Mexico Cuisine
North America • Central America
92 iconic dishes
Signature Mexico Dishes
🍽️Main Dishes(23)
Albondigas en Chipotle
Tender, flavorful beef meatballs simmered in a rich, smoky chipotle-tomato sauce. A classic Mexican comfort food.
Calaveras de Azúcar (Sugar Skulls)
Decorative sugar skulls, a traditional edible folk art centerpiece for Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) altars. These are primarily for decoration but can be eaten.
Camarones a la Diabla (Devilish Shrimp)
A classic Mexican dish featuring succulent shrimp bathed in a fiery, rich red chile sauce. 'A la diabla' translates to 'deviled,' indicating its signature intense heat. This recipe is for those who truly enjoy a spicy kick, but heat levels can be adjusted.
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
A classic coastal Mexican dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich, buttery sauce infused with an abundance of fragrant garlic and a hint of dried chili. This recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer.
Carne Asada
Authentic Mexican Carne Asada, featuring thinly sliced flap steak or skirt steak marinated in a vibrant blend of citrus, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection over high heat. An essential for any taco night or backyard barbecue.
Carne con Chile Colorado
Tender chunks of beef braised in a rich, deep red sauce made from dried guajillo and ancho chilies. A classic and comforting dish from Northern Mexico, traditionally served with soft flour tortillas.
Carnitas
Michoacán's iconic braised pork, slow-cooked in lard until fall-apart tender with delightfully crispy edges. This recipe yields incredibly flavorful and succulent carnitas, perfect for tacos, tortas, or any Mexican-inspired dish.
Carnitas Michoacán
Authentic Michoacán-style carnitas, where pork shoulder is slowly confited in its own rendered fat until incredibly tender and then crisped to perfection. This is the ultimate taco filling, a true taste of Mexican culinary tradition.
Chiles en Nogada
Mexico's iconic patriotic dish, featuring poblano peppers stuffed with a rich picadillo, generously coated in a creamy walnut sauce (nogada), and garnished with vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley.
Chiles Rellenos
Roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, coated in a light egg batter, fried until golden brown, and served in a simple tomato sauce (caldillo).
Cochinita Pibil
Authentic Yucatecan Cochinita Pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish marinated in achiote and citrus, traditionally cooked in a pib (underground oven) and wrapped in banana leaves. This version is adapted for home ovens, resulting in incredibly tender, shreddable pork with a vibrant, earthy flavor.
Enchiladas Rojas
Classic Mexican red enchiladas featuring corn tortillas dipped in a rich, smoky chili sauce, filled with tender shredded chicken, and topped with cooling crema, crumbled queso fresco, and thinly sliced onion.
Enchiladas Suizas
Authentic Enchiladas Suizas, a classic Mexican dish featuring tender chicken-filled corn tortillas bathed in a rich, creamy tomatillo sauce and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. This recipe is inspired by the original Sanborns recipe.
Enmoladas
Tender corn tortillas are briefly fried, then bathed in a rich, complex mole sauce and filled with shredded chicken. This dish is a delightful fusion of enchiladas and the iconic Mexican mole.
Papadzules
Papadzules are a traditional Yucatecan dish featuring corn tortillas filled with hard-boiled eggs, bathed in a rich, vibrant pumpkin seed sauce (pipian verde), and finished with a drizzle of bright tomato oil. This pre-Hispanic Mayan delicacy offers a unique blend of earthy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
Pescado Zarandeado
Nayarit-style grilled fish, a Pacific coast specialty. A whole butterflied fish is grilled over coals, generously coated with a vibrant achiote and chile paste marinade.
Picadillo
A classic Mexican comfort food, Picadillo is a flavorful hash made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and a savory tomato base. It's incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or as a filling for tacos, empanadas, and more.
Poc Chuc (Yucatecan Grilled Pork)
Tender, thinly pounded pork loin marinated in tangy sour orange juice and garlic, then grilled to a perfect char. This classic Yucatecan dish is traditionally served with vibrant pickled red onions, refried black beans, and a flavorful chiltomate salsa.
Rajas con Crema
A classic Mexican dish of roasted poblano pepper strips simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with onions and optional corn. Delicious served as a filling for tacos, a side dish, or even a light vegetarian main.
Tacos de Lengua
Authentic Mexican Tacos de Lengua, featuring incredibly tender, slow-braised beef tongue, thinly sliced and served in warm corn tortillas. A delicacy for the adventurous palate, celebrated for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Tamales
Authentic Mexican tamales, featuring tender masa dough steamed inside corn husks, filled with savory pork in a rich chili sauce. A beloved staple for celebrations and holidays.
Tamales Rojos
Classic red tamales featuring tender shredded pork enveloped in a rich, savory red chile sauce, all encased in a soft masa dough and steamed to perfection within corn husks. A beloved staple for celebrations.
Tamales Verdes (Green Tamales)
Authentic Mexican tamales featuring tender masa dough filled with shredded chicken in a vibrant salsa verde, all steamed to perfection within corn husks. A beloved staple for holidays and celebrations.
🥟Appetizer Dishes(17)
Aguachile
A vibrant and refreshing raw shrimp dish from Sinaloa, Mexico, where shrimp are 'cooked' in a zesty marinade of lime juice and fiery serrano chilies. This dish is known for its intense spiciness and is often served as a refreshing appetizer or light meal.
Camarones al Ajillo (Mexican Garlic Shrimp)
A quick and incredibly flavorful Mexican classic featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic-infused butter sauce with a hint of guajillo chili. Perfect for a speedy weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer.
Chalupas Poblanas
Authentic Puebla-style chalupas, featuring small, thick, boat-shaped masa tortillas that are fried until golden and crispy, then generously topped with shredded meat, vibrant salsas, and fresh onion. These are a beloved Mexican antojito (snack or appetizer).
Chiles Toreados (Blistered Serrano Peppers)
Blistered whole serrano peppers, quickly charred in hot oil and finished with lime, soy sauce, and salt. These are an essential and addictive accompaniment to tacos, grilled meats, or any Mexican feast, offering a burst of spicy heat and bright acidity.
Classic Mexican Tostadas
Crispy, golden-fried corn tortillas generously topped with seasoned refried beans, your choice of savory shredded meat (like chicken tinga), crisp shredded lettuce, a drizzle of cooling crema, crumbled queso fresco, and creamy avocado slices. A vibrant and satisfying Mexican open-faced sandwich, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
A vibrant and flavorful Mexican street food classic. Grilled corn on the cob is generously coated in creamy mayonnaise, then rolled in salty cotija cheese and dusted with a hint of spicy chile powder, finished with a refreshing squeeze of lime.
Empanadas de Piña (Pineapple Turnovers)
Delicate, sweet pastry turnovers filled with a luscious pineapple jam. A beloved staple found in Mexican bakeries, perfect for a sweet treat.
Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad)
A beloved Mexican street food, esquites features tender corn kernels sautéed with aromatics and butter, then tossed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, savory cotija cheese, and a kick of chile powder. Served warm in cups, it's a delightful and easy-to-eat alternative to elote.
Flautas (Crispy Rolled Taquitos)
Authentic Mexican flautas, also known as taquitos, are made by tightly rolling corn tortillas around a savory filling, then deep-frying them until perfectly golden and crispy. Traditionally filled with shredded chicken or beef, these are a delightful appetizer or main course, best served with cool crema, vibrant salsa, crisp lettuce, and crumbled queso fresco.
Gorditas
Gorditas are delightful Mexican stuffed corn cakes, essentially thick masa pockets that are fried or griddled and then filled with a variety of savory stews and toppings. A beloved street food originating from Central Mexico.
Molletes
Molletes are a beloved Mexican breakfast or snack, featuring toasted bolillo rolls generously topped with refried beans and melted cheese, finished with fresh pico de gallo. Simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.
Molotes
Oaxacan stuffed corn torpedoes - masa dough wrapped around a savory filling and deep-fried to a golden crisp. A popular street food from Oaxaca, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Panuchos
Authentic Yucatecan panuchos are delightful corn tortillas with a pocket filled with refried beans, lightly fried until puffed and crispy, then generously topped with shredded turkey or chicken, vibrant pickled red onions (often with habanero for a kick), and creamy avocado slices. A true taste of Yucatan's street food culture.
Queso Fundido
A bubbling skillet of melted cheese, often enriched with savory chorizo or roasted poblano peppers, served hot and scooped up with warm tortillas. This classic Mexican appetizer is best enjoyed immediately.
Salbutes
Yucatecan Salbutes are delightful, puffed-up fried corn tortillas, a lighter cousin to panuchos, traditionally topped with shredded turkey, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, vibrant pickled red onions, and creamy avocado. They are best enjoyed immediately after preparation.
Sopes
Authentic Mexican sopes are delicious, thick corn masa bases with slightly pinched edges, designed to hold a generous amount of toppings like refried beans, seasoned meat, fresh cheese, and vibrant salsa. They are a quintessential 'antojito' or Mexican street food snack.
Tacos Dorados (Golden Fried Tacos)
Crispy, golden-fried rolled tacos, a delightful crunchier cousin to flautas. These are typically filled with mashed potatoes and served with fresh toppings.
🍲Soup Dishes(7)
Birria de Res (Mexican Beef Stew)
A rich and flavorful Mexican slow-braised beef stew, featuring tender chunks of beef simmered in a complex consommé infused with dried chilies and aromatic spices. Traditionally from Jalisco, this dish is perfect for special occasions and can be served as a hearty stew or used to make delicious birria tacos.
Caldo de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Soup)
A comforting and nourishing Mexican chicken soup, often considered a cure-all. A whole chicken is simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices, then combined with hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, chayote, and corn. Served with fresh garnishes, it's a soul-warming dish perfect for any occasion.
Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)
A hearty and flavorful Mexican beef soup, traditionally enjoyed on Sundays with family. This comforting stew features tender beef shank simmered with a medley of vegetables like corn, potatoes, chayote, carrots, and cabbage, all infused with aromatic herbs.
Caldo Tlalpeño
A hearty and flavorful Tlalpan-style chicken soup, featuring tender chicken, chickpeas, smoky chipotle peppers in adobo, and fresh avocado. Named after the historic borough of Tlalpan in Mexico City.
Pozole Rojo
A hearty and flavorful Mexican hominy soup featuring tender pork and plump dried corn kernels simmered in a rich, smoky red chili broth. Traditionally served with a vibrant array of fresh toppings.
Sopa de Lima (Yucatan Lime Soup)
A bright and aromatic chicken soup from the Yucatan region of Mexico, featuring the distinctive tang of local lima or key limes, simmered chicken, and finished with crispy tortilla strips. This soup is both comforting and refreshing.
Sopa de Tortilla
A comforting and flavorful Mexican tortilla soup featuring a rich tomato-chili broth, garnished with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of crema. Perfect for any occasion.
🥔Side Dishes(2)
Agua de Horchata
A refreshing and creamy Mexican beverage made from soaked rice, almonds, and cinnamon. It's a delightful, sweet drink perfect for any occasion, especially when served chilled over ice.
Enfrijoladas
Enfrijoladas are a beloved Mexican dish where corn tortillas are briefly fried or softened, then bathed in a rich, smooth black bean sauce. They are typically filled with cheese and finished with a drizzle of crema, more sauce, and fresh toppings like avocado. They are a simpler, yet equally delicious, cousin to enchiladas.
🍰Dessert Dishes(15)
Arroz con Leche
A classic Mexican comfort dessert, Arroz con Leche is a creamy and sweet rice pudding infused with the warm aroma of cinnamon. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
Buñuelos
Crispy, thin Mexican fritters made from fried dough, generously coated in a warm, spiced piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar) syrup. A beloved Christmas tradition, these buñuelos are known for their delicate crunch and sweet, aromatic flavor.
Café de Olla
A traditional Mexican coffee brewed in a clay pot, infused with the warm sweetness of piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar), aromatic cinnamon, and pungent cloves. This comforting beverage is a staple in many Mexican households, especially during cooler months.
Cajeta (Mexican Goat Milk Caramel)
A rich, thick, and decadent caramel spread made from goat's milk, originating from Celaya, Guanajuato. This traditional Mexican dulce de leche offers a unique tangy flavor profile distinct from cow's milk versions.
Chongos Zamoranos
Chongos Zamoranos are a traditional Mexican dessert from Michoacán, featuring sweet, curdled milk bathed in a rich cinnamon syrup. This beloved dessert has a unique, tender texture and a beautiful caramelized hue.
Churros
Crispy, ridged fried dough sticks, generously coated in a warm cinnamon-sugar mixture. Traditionally served with a rich, spiced Mexican chocolate for dipping, these churros are a delightful sweet treat.
Conchas
Iconic Mexican sweet bread, known for its soft, enriched dough and a distinctive, sweet sugar topping scored to resemble seashell patterns. A beloved breakfast staple.
Cuernos (Mexican Sweet Rolls)
Cuernos, meaning 'horns,' are a beloved Mexican pan dulce. These are not French croissants but rather a richer, sweeter, and denser crescent-shaped roll, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. They boast a tender crumb with a slightly crisp exterior when fresh.
Dulce de Calabaza en Tacha (Candied Pumpkin)
A traditional Mexican sweet, especially popular during the Day of the Dead celebrations. Cubes of pumpkin are slowly simmered in a fragrant syrup made from piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar), cinnamon, and orange peel until they become tender, translucent, and infused with the rich, caramel-like flavors of the syrup. The optional guava leaves add a subtle, unique aroma.
Flan Mexicano
A classic Mexican caramel custard, also known as Flan Napolitano when cream cheese is added. This dessert features a silky smooth vanilla custard base topped with a rich, dark caramel sauce. It's a beloved treat often found in Mexican households.
Huevos Motuleños
A maximalist Yucatecan breakfast tower featuring fried eggs, ham, peas, fried plantain, and two distinct sauces, all layered atop lightly fried corn tortillas and refried beans. A truly indulgent start to the day.
Orejas (Mexican Elephant Ears)
Crispy, sweet, and buttery puff pastry cookies, often called 'elephant ears' due to their shape. Coated in caramelized sugar, these palmiers are a delightful bakery classic.
Pastel de Tres Leches
A classic Mexican dessert, this sponge cake is incredibly moist and tender, generously soaked in a rich mixture of three milks and topped with a cloud of whipped cream. It's an irresistible treat that's perfect for any occasion.
Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies)
These traditional Mexican wedding cookies, also known as polvorones, are incredibly tender, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delights. They are characterized by their delicate texture and are generously coated in powdered sugar, making them a perfect sweet treat for celebrations.
Tamales de Dulce (Sweet Tamales)
Delicate, pink-tinted sweet masa tamales studded with plump raisins. These dessert tamales are a beloved treat, perfect for celebrations or a sweet start to the day.
🍞Bread Dishes(2)
Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead)
A traditional sweet, soft, and aromatic Mexican bread, typically enjoyed during the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) celebrations from November 1st to 2nd. This enriched dough is flavored with orange zest and orange blossom water, and shaped with decorative 'bones'.
Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread)
A traditional oval-shaped sweet bread, adorned with colorful candied fruits and symbolic of the Three Kings' Day celebration. A small plastic baby figurine is hidden within the dough, and whoever finds it is said to host a tamale party on Candlemas Day (February 2nd).
🥨Snack Dishes(14)
Baja-Style Fish Tacos
Authentic Baja California-style fish tacos featuring crispy beer-battered white fish nestled in warm corn tortillas, topped with a vibrant cabbage slaw, creamy crema, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. A true Ensenada street food legend.
Birria Tacos
Experience Jalisco's iconic street food: tender, slow-braised beef simmered in a rich, spiced chili broth, then used to fill corn tortillas. The tortillas are dipped in the flavorful rendered beef fat and griddled until perfectly crispy. Served with the fragrant consommé for dipping, these tacos are a culinary delight.
Cemita Poblana
Puebla's legendary sandwich, a colossal creation featuring a sesame-seeded cemita roll generously filled with crispy milanesa, creamy avocado, melty Oaxaca cheese, smoky chipotle peppers, and the unique, pungent aroma of pápalo herb.
Huaraches
Sandal-shaped masa flatbreads – thick, oval masa bases topped generously with refried beans, savory carne asada, vibrant salsa verde, cooling crema, and crumbled queso fresco. A quintessential Mexico City street food delight.
Pambazo
A vibrant and flavorful Mexican street food sandwich. Pambazo features a soft roll (bolillo or similar) dipped in a rich, red guajillo chili sauce, then griddled until crispy. It's traditionally filled with a savory mixture of chorizo and potatoes, and then topped with fresh lettuce, cooling crema, and crumbled queso fresco.
Quesadilla de Huitlacoche
Corn fungus quesadilla - the truffle of Mexico folded into a fresh masa quesadilla. Earthy and luxurious, this dish highlights the unique flavor of huitlacoche.
Sincronizadas
Sincronizadas are a popular Mexican street food, essentially a 'synchronized' grilled quesadilla. Two flour tortillas are layered with ham and melty Oaxaca cheese, then griddled until golden brown and the cheese is perfectly gooey. It's the ultimate Mexican grilled cheese, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Tacos al Pastor
Mexico City's iconic street food featuring thinly sliced pork marinated in a vibrant achiote-chile paste, traditionally cooked on a vertical spit (trompo), then shaved and served on warm corn tortillas with sweet pineapple, sharp onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Tacos de Cabeza (Beef Head Tacos)
Authentic Tacos de Cabeza feature tender, slow-cooked meats from various parts of a steamed beef head, including cachete (cheek), ojo (eye), and lengua (tongue). A true taquería specialty, these tacos offer a unique and rich flavor experience.
Tacos de Canasta
Basket tacos, also known as 'tacos de sudor' (sweat tacos), are a beloved Mexican street food. They are soft, steamed corn tortillas filled with various savory ingredients, traditionally kept warm and moist in a cloth-lined basket. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting and delicious bite. Common fillings include mashed potato, refried beans, or chicharrón (fried pork rind).
Tacos de Pescado (Baja Fish Tacos)
Authentic Baja-style fish tacos featuring crispy, beer-battered white fish, a refreshing cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of crema, all served in warm corn tortillas. A true taste of Baja California.
Tacos de Suadero
Tacos de Suadero are a beloved street food from Mexico City, featuring thinly sliced beef (suadero) that is slowly cooked until tender and then crisped up in its own rendered fat. The unique cut of meat, from between the beef hide and the rib, offers a distinct texture and rich flavor. These tacos are typically served on warm corn tortillas with fresh cilantro, diced onion, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
Tlayudas (Oaxacan "Pizza")
A giant, crispy Oaxacan tortilla, often called a 'tlayuda', serves as the base for a delicious street food experience. It's spread with savory pork lard (asiento), refried beans, melted Oaxaca cheese, and your choice of protein, then crisped to perfection. Think of it as a rustic, flavorful Oaxacan pizza.
Tortas Ahogadas
Guadalajara's iconic 'drowned' sandwich. Crusty birote bread is generously filled with savory carnitas and refried beans, then completely submerged in a vibrant, spicy tomato-based sauce. Messy, intensely flavorful, and utterly magnificent.
🍵Beverage Dishes(3)
Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)
A vibrant and refreshing cold beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers, offering a beautiful ruby-red color and a delightful tangy flavor. Perfect for hot days.
Atole
A warm, comforting, and thick Mexican beverage made from masa harina, water, and infused with cinnamon and piloncillo. Often enjoyed as a breakfast drink or alongside tamales.
Champurrado
A warm, comforting, and deeply traditional Mexican beverage, Champurrado is a thick, chocolate-infused masa drink. It's a delightful blend of sweet, spiced, and earthy flavors, perfect for chilly mornings or alongside savory dishes like tamales.
🍳Breakfast Dishes(8)
Chilaquiles
A beloved Mexican breakfast dish featuring crispy tortilla chips simmered in a flavorful salsa until tender, then generously topped with crema, crumbled cheese, fresh onion, and a fried egg. Perfect for a hearty start to your day.
Chilaquiles Rojos
Classic Chilaquiles Rojos, featuring crispy tortilla chips bathed in a rich, smoky guajillo-tomato sauce. A comforting and flavorful Mexican breakfast or brunch staple.
Chilaquiles Verdes
Green chilaquiles - crispy fried tortilla chips simmered in a vibrant salsa verde until they soften, creating a comforting and flavorful breakfast or brunch dish. The ultimate comfort food.
Huevos Divorciados
Huevos Divorciados, or 'Divorced Eggs,' is a vibrant Mexican breakfast dish where two eggs, each adorned with a different salsa (one green, one red), are separated by a comforting layer of refried beans. It's a playful and delicious way to satisfy diverse salsa preferences.
Huevos Rancheros
A classic Mexican breakfast dish featuring fried eggs served on warm corn tortillas, generously topped with a vibrant, spicy tomato-chili salsa, creamy refried beans, and fresh garnishes.
Machaca con Huevo
A classic Northern Mexican breakfast dish featuring rehydrated dried shredded beef (machaca) scrambled with eggs, onions, tomatoes, and chiles. Often called a 'cowboy breakfast' for its hearty and satisfying nature.
Migas Mexicanas
Migas Mexicanas are a classic Mexican breakfast dish featuring scrambled eggs combined with crispy fried tortilla strips, sautéed vegetables, and cheese. It's a delicious and resourceful way to use up stale tortillas, transforming them into a satisfying meal.
Nopales con Huevo (Scrambled Eggs with Cactus)
A healthy and traditional Mexican breakfast featuring tender, diced cactus paddles (nopales) sautéed with scrambled eggs, onions, serrano chili, and tomatoes. Served with warm corn tortillas and salsa.