---

Mexico is a vibrant country with festive customs and traditions, and you can see it in its food. But Mexican food is more complex than everyone thinks, as the country is vast, and there are endless regional cuisines with their own specialties.

The Mexican food that we find all over the country, though, has something in common; it brings people around the table. Mexican meals are a celebration, whether you’re eating one of the many street foods in the country or are enjoying a full meal in someone’s home. The best part? Learning about Mexican food is a wonderful way to learn a few words in Spanish, words that you’ll repeatedly see on restaurant menus.

¿Mexican food? It All Starts with Corn

Corn, known in Spanish as maíz, is native to America, and it’s essential in Mexico, where there are dozens of varieties. Corn is Mexico’s staple food and primary source of energy. Mexicans consume corn in many ways, from corn on the cob to corn soup. However, corn’s gift to the world is the corn dough.

To make corn dough (masa de maíz) people cook the corn with lime water to remove the hull, tenderize it, and it also gives the corn better taste and great aromas. After milling the corn to obtain flour it can be used to make a smooth, malleable dough. This “masa” is the source of tortillas, tostadas, gorditas, tamales and many other typical foods in Mexico.

Not just tacos, Mexicans make a wide variety of tacos

If you know your Mexican food, you’ve surely tried more than a few tacos. Still, not all tacos are the same. For the inexperienced, a tortilla is dough shaped into a disk and cooked, and also any tortilla with a topping is instantly a taco; but you are far from trying all the varieties of this typical Mexican food.

Tacos are not just a dish, but a way of eating.

Mexicans make tacos with everything. Even a pinch of salt over a freshly made tortilla is considered one! Meat is, of course, the most popular taco filling, whether shredded chicken, slow-cooked pork or grilled steak. Still, there are many other common taco fillings. Scrambled eggs, zucchini flowers, cactus leaves, mashed potatoes, refried beans (“frijoles refritos” yum yum yum ) and even hard-boiled eggs can become a taco.

Let’s start our journey with the most popular tacos in Mexico.

Tacos al Pastor – Shepherd’s style tacos

“Tacos al pastor“, meaning shepherd’s style tacos, are the king of Mexican tacos and a specialty in Mexico City. These are made with marinated pork meat cooked in a vertical broiler, not dissimilar to the one used to make shawarma (Lebanese immigrants in Mexico created these tacos!)

Pastor tacos are an evening meal, and the most popular stands sell these hearty tacos until the early hours. Pastor tacos are famous after a long night of partying, especially if you drank a little too much Tequila. For the authentic experience, top pastor tacos with minced onion, cilantro and a slice of grilled pineapple.

Tacos de Canasta – Basket tacos

Canasta means basket, so “tacos de canasta” are basically tacos in a basket. And yes, cooks fill handwoven baskets with up to 500 tacos, strap them in the back of a bicycle, and sell the specialty in the busiest corners of the city.

“Canasta tacos” are not particularly complicated; there are four or five fillings to choose from, including mashed beans, mashed potatoes, pressed pork rind and adobo. Eating at least five of these two-biters is not an uncommon lunch, and they’re particularly good due to the chunky green salsa typical used for this type of taco.

Tacos de Asada – Grilled meat tacos

Every country has some grilling tradition, and Mexico is no different. Northern Mexico, mainly the states neighboring Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, has a big cattle industry, so beef is of extraordinary quality. It’s easy to see why “tacos de asada“, literally grilled meat tacos, are a northern specialty.

“Arrachera” steaks (skirt steak) are prevalent in Mexico for their flavor and low price but don’t be surprised to see Mexican grills packed with rib eyes, strip steaks, chorizo sausages, and more. How do Mexicans eat their grilled meat? On a tortilla, of course, with a dollop of guacamole and a spoonful of salsa!

Flautas – Flutes

The term “flauta” means, you guessed it, flute. These are deep-fried, thin tacos shaped like flutes and are filled with shredded chicken or pork. The crunch you get from every bite of flauta is unbeatable. And that’s not all; people top these crispy tacos with sour cream, crumbled cheese, shredded lettuce and salsa.

Tacos dorados – Golden tacos

What’s the difference between flautas and “tacos dorados“? Tacos dorados mean golden (fried) tacos, and although they look and taste like flautas, flautas are usually longer. If you’re feeling adventurous, dip your deep-fried tacos in a hearty broth. Yes, dipping tacos are a thing!

Tacos de Carnitas

“Carnitas” are a type of taco and a must on everyone’s bucket list. This specialty is so complicated to make that you can only find it on the weekends. Carnitas are also typically served at parties and on special occasions.

“Tacos de carnitas” are made with pork meat cooked in lard in enormous pots overnight. No part of the pig is wasted, so there’s something for everyone. Carnitas comes from “carne“, AKA meat, and the suffix -ita, used to talk about small things or things people are fond of. Carnitas are that tender meat that everyone loves.

What’s Mexican Food without Salsa?

Yes, there are many types of tacos, and they’re all different. Still, all tacos need something that make them even more special, they’re best enjoyed with a spoonful or two of “salsa“. Salsa means sauce, but it has become a synonym for a particular type of sauce; freshly made salsa based on tomatoes or green tomatoes, garlic, onion, cilantro and chili peppers. What’s your favorite? “Salsa verde” (green sauce) or “salsa roja” (red sauce)?

There are probably more types of salsas than there are tacos. Some salsas are cooked, and others are served raw; some sauces as smooth and others are chunky. Some sauces are red, and others are green, orange, yellow or brown. And here’s the best part; not all salsas are equally spicy and believe it or not, something that can even seem strange to foreigners is that some salsas are not spicy at all! Of course, Mexicans do love their salsas, and perhaps the fact that the most hot ones make them suffer a bit.

Mexican Food is More Than Tacos

Tacos are fantastic, but they’re only one of the many delicacies coming from the Mexican kitchens. Enchiladas, chilaquiles, tostadas and all types of stews, soups and broths complete the experience for one of the most vibrant cuisines on earth.