The 20 most famous dishes of Mexico
Mexican cuisine is on UNESCO's intangible heritage list, built on corn, beans and chili since Aztec and Maya times, with Spanish touches.
1Tacos al Pastor
Slices of meat marinated in dried chilies and pineapple, roasted on a vertical spit (a legacy of Lebanese…
2Mole Poblano
Puebla's famous sauce of dozens of ingredients — dried chilies, chocolate, nuts and spices — served over…
3Enchiladas Rojas
Corn tortillas rolled around shredded chicken, bathed in red chili sauce and topped with cheese and cream.
4Chiles en Nogada
Poblano peppers stuffed with meat and fruit, covered in white walnut sauce, pomegranate seeds and parsley —…
5Pozole Rojo
A soup of large hominy corn with meat in red chili broth, garnished with cabbage, radish, oregano and lime.
6Tamales
Corn masa dough filled with meat in green or red salsa, wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
7Guacamole
Avocado mashed in a stone molcajete with onion, tomato, chili, coriander and lime — from the Aztecs.
8Chilaquiles
Fried tortilla chips simmered briefly in red or green salsa and topped with egg, cheese and cream — a beloved…
9Cochinita Pibil
Meat marinated in achiote and sour orange, wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked — from the Yucatán. Use…
10Quesadillas
Folded tortillas filled with stretchy Oaxaca cheese, cooked on a comal until melted, sometimes with squash…
11Elote
Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo and sprinkled with cotija cheese, chili and lime — from street…
12Sopa de Tortilla
A tomato and pasilla chili broth with crisp tortilla strips, avocado, cheese and cream.
13Carne Asada
Steak marinated in lime, garlic and coriander, grilled over charcoal and sliced thin for tacos with guacamole.
14Huevos Rancheros
Fried eggs on toasted tortillas under spicy tomato salsa, with refried beans — the ranch breakfast.
15Birria de Res
Beef or goat slow-braised in dried chili and spice broth, served in broth-dipped tacos (quesabirria) — from…
16Pastel de Tres Leches
A sponge soaked in three milks (condensed, evaporated and cream), topped with whipped cream.
17Flan Napolitano
A dense caramel custard with condensed milk and cream cheese, baked in a water bath and turned out under its…
18Agua de Horchata
A cold rice drink with cinnamon, vanilla and milk — one of Mexico's favourite "aguas frescas".
19Conchas
Soft sweet buns with a crunchy sugar topping scored like a seashell, eaten with coffee or hot chocolate.
20Pico de Gallo
A fresh salsa of tomato, onion, chili, coriander and lime that goes with every Mexican dish.