In Mexico, the streets are alive with the sizzle of tacos and the steam of tamales, turning every corner into a smorgasbord of edible delights. It’s less a way of life and more a deliciously orchestrated chaos where street vendors are the unsung heroes, dishing out culinary masterpieces faster than you can say “¿Cuánto cuesta?”
If your idea of authentic Mexican cuisine stops at the Taco Bell drive-thru, then boy, are you in for a treat! We’re diving deep into the heart of Mexico’s street food scene, rounding up dishes so tasty, they’ll make you want to write home about them.
Tacos
When it comes to Mexican street food, tacos are definitely one of the most popular options. And it’s not hard to see why – they’re portable, messy (in a good way), and can be customized to suit any taste. But what makes a taco truly delicious? Is it the freshness of the ingredients? The perfect balance of flavors? The way the fillings spill out when you bite into it? Fresh corn tortillas? Flour tortillas?
Whatever the answer is, there’s no question that tacos are one of the tastiest street foods around.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to filling a taco, but some of the most popular options include carnitas (slow-cooked pork), tacos al pastor, carne asada tacos, al pastor, barbacoa (beef), and pollo asado (grilled chicken). These meats are typically served with a variety of toppings, such as diced onion, cilantro, salsa, pico de gallo, and lime juice. And of course, no taco is complete without a good dose of heat – whether it’s in the form of a spicy salsa or just a few dashes of hot sauce.
Gorditas
One of the most underrated street foods is the gordita. A gordita is a small, thick tortilla that is traditionally filled with beans, cheese, and meat. While this may sound simple, the combination of flavors is truly delicious.
The tortilla is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, while the beans and cheese provide a nice contrast in texture. The meat can be anything from chorizo to carnitas, and it adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, gorditas are definitely worth trying.
Tlayudas
One of the best Mexican street foods is the tlayuda. A tlayuda is a large, crunchy tortilla topped with refried beans, cheese, and a variety of other toppings.
It’s the perfect food for a busy day, as it’s easy to eat on the go and can be filling enough to serve as a meal. Tlayudas are commonly found in the state of Oaxaca, but they’re becoming increasingly popular all over Mexico.
Tamales
Tamales are one of the most popular Mexican street foods, and it’s easy to see why. These delicious handheld dishes are made with a corn-based dough that is steamed or boiled and then filled with a variety of savory fillings.
Common fillings include meats, cheeses, and vegetables, making tamales a flavorful and satisfying option for any meal. Plus, tamales are easy to eat on the go, making them ideal for busy street food vendors.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a Mexican street food classic, and for good reason. They are simple to make, and can be customized to suit any taste.
Quesadillas are typically made with a flour tortilla, filled with cheese and other ingredients, and then grilled or fried. The possibilities for fillings are endless, making quesadillas a perfect snack or meal for any time of day. Whether you like them plain or loaded with toppings, quesadillas are sure to satisfied your hunger.
Tortas
This Mexican sandwich is usually made with a bolillo, a type of crusty white bread, but it can also be made with a telera, which is a softer wheat bread. The fillings vary depending on region, but they often include beans, avocado, cheese, meat, lime juice and salsa.
One of the best things about tortas is that they can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, there’s a torta for you. And if you’re looking for a little extra protein, many tortas come with an egg on top.
Tostadas
Tostadas are a type of Mexican street food that is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. They are made by deep-frying a corn tortilla until it is crispy, then topping it with a variety of ingredients such as beans, cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Tostadas are typically served with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, which makes them an ideal option for those who are looking for a hearty and filling meal. While they may not be the healthiest choice, tostadas are certainly one of the tastiest, and there is no better way to experience the flavor of Mexico than by indulging in this delicious dish.
Elotes
Elotes, a dish of grilled corn on the cob covered in a creamy chili-lime sauce, is a popular street food in Mexico. Although it is often considered to be a snack or side dish, it is hearty enough to be a meal on its own. The sweetness of the corn pairs well with the spicy sauce, and the lime gives it a refreshing zing. Elotes are usually served on a stick for easy eating, but they can also be enjoyed with a fork and knife.
Chayote
Chayote is a simple dish consists of boiled chayote squash, topped with cheese and served with a side of beans. Although it may not look like much, Chayote is packed with flavor. The cheese adds a creamy richness, while the beans provide a satisfying crunch. The dish is also surprisingly versatile. It can be eaten as a snack or an entree, and it pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings.
Dorilocos
Dorilocos are a dish originating from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. They consist of Doritos covered in various toppings, including shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and boiled peanuts. The dish is often served with a side of lime and hot sauce. While Dorilocos may sound strange, they are actually quite delicious. The salty Doritos provide a perfect contrast to the fresh toppings, and the lime gives the dish a hint of acidity. Dorilocos are a popular snack food in Mexico, and can be found at most street stalls. If you’re ever in Tamaulipas, be sure to try this unique dish. You won’t be disappointed.
Camotes
Camotes are one of the tastiest and most underrated options. Camotes are sweet potato fries that are typically served with a side of chili powder and lime. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, they make for a delicious and easy snack. Plus, they’re healthy too – sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and nutrients. So next time you’re craving Mexican street food, be sure to give camotes a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Huaraches
Huaraches are a type of Mexican street food that consists of a flour tortilla that is shaped like a sandal and topped with various ingredients. The most common toppings for huaraches include beans, cheese, vegetables, and meat. Huaraches are typically served with salsa or guacamole on the side.
Huaraches are a delicious and filling option for anyone looking to try Mexican street food. The tortilla is crispy and chewy, and the toppings provide a variety of flavors and textures. Huaraches are also a relatively healthy option, as they are typically made with whole wheat flour and do not contain as much fat and oil as other types of Mexican street food.
Panuchos
If you’re looking for the best Mexican street food, look no further than panuchos! These delicious little dishes are made with a crispy corn tortilla, beans, and your choice of filling. Panuchos are then topped with lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, and pickled onions. The result is a mouthwatering mix of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, panuchos are a great way to try different Mexico City specialties in one bite
Churros
Churros are a delicious Mexican street food that you definitely should try! They are fried dough pastries that are coated in sugar and cinnamon, and they just melt in your mouth. They can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in chocolate or caramel sauce. Churros are believed to have originated in Spain, and they eventually made their way to Mexico. They have become a popular snack all over the world, and you can find them at many fairs and carnivals.
Barbacoa
For the uninitiated, barbacoa is slow-cooked meat that is typically seasoned with chili peppers, cumin, and garlic. It is often cooked in a pit or underground oven, which imparts a unique flavor that cannot be replicated anywhere else. The meat is essentially steamed until it is fall-off-the-bone tender, making it the perfect filling for tacos or burritos. It can also be served as a side dish.
Sopes
Sopes are a type of Mexican street food that is traditionally made from a corn dough base. They can be either fried or grilled, and are typically topped with meat, vegetables, and cheese. One of the best things about sopes is that they are extremely versatile. For example, you could top them with chicken, pork, or beef, as well as a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, and avocado. You could also add some spice to your sopes by including jalapeno peppers or hot sauce.
Raspados
Raspados are a refreshing treat that is perfect for a hot day. Raspados are made by shaving pieces of ice from a large block and then adding fruit syrup or other flavorings. The result is a light and refreshingdessert that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. While raspados are often associated with Mexico’s coastal regions, they can now be found in cities and towns all over the country.
Marquesitas
Marquesitas are thin, crispy crepes that are filled with a variety of sweet or savory toppings. The most traditional fillings are cajeta (a type of caramel made from goat’s milk) and queso (a Mexican cheese), but they can also be filled with chocolate, fruits, or other sweet treats. Marquesitas are often served rolled up like a burrito, making them easy to eat on the go.
Esquites
Esquites is one of the tastiest dishes you’ll find. This traditional Mexican snack is made with corn kernels that are cooked in a savory broth and then served with various toppings, such as cheese, mayonnaise, and chili powder.
While esquites can be found at many markets and street stalls across Mexico, it’s also easy to make at home. Simply simmer corn kernels in broth until tender, then top with your favorite toppings and enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a hearty side dish, esquites is sure to please.
Cemitas
Street food vendors in Mexico know how to cook up some of the tastiest dishes around, and cemitas are definitely one of them.
Cemitas are sandwiches typically made with a type of bread called a cemita poblana, which is soft and fluffy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. The bread is then filled with various meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spices. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even find cemitas topped with things like pineapple or chipotle peppers. Trust us, these sandwiches are delicious and definitely worth trying the next time you’re in Mexico!
Fajitas
When it comes to Mexican street food, few dishes are as iconic as the fajita. This dish typically features a grilled protein (such as chicken, steak, or shrimp) served on a warm tortilla with onions, peppers, and other toppings. While the exact origins of the fajita are a matter of debate, there’s no doubt that this dish has become a staple of Mexican cuisine. And for good reason – fajitas are delicious! The combination of grilled meat, fresh veggies, and warm tortillas makes for a perfect bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, fajitas are sure to hit the spot.
Burritos
Burritos are typically made with a flour tortilla, filled with beans, rice, meat, vegetables, and cheese, and then wrapped up tight. This makes them easy to eat on the go, which is one of the reasons they are so popular. But aside from being convenient, burritos are also incredibly delicious. The combination of flavors and textures in a burrito is truly unbeatable, making it a must-try for anyone who loves Mexican food.
Papadzules
Papadzules is typically made with hard-boiled eggs that are wrapped in tortillas and smothered in a creamy sauce made from pumpkin seeds. Papadzules are also often topped with crumbled cheese and chili peppers. While they may sound simple, Papadzules are absolutely packed with flavor. The rich, creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the tender eggs, and the addition of cheese and chili peppers gives the dish an extra kick of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are popular street foods in Mexico?
Some of the most popular street foods in Mexico include tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tamales, and enchiladas.
What is the most popular street food in Mexico?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as there are many popular street foods in Mexico. However, tacos are definitely one of the most popular options.
What is street food in Mexico called?
There is no one word that can be used to describe all street food in Mexico. However, some of the most popular dishes include tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tamales, enchiladas, and esquites.
What are 3 popular foods from Mexico?
Some of the most popular foods from Mexico include tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. However, there are many other delicious options to choose from.
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