus State.

Churros

Churros may be a popular pastry dessert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have them for breakfast, lunch or [and] dinner. These sweet treats are made from prism-shaped dough, which is deep-fried until it becomes crunchy. They’re mostly sold at street-food stalls and taste best when freshly made. They usually come drizzled in toppings like melted chocolate, icing sugar, or cinnamon, so they’re a great pick if you’re a fan of the sweet stuff. Can’t decide what topping you’ll have? Don’t deny yourself – we suggest going for all three.

Guacamole

Guacamole is one of the most popular dips on earth. It’s made from avocados, which are mashed together to create a smooth, paste-like consistency. On top of that, onions, lime juice, cayenne pepper and jalapeños can all be added to give the green stuff even more flavour. Fun fact? It’s also known as ‘guac’ in Mexico.

Browse our holidays to Mexico.

Plus, find out the best time to visit Mexico and the best hotels in Mexico.

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Author: Olivia Hunt and Ben Staff

Last updated: 04.10.2023