Top 13 Traditional Foods
in the Bajío

Desolas Mezcal is a premium mezcal brand founded in 2020 by GG Mirvis, dedicated to producing high-quality, artisanal mezcal using traditional methods. Crafted from 100% Salmiana agave grown in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Desolas offers a unique flavor profile characterized by fresh botanical aromas and a gentle hint of smoke.

The brand emphasizes sustainability and honors the rich cultural heritage of mezcal production, ensuring each bottle reflects the authentic essence of this revered spirit.Expand

Quesos Del Rebaño is a cheese producer based in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico. The company specializes in producing a variety of artisan cheeses using traditional methods.

Their product line includes cheeses such as panela, oaxaca, and ranchero, which are popular in Mexican cuisine.Expand

Ta.cho Taller de Chocolate is a Mexican artisanal chocolate maker based in Querétaro, working under the bean-to-bar principle with a focus on preserving the authentic character of cacao. The brand was founded by chocolate enthusiasts with the aim of blending tradition and modern techniques, using only high-quality beans sourced from different regions of Mexico.

Their philosophy is based on transparency and full control of the process, from fermentation and drying of the beans to roasting, grinding, and tempering. Particular importance is given to terroir, so each bar carries a distinctive flavor profile depending on the region of origin.

In addition to pure chocolate bars, they also experiment with combinations such as chocolate with coffee, creating products that unite two strong flavor traditions. Their chocolates are smooth and rich in texture, while the aromas reveal fruity, floral, and nutty notes depending on the variety.

The brand stands out for integrating traditional Mexican knowledge of cacao processing with modern techniques and equipment. Their headquarters and workshop are located in the historic Hércules complex in Querétaro, further connecting the brand to the local community.

Their work shows how chocolate can be experienced not only as a gastronomic product but also as a cultural expression. Today, Ta.cho holds an important place in Mexico’s bean-to-bar chocolate scene and is increasingly recognized on the international stage.Expand

El Cielo Mermeladas is an artisanal Mexican brand from the city of León in the state of Guanajuato, specializing in small-batch gourmet jams. Their philosophy is based on using fruit as the first and most important ingredient, with no preservatives, artificial colors, or chemical additives.

The products are prepared using traditional methods, with slow cooking that preserves the natural aroma and texture of the fruit. The assortment includes classic flavors such as strawberry and apricot, as well as innovative combinations featuring local Mexican ingredients like guava, tamarind, or chili.

The brand also offers seasonal series that reflect the availability of fresh fruit throughout the year, emphasizing authenticity and seasonality. The jams are characterized by intense fruitiness and balanced sweetness, achieved through minimal processing and carefully selected produce.

Limited-batch production ensures strict quality control and consistency in every jar. As a brand that blends tradition, local identity, and gourmet sensibility, El Cielo Mermeladas stands as a notable example of Mexico’s contemporary artisanal delicacy scene.Expand

Enchiladas mineras are traditional Mexican enchiladas hailing from Guanajuato, a mining town where the women took this dish to their husbands at the end of their work hours. These enchiladas are traditionally filled with onions, cheese, and a stew-like combination of carrots and potatoes. Once assembled, the filled enchiladas are topped with the remaining sauce and baked until the sauce begins to bubble. They're then served over a bed of lettuce and often garnished with jalapeños, shredded cheese, or tomatillo salsa.Expand

This variety of gorditas comes from Zacatecas, hence the name. In the region, these crisp masa cakes make for a great snack that is beloved by locals. The gorditas are made with masa harina, and they are filled with a combination of beans, garlic, chili peppers, and cumin. The concoction is then baked until golden-brown in color, and the gorditas should ideally be consumed immediately.Expand

Guacamaya is a Mexican torta originating from León, Guanajuato. It is made by filling a bolillo roll with crispy chicharrón pork rinds, avocado, spicy salsa, lime juice, and salt. In the city of León, these sandwiches are usually sold from guacamaya carts – tricycles that are equipped with a glass case containing all that is needed to assemble these spicy tortas. But fear not, as they also offer a refreshing local beverage called cebadina to counter the spiciness of guacamaya.Expand

Asado de boda is a traditional stew originating from Mexico and it's especially popular in Zacatecas and San Luis Potosí. It consists of pork in red sauce and the list of ingredients usually includes pork loin, ancho chili peppers, garlic, oregano, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, marjoram, bay leaves, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, onions, chocolate, and grated orange peel. The stew is simmered until the sauce thickens, and it's then mixed with the chocolate and orange peel. Once done, asado de boda is typically served with Mexican-style rice and warm tortillas. This pork stew is often served at weddings in Northern Mexico.Expand

Caldo de pollo ranchero (Ranch-style chicken soup) is a traditional soup originating from the Guanajuato area. The soup is usually made with a combination of chicken, onions, garlic, chili peppers, corn tortillas, tomatoes, cumin, mint, carrots, corn, zucchini, and salt. The tortillas are covered with water, soaked, drained, then processed in a blender. The chicken is simmered in water with the garlic, seasonings, chili peppers, tomatoes, mint, onions, cumin, carrots, corn, zucchini, and processed tortillas. The soup is simmered until the chicken becomes tender, and it's then served in large bowls. This nourishing soup is often accompanied by warm corn tortillas on the side.Expand

Pan de Acambaro is a traditional bread that's named after the city of its origin, Acambaro in Guanajuato. The bread is made with a fermented dough called masa madre (mother dough), and it's decorated with a few slashes on top, then glazed before baking. Some people compare it with the Jewish challah. Once baked, pan de Acambaro should be quite dense with a fine crumb and yeasty aromas. It's recommended to pair it with a cup of coffee or Mexican hot chocolate (champurrado). The bread can be found in most bakeries and pastry shops in the area.Expand