Mexico's Best Foods By Region
To travel means to explore. To discover new things about cultures you have never even thought of before. Probably one of the most important discoveries I've made are with food. Growing up Greek, you can only imagine how food is a central thought (more of an obsession) of my life.
Food is a way to connect with the people around you in an ancestral way. Sharing a meal is to gain insight into how people live their daily lives. Mexico offered me some amazing diversity in terms of meals and company. Even though most dishes can be found all over Mexico, I find it more of an experience to try them where they were first created. Here are the foods of Mexico by region.
Psst: Traveling to Mexico? Here are some posts that might help you out!
Yucatán: Cochinita Pibil
When it comes to Mexican dishes, lime is the most generally used ingredient across the board. Cochinita Pibil is a pulled pork shoulder braised in achiote paste, and even has a bit of orange juice in it. This acidic marinade is well complemented with queso seco (Mexican dried cheese). I prefer this dish over rice, although the meat goes very well in tacos.
Oaxaca: Tlayuda
This grilled quesadilla is topped with refried beans, quesillo, avocado, tomato, and meat upon request. All this is grilled over charcoal, which melts everything into place. Be sure to ask which of the three side sauces is the spiciest; it can be quite a tearful mistake if you are not keen on hot things, or simply aren't ready for it. A local favorite is Tlayuda El Negro in Oaxaca City
Veracruz: Huachinango a la Veracruzana
Coastal Veracruz in well known for its seafood. This Veracruz Style Red Snapper combines cooking methods from Spain and Pre-colonial Mexico, and is a favorite of visitors and locals alike.
Puebla: Cemita
My time in Puebla during Dia de los Muertos is an experience I'll never forget. My friend Pablo brought me to Cholula, where I tried my first Cemita. This Mexican sandwich gets its name from the bun itself, covered in sesame seeds and resembling a brioche bun. This tasty bread is filled with fried milanesa beef, and topped with Oaxacan cheese, avocado, and pickled jalapeños. For the adventurous eater, this sandwich comes with papalo, a leafy green much more pungent than cilantro. Either way, I would ask for this on the side, as it is an acquired taste.
Puebla: Mole Poblano
There are over 300 different mole recipes in Mexico, and there simply isn't enough time to try them all. Of the ones I have tried, Mole Poblano is one of my favorites. Legend has it, this dish was created by accident to impress the Viceroy of New Spain. With over 20 ingredients, this mole has an extremely unique tase. I mean, how could you go wrong when chiles, chocolate, and spices are mixed together into one mouth watering dish?
[thrive_leads id='1915']
Northern Mexico: Guacavaqui
This Sonoran style beef stew dates back to indigenous times in northern Mexico. Packed with meat, corn, squash, chickpeas, and carrots, you can be sure to be filled up after eating this.
Western Mexico: Birria
This Mexican stew originated in Jalisco, and is enjoyed in many western areas. It is traditionally made with beef, although some variations offer goat meat. This dish is very popular during celebratory occasions such as baptisms, weddings, and many holidays. For this to be a main staple of celebrations, you know it is some really good stuff, so ask for seconds.
Baja California: Taco de Pescado
Fish tacos are well known all over, and have origins in Baja California. A corn flour taco topped with grilled or fried fish, veggies, and (yup, you guessed it) lime. You can choose between sour cream or mayo, which adds another layer of enjoyment to this already amazing dish. Chopipo Fish Tacos in Ensenada is a great place to try one of these.
Jalisco: Torta Ahogada
Definitely at the top of my list of favorite dishes in Mexico, and a great way to wrap up this post. The torta is a Mexican sandwich very popular throughout the entire country. Jalisco puts their own "messy" spin on it. The torta is dipped in a mild tomato salsa, complementing the bread and meat perfectly. You can find these wonders on most corners in Jalisco.
Final Thoughts
Food is a means of survival for the entire world, and to be able to experience what each area has to offer is a gift within itself. Share a meal with a stranger, a loved one, or both, and feel the connection that arises from it. If you have any other Mexican favorites I didn't mention here, feel free to reach out!
'Til next time,
Pete - A Traveling Teacher
P.S: I don't think I can do another food post. I can't even watch food on TV because I just want to eat everything in the house.