Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with the most popular Mexican foods.

From tacos to churros to quesadillas, here are the top Mexican dishes ever!

Looking for Tex-Mex foods (like nachos, fajitas, and chili) that aren’t on this list of Mexican foods? Check my Top 10 Tex-Mex Foods (+ Easy Recipes)

Mexican Foods

Whether it’s Cinco de Mayo or Taco Tuesday, these Mexican dishes are easy enough for a weeknight dinner and fun for a party.

1. Tacos

Mexico doesn’t mess around when it comes to tacos.

There are many variations of tacos, including carne asada (made with grilled beef), al pastor (made with spit-grilled pork marinated in spices), and carnitas (made with slow-cooked pork).

They are typically wrapped in a small corn tortilla and served with a variety of sauces and toppings.

They can be made with a wide range of meats including beef, chicken, pork, and seafood.

Did you know?

Hard shell tacos were developed in the United States and are not a Mexican dish. Hard shell tacos are considered Tex-Mex cuisine.

2. Chilaquiles

The ultimate breakfast.

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish made from fried tortilla chips that are simmered in a sauce, typically green or red salsa, and often served with a variety of toppings such as chicken, cheese, cream, and onions.

Chilaquiles are a popular breakfast dish in Mexico and can be found in many restaurants and homes. They are considered a staple of Mexican cuisine, and are often served as a way to use up leftover tortillas.

Chilaquiles are often served with a side of beans, cheese, cream, and a fried egg on top. It’s a very popular breakfast dish and a good way to use up leftover tortillas.

3. Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup is a traditional Mexican dish made with a broth base, typically chicken, and then flavored with a variety of spices and chilies. It is then garnished with fried tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro and lime wedges.

Tortilla soup is a very popular dish in Mexico and can be found in many restaurants, especially in the central and southern regions of the country.

Tortilla soup is usually garnished with fried tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, cilantro and lime wedges.

The taste of Tortilla soup can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used, but it is typically savory with a slightly spicy and tangy flavor from the chilies and lime juice.

Tortilla soup is a hearty and comforting dish, and it’s often served with a side of fresh tortillas.

4. Tamales

Tamales are a great canvas for fillings. They have a soft, moist texture and a savory, hearty flavor.

There are many variations of tamales, including the tamales de pollo (made with chicken) and the tamales de puerco (made with pork).

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made with corn dough filled with meat, cheese, or other ingredients, then wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf and steamed to perfection.

5. Quesadillas

So easy, you won’t need a recipe.

Quesadillas are a popular Mexican dish made with flour or corn tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients, then grilled or fried until crispy and golden brown.

They have a creamy, melty texture and a savory, satisfying flavor.

Quesadillas are often served as a snack or as a quick meal, and are popular throughout Mexico.

6. Mole

Mole (pronounced “mo-lay”) is a traditional Mexican sauce made from a blend of spices, chiles, nuts, and chocolate.

Ingredients and preparation can vary depending on the region and the cook, but some common ingredients include chili peppers, spices such as cumin and cinnamon, nuts such as almonds and peanuts, and chocolate.

The sauce is often served with chicken or pork and is traditionally served at celebrations such as weddings and other special occasions.

Some of the most famous mole dishes are mole poblano, mole negro and mole verde.

7. Sopes

Sopes are thick corn tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and other ingredients for a delicious and filling meal.

They have a soft, doughy texture and a savory, flavorful taste. Sopes are often served as a main dish or as a snack, and are popular in many parts of Mexico.

There are many variations of sopes, including the sope de pollo (made with chicken) and the sope de carne asada (made with grilled beef).

Sopes are typically served with a variety of toppings and sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

8. Huaraches

Huaraches are large, oblong-shaped corn tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and other ingredients for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

They have a soft, pliable texture and a savory, satisfying taste.

Huaraches are often served as a main dish or as a snack, and are popular in many parts of Mexico.

There are many variations of huaraches, including the huarache de pollo (made with chicken) and the huarache de camarones (made with shrimp).

Huaraches are typically served with a variety of toppings and sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

9. Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of fried eggs served on top of a fried tortilla, and topped with a spicy tomato salsa.

Huevos Rancheros are often served with beans and cheese, and it’s a popular breakfast dish, especially on weekends and holidays. It’s simple yet satisfying and hearty.

10. Guacamole

Guacamole is a popular Mexican dip that is made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, limes, and other seasonings.

Guacamole is typically green in color due to the avocado, and has a creamy, smooth texture.

The flavor of guacamole is often described as rich and savory, with a slightly citrusy taste due to the presence of lime or lemon juice.

Mexican guacamole is typically served extra chunky as a dip with chips. Or smoother as a topping for tacos, burritos, and other dishes. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or as a topping for burgers and other savory dishes.

Some common variations include adding diced jalapeno peppers for a spicy kick, or incorporating diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.

11. Enchiladas

Authentic Enchilada Recipe - Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish made with corn tortillas filled with chicken or beef, and cheese.

Then rolled and covered in a savory sauce and cheese. Chicken and beef are the two most common fillings for enchiladas

They are typically served with a variety of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and onion, and are often garnished with chili pepper or salsa.

Enchiladas have a soft, creamy texture and a rich, flavorful taste. They are often served as a main dish and are popular in many parts of Mexico.

There are many variations of enchiladas, including the enchiladas verdes (made with a green sauce made from tomatillos and chili peppers) and the enchiladas rojas (made with a red sauce made from chili peppers).

12. Flautas

A flauta is basically a rolled taco.

Flautas, also known as taquitos, are a traditional Mexican dish that consists of small rolled-up tortillas filled with various ingredients such as chicken, beef, or cheese. They are then deep-fried until crispy.

Flautas are a very popular dish in Mexico, and are often served as a snack or appetizer, and sometimes as a main course.

There are many variations of flautas, such as Flautas de pollo (chicken flautas), Flautas de carne (beef flautas) and Flautas de queso (cheese flautas)

13. Elotes

Elotes are an extremely popular street food or antojito (little craving) in Mexico. They are typically served on a stick.

Elotes, also known as Mexican street corn, is a popular street food in Mexico. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then slathering it with a variety of toppings such as mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and lime juice.

Elotes are a popular street food in Mexico and can be found in street vendors, markets, and fairs. They are also popular in Mexican-American communities in the United States.

Elotes are typically served on a stick or in a cup and can be eaten as is, it’s a very simple but delicious dish.

14. Carnitas

Carnitas, meaning “little meats” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish made by slow-cooking pork until it is tender and then shredding it. It is typically served as a filling for tacos, burritos, and other dishes.

Carnitas is a very popular dish in Mexico and can be found in many restaurants, street vendors, and homes. It’s especially popular in the central and southern regions of the country.

15. Tostadas

Tostadas are a popular Mexican dish consisting of a crispy, fried or toasted tortilla topped with a variety of ingredients such as beans, cheese, avocado, meat, and salsa.

They are a staple in Mexican cuisine and can be found everywhere from street vendors to restaurants.

They are versatile and come in many variations like Tostadas de pollo (chicken tostadas), Tostadas de cochinita (pork tostadas), Tostadas de camarón (shrimp tostadas), and Tostadas de pescado (fish tostadas).

To make Tostadas, the tortillas are first fried or toasted, then toppings are added, and garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.

The ancient Aztecs even made tostadas, with insects like ants and beetles as ingredients.

16. Al Pastor

Al pastor is a popular Mexican dish made from marinated pork that is cooked on a vertical spit, similar to shawarma or gyros. The meat is sliced off the spit and served in tacos, burritos, and other dishes.

Al pastor is a popular street food in Mexico, and is often found at taquerias and street vendors. Its origins trace back to the Lebanese immigrants in Mexico, who introduced the shawarma to the country.

Al pastor is usually served with a variety of salsas, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro, and it’s a popular choice for street food and as a filling for tacos and burritos.

17. Carne Asada

Carne Asada is a traditional Mexican dish made by marinating and grilling flank or skirt steak. It is typically served as a main course and is often used as a filling for tacos, burritos and other dishes.

Carne Asada is a popular dish in Mexico and can be found in many restaurants and homes, it’s often served during special occasions and holidays.

Carne Asada is usually served with a variety of salsas, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro, it’s a popular choice for a main dish and as a filling for tacos and burritos.

18. Barbacoa

In Mexico, the term “barbecue” refers to meat cooked in an ancient method, inside a hole in the ground and covered with maguey plant leaves.

The meat is then shredded and used as a filling for tacos, burritos, and other dishes.

Barbacoa is a popular dish in Mexico, and can be found in many restaurants and street vendors, especially in the central and southern regions of the country. The origins of Barbacoa can be traced back to pre-Columbian times, where indigenous people used to cook meat in underground pits.

19. Birria de Res

Birria is a traditional Mexican dish made from slow-cooked goat or beef, it typically uses a variety of spices, chilies, and dried fruit to create a rich, flavorful broth. It’s often served as a soup or stew and is used as a filling for tacos, quesatacos and other dishes.

Birria is a popular dish in Mexico, and can be found in many restaurants and street vendors, especially in the central and western regions of the country. The origins of Birria can be traced back to the state of Jalisco, where it’s considered a specialty.

The taste of Birria is savory, slightly spicy, and slightly sweet, with a rich and complex flavor from the spices and chilies used.

20. Tortas

Tortas are Mexican sandwiches made with a variety of fillings, including beans, cheese, avocado, and various meats, served on a small, crusty roll.

They are typically served with a variety of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and onion, and are often garnished with chili pepper or salsa.

Tortas have a hearty and satisfying flavor and can be served as a main dish or as a snack. They are popular in many parts of Mexico, and are often eaten for lunch or as a late-night snack.

There are many variations of tortas, including the torta cubana (made with a variety of meats, cheese, and other fillings) and the torta de huevo (made with eggs and cheese).

21. Machaca

Machaca is a dried, shredded beef that has been seasoned with a variety of spices, such as chili pepper, cumin, and oregano.

Machaca has a savory and slightly spicy taste and a tender and slightly crispy texture.

It is often served as a topping for tacos, burritos, and salads, or as a filling for tamales and enchiladas.

22. Chorizo

Chorizo is a Mexican sausage that is made with ground pork and seasoned with a variety of spices, such as chili pepper, cumin, and oregano.

It is often served with a variety of accompaniments, such as diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. Chorizo has a savory and slightly spicy taste and a slightly crispy texture.

It is often served as a topping for tacos, burritos, and salads, or as a filling for tamales and enchiladas.

Chorizo is a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine and is often used as a flavor enhancer in a variety of dishes.

23. Churros

Churros are a Mexican dessert pastry that consists of a long, thin strip of dough that is deep-fried and coated in sugar.

They are often served with a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping.

Churros have a crispy and sweet taste and a soft and slightly doughy texture.

They are typically eaten with the hands.

24. Raspado

Raspado is a type of Mexican ice cream that consists of shaved ice that is flavored with a variety of syrups and toppings, such as fruit, nuts, and condensed milk.

It is often served in a tall glass or a plastic bag and is a popular treat in Mexican cuisine.

Raspado has a refreshing and slightly sweet taste and a smooth and slightly icy texture.

25. Esquites

Esquites, also known as “corn in a cup” is a traditional Mexican street food made from boiled or grilled corn kernels that are served in a cup or a small container, it’s seasoned with lime juice, chili powder, and mayonnaise, and then garnished with cheese, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder.

Esquites is a popular street food in Mexico and can be found in many street vendors and food stands throughout the country. It is considered a staple of Mexican cuisine and is often served as a snack or a light meal.

Anyone who has visited Mexico will remember the street vendors selling glasses of corn kernels in broth with mayonnaise, cheese, lemon, chili, and salt.

26. Gusanos de Maguey

Gusanos de Maguey, also known as “maguey worms” are a traditional Mexican delicacy. They are the larvae of the maguey plant and are typically harvested from the Agave plant. They are often grilled and seasoned with chili powder, lime juice, and salt, and are considered a luxury food item.

Gusanos de Maguey are a delicacy in Mexico, and can be found in some traditional Mexican markets and restaurants. They are considered a luxury food item, and are often eaten as a snack or as part of a traditional dish.

Gusanos de Maguey are often served as a snack or as a topping for traditional dishes. They are considered a delicacy, and are not as common as other traditional Mexican foods.

They are typically better consumed in restaurants than in markets.

27. Ceviche

Ceviche is a traditional Mexican dish made from raw fish or seafood that is marinated in lime juice and mixed with a variety of ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and chili peppers. It’s often served as an appetizer or a light meal.

Ceviche is a popular dish in Mexico and can be found in many restaurants and street vendors. It’s especially popular along the coast and in regions with a strong seafood tradition.

Ceviche is often served with tostadas or tortilla chips, and it’s a popular choice as a starter or a light meal, especially in hot weather. It’s also a popular way to use up fresh seafood.

28. De La Rosa Mazapan

De la Rosa Mazapan is a traditional Mexican candy made from ground peanuts and sugar, it’s often shaped into small round balls and can be found in many Mexican markets and candy stores.

De la Rosa Mazapan is a popular candy in Mexico and is often consumed as a sweet treat or a dessert. It is considered a traditional Mexican candy and is known for its sweet and nutty flavor.

De la Rosa Mazapan is usually round, and it has a light tan or brown color, and it has a smooth surface.

The taste of De La Rosa Mazapan is sweet and nutty, with a slightly crumbly texture.

De La Rosa Mazapan is often consumed as a sweet treat or a dessert, and it’s also used as an ingredient in some traditional Mexican dishes and desserts. It’s also a popular gift and souvenir to bring back from Mexico.

29. Torta Ahogada

Torta Ahogada is a traditional Mexican sandwich that originated in the state of Jalisco. It’s made with a bolillo roll (a type of Mexican roll), filled with a variety of ingredients such as carnitas, chicken or beef and then drowned in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s often garnished with onions, cilantro and lime wedges.

Torta Ahogada is a popular street food in Mexico and can be found in many taquerias and street vendors, especially in Jalisco. It is considered a staple of Mexican cuisine and is often served as a hearty and satisfying meal.

30. Menudo

Menudo is a traditional Mexican soup made from tripe, which is the stomach of a cow, and hominy, which is dried corn kernels that have been treated with lime. It’s often flavored with chili peppers, garlic, and other spices, and is considered a hearty and comforting dish.

Menudo is a popular dish in Mexico, and can be found in many restaurants and homes, it’s especially popular as a hangover remedy and as a staple dish for special occasions and holidays.

Menudo is a hearty and comforting dish and it’s usually served with a side of fresh corn tortillas and limes.

31. Flan

Flan is a traditional Mexican dessert made from a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. It’s a custard-like dessert that is cooked on a stovetop, then cooled and inverted onto a plate, revealing a caramel sauce on top. Flan is often garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Flan is a popular dessert in Mexico and can be found in many restaurants and homes. It is considered a staple of Mexican cuisine and is often served at special occasions and holidays.

The taste of Flan is sweet, creamy and rich, with a caramel flavor from the caramel sauce that is on top of it.

32. Margaritas

Margaritas are a popular cocktail that originated in Mexico. They are made with tequila, lime juice, and an orange liqueur such as Cointreau or triple sec. They are usually served in a salt-rimmed glass, and can be blended or shaken with ice. Variations of Margaritas include the frozen Margarita, which is blended with ice, and the Margarita on the rocks, which is served over ice.

Margaritas are popular cocktail in Mexico and around the world, they are often associated with Mexican cuisine and culture, and are a staple at Mexican-themed restaurants and parties.

In terms of appearance, Margaritas are usually a bright green or yellow color, and

Margaritas are often served as a cocktail, they are a popular choice for celebrations, parties, and casual gatherings. They can be enjoyed as a classic or with different twists and variations like frozen, on the rocks, or with different flavors or fruits.

33. Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a traditional Mexican condiment made from fresh ingredients such as diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and chili peppers. It is typically served as a topping for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes, and is also a popular dip for tortilla chips.

Pico de gallo is a popular condiment in Mexico and can be found in many restaurants and homes. It is considered a staple of Mexican cuisine and is often used to add a fresh and tangy flavor to a variety of dishes.

Pico de gallo is a versatile condiment, it can be used as a topping, dip, or as a salad, it’s also a popular choice for adding a fresh and tangy flavor to a variety of dishes.

34. Gorditas

Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

Gorditas are a traditional Mexican dish made from a thick, masa-based dough that is shaped into a small, thick patty, filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, pork, chicken, or beans, and then cooked on a griddle or comal. They are often garnished with lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

Gorditas are a popular street food in Mexico and can be found in many taquerias and street vendors. They are considered a staple of Mexican cuisine, and are often served as a hearty and satisfying snack.

Gorditas are often served as a street food, they are a popular choice as a snack and they are also a popular way to use leftovers or as a way to combine different flavors and ingredients into a satisfying dish.

35. Chalupas

Chalupas are small, fried corn tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and other ingredients for a tasty and satisfying snack.

They have a crunchy, crispy texture and a savory, flavorful taste. Chalupas are often served as a snack or as part of a larger meal, and are popular in many parts of Mexico.

There are many variations of chalupas, including the chalupa poblana (made with a variety of toppings and served in a spicy sauce).

36. Refried Beans

Refried Beans, also known as “frijoles refritos” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican dish made from pinto beans that are cooked, mashed and then fried in oil or lard. They are often flavored with garlic, onion, and spices and can be served as a side dish or as a filling for tacos and burritos.

Refried Beans are a popular dish in Mexico and can be found in many restaurants and homes, they are considered a staple of Mexican cuisine and often served as a side dish.

Refried Beans are often served as a side dish or as a filling for tacos and burritos, they are a popular choice as a side dish with many traditional meals, they are also a good way to use up leftover beans.

37. Chiles Relleno

Chiles Rellenos, also known as “stuffed chilies” in English, is a traditional Mexican dish made from large, mild chili peppers that are stuffed with a variety of fillings such as cheese, meat, or seafood. They are then battered and fried, giving them a crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior.

Chiles Rellenos are a popular dish in Mexico and can be found in many restaurants and homes, they are considered a staple of Mexican cuisine and are often served as a main course.

38. Sabritas

The name is a mix of the words “sabrosas” and “fritas”, which mean tasty and fried in Spanish respectively.

Sabritas is how the Lay’s brand of potato chips is known in Mexico. They are made from potatoes and are fried in oil, and then flavored with a variety of seasonings such as chili powder, lime, and salt. They come in many different flavors, including original, hot chili, and lime.

Sabritas chips are a popular snack in Mexico, and can be found in many grocery stores and convenience stores throughout the country. They are known for their crispy texture and savory, slightly spicy flavor.

Sabritas chips are a classic Mexican snack.

39. Pambazos

Pambazos are a mouthwatering, traditional Mexican sandwich made from a large, fluffy white roll that is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as refried beans, chorizo, lettuce, and cheese. The roll is then dipped in a guajillo chili sauce and fried, giving it a crispy exterior and a moist and flavorful interior.

Pambazos are a popular street food in Mexico and can be found in many taquerias and street vendors. They are considered a staple of Mexican cuisine, and are often served as a hearty and satisfying snack.

Pambazos are often served as a street food.

40. Queso Freso

White queso (cheese) is a must in Mexican cuisine.

Queso fresco, also known as “fresh cheese” in English, is a traditional Mexican cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It is a soft, white cheese with a mild and slightly tangy flavor, and is often crumbly in texture.

Queso fresco is a popular cheese in Mexico and can be found in many grocery stores and markets. It is often used as a topping or garnish for a variety of dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and salads.

The taste of queso fresco is mild and slightly tangy, it has a slightly crumbly texture and it’s often used as a topping or garnish for a variety of dishes.

Queso fresco is a versatile cheese, it can be eaten fresh, fried, or cooked. It’s also a popular topping or garnish for tacos, salads, and soups.

A Brief History of Mexican Foods

Mexican cuisine is a delicious fusion of indigenous and Spanish flavors.

The Aztecs invented the tortilla, and used it as a wrap for other foods. Corn, squash, chile peppers, and beans have been staples of the Mexican diet since pre-Columbian times.

In addition to these key ingredients, Mexican cuisine incorporates a variety of native American ingredients, such as meat, cheese, tomatoes, avocados, potatoes, prickly pear cactus, chocolate, and turkey.

The majority of dishes also include rice and spices which were introduced by Spanish conquistadors.

In 1521, Spain invaded Mexico. Spanish cuisine had the greatest influence on Mexican cuisine. They brought new livestock, such as sheep, pigs, and cows.

They also brought dairy products, garlic, and a variety of herbs, grains, and spices.

Mexican Foods FAQs

What is the most popular Mexican food in the world?

Tacos are recognized as the most popular Mexican dish in the world. Authentic Mexican tacos are typically served with two tortilla shells. Carne asada tacos are thought to have first appeared in the 1500s. Other common taco fillings include chicken, pork, seafood, and beans.

What Is Mexican Cuisine?

Traditional meals and staple ingredients in Mexico include rice, corn, sauces, and white cheese. Each region in Mexico has its own distinct ingredients and dishes that have contributed to Mexican food’s popularity worldwide. Avocados, beans, chiles, tomatoes, and meats are also typical ingredients found in many authentic Mexican recipes.

What is Tex-Mex cuisine?

Tex-Mex cuisine (from the words Texas and Mexico) is an American cuisine that originated with the Tejano people of Texas. In addition to flour tortillas, Tex-Mex cuisine is distinguished by its heavy use of yellow shredded cheese, beans, meat, chili peppers, and spices.

Many “Mexican” dishes you grew up eating aren’t technically Mexican. Fajitas, chili, nachos, burritos are all cornerstones of Tex-Mex cuisine.

Various Tex-Mex dishes are sometimes prepared without the use of a tortilla. The “fajita bowl,” which is a fajita served without a soft tortilla, is an example of this. In general, cheese plays a much larger role in Tex-Mex cuisine as well.

What are Mexican staple foods?

Mexican cuisine features staple ingredients that are native to the land, including corn, beans, squash, amaranth, chia, avocados, tomatoes, tomatillos, cacao, vanilla, agave, turkey, spirulina, sweet potatoes, cactus, and chili peppers.

Are avocados native to Mexico?

Avocados are believed to have originated in southern Mexico, specifically in the region that encompasses the modern-day states of Puebla and Veracruz. They are one of the most popular Mexican fruits and also a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine.