Mexico For The Gourmet Traveler

Popular Foods & National Cuisine

Beans - Frijoles, Chocolate, Mole, Peppers, Seafood, Tamales, Tortillas

Popular Beverages & National Drinks

Atole, Beer, Hot Chocolate, Tequila

Best Dining Destinations

Mexico City, Oaxaca, Yucatan

Foods

Beans - Frijoles

Although Mexican food is largely varied in different parts of the country, beans are probably the most common staple, throughout most of Mexico. Known as frijoles, they are usually served up as refried, mashed, or stewed. Different areas serve them in different styles but one thing is for sure, they make a tasty side dish to any main course.

Chocolate

Chocolate has a lot of its historical roots in Mexico. The Aztecs are said to be the first group of people to make use of the flavorful taste that can be produced from the cocoa bean. Although chocolate is used somewhat differently in Mexico compared to other parts of the world, mainly Europe, you will find it used heavily in central parts of the country. The most popular uses are in Mexican hot chocolate beverages and mole sauces.

Mole

Mole originated in central Mexico and its roots are a mixture of Spanish and Aztec culinary cultures. Typically served as a sauce that accompanies meats, mole has a dark and thick consistency. This rich sauce is made with dried chiles, nuts, seeds, spices, cocoa (chocolate) and other ingredients.

Peppers - Chiles

If there is one ingredient type that fits into almost all varieties of Mexican food around the country, it has to be the chile pepper. Although different areas and people enjoy different levels of "heat" in there food, peppers play a very large role in their cuisines one way or another.

Seafood

Along either coast of Mexico you will find a love for seafood in the people who reside in these regions. The best and most well-known area for fresh seafood and its creative preparations is in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Tamales

Probably the most common street food you will find in Mexico, tamales are the perfect snack to keep hunger at bay until dinner. If you haven't tried a tamale before, you haven't tasted Mexico. These simple treats are made by filling cornmeal dough with meat and then wrapping them with corn husks before steaming.

Tortilla

Tortillas are to Mexico what rice is to parts of asia and bread to parts of Europe. They are found on tables during breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout Mexico. Tortillas are made from a simple dough mixture of flour, lard or oil, and water which is then rolled into thin discs and grilled until slightly browned yet still soft. These flat breads are perfect for wrapping up whatever dish you are enjoying, scooping up leftover sauces, or just all alone.

Drinks

Atole

This beverage might sound strange based on the ingredients however it is quite popular and many people rave about how tasty it is. Atole is made with Mexican corn flour, evaporated milk, and sugar. You can enjoy this drink with various street foods or use it to soothe an upset stomach. Be sure to try it out at least once while in Mexico.

Beer

Mexican beer has become very popular throughout the world with Corona topping the list. Corona is very mild but don't let that distract you from the stronger more robust beers that are produced in Mexico. Large numbers of breweries populate the country and if you are a beer lover, be sure to try and sample many of them.

Hot Chocolate

Don't expect this hot chocolate to be the same as the chocolate melted in milk mixture served in other parts of the world. Mexican hot chocolate, the best being from Oaxaca, is a thick concoction of Mexican chocolate, cream, sugar, and a heavy dose of cinnamon. Some places will serve this sweet beverage with an extremely thick consistency where it can be a dessert in itself.

Tequila

Tequila is a strong alcoholic spirit that is unique to Mexico yet known throughout the world. Produced mainly in the state of Jalisco, tequila is made from the fermentation of the agave plant. The agave plants for tequila have to wait 8-10 years before they are mature enough to enter the process of fermentation. Tequila has a distinct smoky taste that sets it apart from most other spirits and is best consumed alone or as a mixed beverage such as a margarita.

Destinations

Mexico City

If there is one place in Mexico where you can sample a little bit of what the whole country has to offer in cuisines, Mexico City is the place. One of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City offers such a wide variety of cuisines both regional and international that you will never be able to enjoy them all. Since Mexican cuisine can be quite diverse, you should never find yourself bored with the food and you are encouraged not to resort to having to indulge in anything else.

Oaxaca

Mexico's culinary history, part of which is a blend between native and Spanish foods, has some of its roots based in Oaxaca. This central area of Mexico is home to the cuisine that meshes mole sauce, chocolate, cinnamon, and even insects into wild creations. If you love exotic foods and are willing to sample unique culinary creations, Oaxaca is one destination you should not miss.

Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to many resorts cities such as the widely visited Cancun. If you do travel to this area, you really need to venture out and try what the locals have to offer instead of the typical "Americanized" resort fare that so many places offer to cater to the general tourist's palate. The regional cuisine here differs much from the rest of the country. Chicken, Pork, and Seafood play a large role in the dishes that are freshly prepared. In fact many of the dishes you might come across has slight resemblances to courses served in the various parts of Spain.