Mexico is home to some of Latin America’s most sought after foods ever, and, hands down, a great place to eat. But what’s on offer in this diverse country versus what you might have grown accustomed to chowing down on at your local Tex Mex burrito bar are probably very different indeed. From region to region in Mexico, what’s cooking in the pot and served on the plate varies greatly depending on regional crops, climate, and culture.

If you’re visiting Mexico anytime soon, expect super cheap street eats and exquisite upscale fine dining — still at relatively affordable prices — competing for your mealtime attention. Craving something crazy good during your Cancún beach break? Go for the seafood. Exploring Jalisco? Be sure to know what bites are best to take with your shots of locally distilled tequila. No matter where you go…just join us on this trip to make sure you get to experience the best Mexican food on your trip!

Mole Poblano

Mole poblano

Mole poblano is Mexico’s national dish. The rich, deeply flavorful sauce has 20 or so ingredients, including chili peppers and cocoa, and is usually served at celebrations such as weddings and Christmas throughout Mexico. Mole poblano predates the arrival of Europeans to the Americas, and different regions cook it different ways, or have their own other styles of mole, such as the mole negro in Oaxaca. It’s generally accepted that the original mole poblano was made in the state of Puebla — hence its name — where it’s still proudly prepared.

Chiles en Nogada

Chiles en Nogada is another fabulously tasty dish with its origins in the state of Puebla. It features shredded meat and green chilies, cooked with herbs, fruits, and spices, and then topped with a walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. ¡Delicioso!

Tacos

The absolute king of Mexican street food, tacos are typically composed of a tortilla (usually corn) folded or rolled with all sorts of good stuff inside. You’ll find them across Mexico, varying in style and ingredients, but they’re all delicious. Fish tacos are what you sink your teeth into if you were lucky enough to snag cheap last-minute flights to Baja California. In Central Mexico, however, be sure to go for the tacos al pastor. These amazing pork tacos are made for slow-cooked meat from a spit (like a shawarma) and then lovingly seasoned with dried chilies, various spices, and pineapple. Impossible to eat just one!

Birria

Birria is a super spicy stew from the state of Jalisco. It’s made with goat meat or mutton, and is fabled to be the perfect cure for a hangover…which makes total sense, since Jalisco is also the ancestral home of tequila!

Pozole

Pozole

Mmm, pozole! People from the U.S. will recognize this traditional soup for its main ingredient: hominy. Pozole is also made with chicken in a light broth with chilies, onion, garlic, limes, and potentially a range of other tasty seasonings.

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Barbacoa

Barbacoa — from which American-style BBQ derives — is great meat, cooked slowly at low temperature over a wood-fired pit. Although barbacoa could technically include any kind of meat, the most common are mutton, goat, or beef.

Huachinango a la Veracruzana

Huachinango a la Veracruzana is a classic fish dish from the Gulf Coast region of Veracruz. Key ingredients include cod or red snapper–often served whole and gutted–over roasted potatoes or white rice, with a sauce of tomatoes, olives, onions, garlic, and jalapenos. Oh, and sometimes capers and raisins, too!

There’s so much more to Mexican cuisine than these seven dishes – and we didn’t even talk at all about all the amazing beverages the country has to offer. But we hope we’ve whet your appetite with this teaser menu of buenas comidas so you can start looking for cheap flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, Cancún, or any other great destination in this utterly delicious country!

What’s the first thing you’ll want to eat once you embark upon your own Mexican foodie adventure? Let us know in our comments section below!