For Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo, or any Mexican fiesta, this guide explores popular Mexican dishes to celebrate!
Whether you’re celebrating Mexican Independence Day or Cinco de Mayo, or just having a Mexican fiesta any other day of the year, here are some dishes that are popular in Mexico and are recognized around the world as Mexican specialties. These are great options for ordering in restaurants while you’re traveling in Mexico, or to try preparing at home. It’s no coincidence that most of them feature the colors of the Mexican flag very prominently.
¡Viva México!
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Pozole
Pozole (sometimes spelled posole) is a soup or stew made with hominy corn. Typically, it is prepared with either pork or chicken stock, and the meat is added on top, accompanied by shredded lettuce and radish slices. Traditionally, pozole is enjoyed with tostadas, crunchy fried corn tortillas, and guacamole. Discover more through a recipe for pozole, or try a non-traditional vegetarian variation that includes mushrooms.
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Chiles en Nogada
This iconic dish originated in Puebla around the time of Mexico’s Independence, making it a patriotic dish par excellence. It consists of Poblano chiles stuffed with a mixture of meat and dried fruits, topped with a creamy nut sauce. While you may find this dish on menus during August and September when ingredients are in season, some places serve it year-round, particularly in Puebla. Learn more about the history of Chiles en Nogada.
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Tacos
Tacos can be found on street corners in Mexican cities throughout the year; however, they truly embody the essence of Mexican cuisine. Rather than hard taco shells, which are not traditional, opt for soft corn tortillas filled with your choice of ingredients. Just ensure you have fresh salsa and garnishes ready to enhance the experience.
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Tamales
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made from cornmeal dough filled with various ingredients, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, and steamed. Because they require considerable effort to prepare, tamales are typically served for special occasions throughout the year. Often, groups come together for events called tamaladas to create them.
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Sopa Azteca
This comforting tortilla soup is warm and filling. It features crispy strips of fried tortillas immersed in a spicy broth, usually garnished with avocado, cheese, dried chiles, and sometimes chicharrón (pork rind). Importantly, it must be consumed before the tortillas become soggy, so they are often served separately for you to add just before enjoyment.
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Guacamole
Guacamole is among the most beloved dips globally. It pairs perfectly with nachos or fresh vegetables, or as a topping for tacos. This delightful dip can transform an ordinary gathering into a vibrant Mexican fiesta. For a straightforward adaptation, here’s a recipe for simple guacamole; ensuring the avocados are perfectly ripe is essential.
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Flautas
Flautas, taquitos, or tacos dorados refer to rolled tacos that are deep-fried. Sometimes, these terms are used interchangeably or specifically, with flautas made from wheat flour tortillas and taquitos being smaller. Regardless, these crunchy delights typically contain chicken but may also be made with various meats, cheese, or potatoes, topped with guacamole or crema and salsa. What a delicious way to celebrate!
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Mexican Drinks
While tequila (or mezcal) is an obvious choice, there are many other Mexican beverages to explore, including Mexican wine, beer, or refreshing non-alcoholic aguas frescas. For those looking to diversify their drink selection, consider these options for 7 Mexican drinks. ¡Salud!
