Top 100 Mexican Foods

Quesabirria is a popular Mexican street food dish, a fusion between birria (a traditional Mexican meat stew) and quesadillas. The dish originates from Tijuana and typically consists of large tortillas filled with birria-style cooked meat (usually beef) and a generous amount of melted cheese. The tortillas are cooked on the stove until the cheese melts and the outside of the tortilla becomes crispy. Quesabirria is often accompanied by a side of broth, or consomé, for dipping, adding another layer of flavor to the dish. Expand

Cochinita pibil is a Mexican pork dish originating from Yucatan. Pork is marinated in a combination of annatto paste, bitter orange juice, and garlic. It is slowly baked and then shredded and served on tortillas, tacos, or on its own with shallots, pickled onions, salsa, and various roasted vegetables. Cochinita pibil is characterized by the red color of the meat, imparted by the annatto seeds from the marinade. Originally, pork was wrapped in banana leaves prior to baking, but today a foil or any other suitable wrapping can be used instead. Since cochinita means baby pig, and pibil means buried or underground, it acts as a proof that the original recipe used a whole suckling pig that was buried in a pit for roasting. This Mayan-influenced dish is most often served on weekends in many Mexican homes, usually as a Sunday family ritual.Expand

Chilaquiles are, at their most basic, an assembly of fried tortilla pieces drenched in chili sauce with optional meat and vegetables. The dish is popular both in Mexico and the United States as a great way to use up leftover, stale tortillas. The name of the dish is derived from chil-a-quilitl, meaning greens or herbs in a chili broth. Today, there is a great number of regional variations of the dish, so in Sinaloa it is prepared with a white sauce, and in Mexico City, the dish is traditionally topped with epazote sprigs.Expand

Esquites is the name for popular Mexican street food that is usually consumed as a snack on the go. It is made with mature corn kernels, epazote, and salt. Corn is either grilled and shaved, or cooked with epazote, and it is then typically served in small cups, topped with chili peppers, lime juice, or cotija cheese. Sour cream, mayonnaise, and pequin chili powder are sometimes served on the side so everyone can add the ingredients according to personal preferences. The name esquites is derived from the Nahuatl word izquitl, meaning toasted corn.Expand

Antojitos (lit. little cravings) refers to a variety of Mexican foods that are prepared in market stalls and on the streets. Due to the fact that formal, substantial meals are consumed in the mid-afternoon, most antojitos are eaten either in the morning or the evening. Typical antojitos include fajitas, tortas, tamales, tacos, tostadas, tlayudas, elote, chalupas, gorditas, empalmes, quesadillas, cemitas, empanadas, pambazo, chilaquiles, and nachos. However, vegetables, fruits, and soups such as pozole and menuda are also classified as antojitos. And let's not forget about the popular Mexican beverages known as aguas frescas, which are traditionally found on the streets. The famous American author and chef Rick Bayless grouped antojitos according to the one element present in all antojitos – corn masa, and in the end, he was left with 8 types of antojitos: tamales, tostadas, tacos, sopes, gorditas, quesadillas, enchiladas, and chilaquiles. Regardless of the classifications, antojitos are one of the staples of Mexican food, and can be consumed as an appetizer, a snack, or as a full meal when eating more than a couple of these delicious "little cravings."Expand

Camarones el mojo de ajo is a Mexican dish consisting of shrimps fried in butter with lots of garlic, chili, and chopped coriander. Traditionally, the dish is served accompanied by white rice on the side, and it is a custom to squeeze some lime juice over the shrimps. Garlic shrimps are also a great party food, especially for Cinco de Mayo, when it is recommended to pair the dish with some Margaritas.Expand

Carlota de limón is a refreshing Mexican no-bake dessert consisting of alternating layers of crumbled Maria cookies and cream made from lime juice and milk. The cream should be frozen to the point where it almost reaches the consistency of ice cream. This flavorful dessert is traditionally served during Easter and Christmas seasons.Expand

A traditional dish from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, sopa de lima is a spicy, flavorful chicken and tomato soup, contrary to its name that would make one think limes are the main ingredient in the dish. However, the soup is flavored with unique, bittersweet Yucatan limes and spicy habanero peppers. Since native Yucatan limes are scattered throughout the peninsula, it is no wonder that they are incorporated in numerous recipes of Yucatecan cuisine. A hearty, healthy soup from a warm climate, sopa de lima is also great as a winter comfort food. Although the origins of this soup are still a mystery, some food historians claim that it was most likely derived from an ancient Mayan dish.Expand

Originating from the Mexican state of Michoacán, carnitas is a flavorful dish made from pork (usually front sections or pork shoulder) that is braised, roasted, or slow-cooked in its own fat for a long time until fully tender and succulent. The heat is then turned up until the meat is crispy on the exterior and can be shredded. Carnitas, which translates to little meats, is often served with tortillas, accompanied by salsas, beans, guacamole, lime, or fresh vegetables. In Michoacán, carnitas are found everywhere from street stalls to upscale restaurants, although the dish is more often made for special occasions such as Christmas, anniversaries, or birthdays. Tender, fresh, and tasty, carnitas are a special treat for meat lovers worldwide.Expand

Barbacoa is a term that is mostly associated with Mexico and refers to an ancient technique of cooking meat in underground ovens. There are numerous regional varieties, which usually differ in the type of meat or the cut, but the most common options include lamb, goat, or mutton—and animal heads are traditionally regarded as a favorite barbacoa specialty. Mexican barbacoa involved digging a hole in the ground, lining the bottom and the sides with rocks, and adding a layer of burning wood, which would then be covered with agave leaves. They would then place the meat on the leaves, and the hole would be covered and sealed. An additional flame would be lit on top to keep animals away, and the meat would be left to cook overnight. Throughout history, the word barbacoa has been associated with numerous meanings. The first mention of the word had Caribbean origins, where it was used for a contraption created with a framework of sticks. Another popular belief is that the word barbecue has its roots in the same word. Mexican barbacoa tradition is believed to have its origins in the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures. However, they did not use the name barbacoa. In some parts of Mexico, the words pibil, tatema, and birria are used to describe similar dishes cooked under the ground, but it is believed that they are all babacoa styles. Barbacoa is particularly popular in northern Mexico and the southern United States regions. Due to health and safety regulations, the original barbacoa is becoming increasingly rare. Expand

Cierto Tequila is a premium tequila producer renowned for its artisanal approach and commitment to excellence. Crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, Cierto sources 100% Blue Weber agave grown in both the highlands and lowlands, ensuring a balanced and complex flavor profile. The brand emphasizes sustainability and traditional production techniques, including slow cooking in brick ovens and careful aging in French and American oak barrels. Cierto offers a range of luxury tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo expressions, each celebrated for its smoothness, richness, and elegance. The tequilas have received numerous accolades at international spirits competitions, solidifying Cierto's reputation as a leading name in ultra-premium tequila.Expand

Feliu Chocolate is an artisanal brand known for its premium, bean-to-bar chocolates. Committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, Feliu works directly with cocoa farmers to ensure high-quality, fair trade practices. Using traditional techniques, they create chocolates with rich textures and complex flavors, offering a refined experience for chocolate enthusiasts.Expand

Ocho Tequila is a renowned producer of high-quality, artisanal tequila, celebrated for its commitment to tradition and transparency. Founded by Tomas Estes, a global tequila ambassador, and Carlos Camarena, a master distiller from a legendary tequila family, Ocho is known for being the first tequila to designate its production from specific agave fields, emphasizing terroir in its flavor profile. Crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico, Ocho Tequila is produced using traditional methods, including slow cooking in brick ovens and natural fermentation. Each batch is made from agave harvested in a single estate, showcasing the unique characteristics of the land. Their lineup includes Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo expressions, all admired for their purity, complexity, and smoothness. Ocho is a favorite among tequila connoisseurs, embodying the artistry and heritage of authentic Mexican tequila.Expand

Mezcal Vago is a producer focused on small-batch, artisanal mezcals sourced from remote regions of Oaxaca, Mexico. The brand collaborates with four master mezcaleros, each using traditional methods passed down through generations. Their mezcals reflect the distinct terroir of the area and the unique craftsmanship of each producer. Mezcal Vago emphasizes authenticity, sustainability, and the deep cultural heritage of mezcal-making.Expand

Del Maguey is a mezcal brand founded in 1995 with the goal of introducing traditionally crafted, village-produced mezcal from Oaxaca to the international market. The brand works directly with individual villages and family producers (palenqueros) who follow ancestral production methods, including roasting agave in underground pit ovens, natural fermentation, and distillation in copper or clay stills. Each bottling is identified by its village of origin, emphasizing differences in terroir, agave species, and artisanal technique. The portfolio includes the Vida collection, widely used in cocktails, as well as Village Tradiciones and Village Varietales expressions that highlight specific agave types and micro-regions. Flavor profiles range from smoky and mineral-driven to floral, fruity, and spice-accented, depending on the raw material and production style. Del Maguey is recognized as one of the key brands in the global expansion of premium mezcal, with a strong focus on authenticity, provenance, and the preservation of traditional distillation practices.Expand

Cuna de Piedra is a Mexican bean-to-bar brand that unites tradition, art, and terroir through authentic chocolate crafted entirely in Mexico. The name, meaning “Cradle of Stone” symbolically connects the birthplace of cacao with the traditional stone tool metate, used for centuries to grind cocoa beans. Founded in 2019 by Enrique Pérez and Vicky González, the brand’s mission is to restore cacao to its cultural and geographical roots. Cuna de Piedra works directly with Mexican farmers from the regions of Soconusco, Tabasco, and Oaxaca, ensuring fair compensation and support for sustainable fermentation and processing practices. Their chocolates are organic, handmade creations that reflect the diversity of Mexico’s cacao-growing regions. The brand stands out for its single-origin dark chocolates as well as its innovative combinations with local ingredients such as mezcal, hibiscus, sea salt, and smoky notes. Each bar is carefully balanced, preserving the bean’s natural complexity and character. Their chocolates are frequently recognized for their balanced flavor, refined texture, and distinctive sense of origin. The bars are defined by a persistent, natural taste, with notable depth and a clean finish, making them stand out on the global bean-to-bar scene. At the core of Cuna de Piedra’s philosophy lies respect for the land, the farmers, and tradition - alongside a desire to showcase the contemporary face of Mexican chocolate craftsmanship.Expand

Don Julio Tequila is a prestigious tequila brand owned by Diageo, one of the world’s largest beverage companies. Known for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, Don Julio was founded in 1942 by Don Julio González in Jalisco, Mexico, and quickly became a pioneer in the premium tequila industry. The brand emphasizes the use of 100% Blue Weber agave, combined with traditional production methods and aging techniques, to create smooth, refined tequilas. Under Diageo’s ownership, Don Julio has become a global leader in luxury tequila, celebrated for its rich flavor profiles and sophisticated offerings like Don Julio 1942 and Don Julio Añejo.Expand

Tequila Avión is a premium tequila brand crafted in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, renowned for producing some of the finest blue weber agave in the world. The brand was founded with a commitment to creating tequila of unparalleled quality, utilizing traditional methods and a meticulous process that emphasizes purity and flavor. Avión is made from handpicked agave plants grown at high altitudes, which are known for their sweetness and complexity. The production process includes slow roasting the agave in brick ovens, followed by a meticulous fermentation and distillation process designed to preserve the agave's natural essence. Avión is further refined through a proprietary ultra-slow filtration method, enhancing its smooth and crisp profile. The tequila is available in various expressions, including Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Reserva 44, each offering a unique balance of flavors and aromas.Expand

Don Fulano is a premium tequila brand rooted in the rich heritage of the Fonseca family, who have been cultivating agave in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, for five generations. Their journey began over 140 years ago in Atotonilco, where they started as agave farmers before acquiring the historic La Tequileña distillery in the mid-1980s. This distillery, with over a century of history, became the foundation for producing their exceptional tequilas. Don Fulano tequilas are crafted using estate-grown, hand-selected mature agave, proprietary yeast, and natural volcanic spring water, ensuring a product that honors the natural gifts of the agave plant. The brand is recognized for its commitment to traditional methods and has garnered international acclaim for its quality and authenticity.Expand

1800 Tequila, part of Proximo Spirits, is one of the oldest and most recognized tequila brands, crafted from 100% blue Weber agave harvested in Jalisco, Mexico. Known for its quality and variety, 1800 Tequila offers expressions ranging from Silver to Extra Añejo and specialty editions, including Cristalino and limited Artist Series releases. Each bottle showcases a commitment to tradition and innovation, making 1800 a staple in premium tequila.Expand