Mexican food is synonymous with being colorful and flavorful and for many visitors it is one of Mexico’s star attractions. Tex-Mex, served in many Mexican restaurants across North America, is a distinctly different style of cuisine.
Traditional Mexican cuisine typically includes corn and beans. Squash, onions, peppers and spices such as chilies, oregano, cilantro, cinnamon, and cocoa are also common. Let your taste buds do the traveling in Mexico!
Although it almost always has similar ingredients, Mexican food varies dramatically by region. Some regions are spicier than others and a few are even known for being sweet! The mix of spices and ingredients varies based on the climate and agriculture in the area, making regional specialties a real treat.
Cuisine of Northern Mexico
In the North, meat dishes are popular due to the abundance of cattle ranching. You’d be hard pressed to find a restaurant in Northern Mexico without a delicious carne asada (grilled meat) on the menu.
Often marinated with a blend of spices and peppers, the arracheracut (flank steak) is always a good choice!
A Taste of the Yucatan
The Yucatan Peninsula is known for the sweetness in its cuisine. Unlike its spicier mainland counterparts, Yucatan cuisine often contains local produce, like tropical fruits, and achiote.
Achiote is a bright, pink fruit tree introduced by the Spanish and used throughout Latin America as a bright pink dye!
Don’t worry, your food won’t be pink!
Oaxacan Cuisine Favorites
Oaxacan cuisine has become very popular in the last decade. Memorable for its savory sauces like mole and birria, the cuisine is largely influenced by its geography.
You may also see a significant amount of indigenous food in Oaxaca, such as chapulines (small grasshoppers fried and covered in chili powder) and mescal, a pre-hispanic distilled alcohol.
Don’t forget to try Oaxacan chocolate, famous for its distinct flavor and Oaxacan cheese, a soft white cheese that melts like mozzarella!
Foods of The Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf Coast of Mexico is perhaps best known for seafood, and you may see a number of dishes prepared a la veracuzana. Fish and shellfish are often prepared with citrus and hot peppers, delicious on a hot day. Ceviche is also popular on the coast.
Mexican ceviche is distinct from that of South America, a bit spicier but equally delicious. Don’t hesitate to try some!
You can’t go wrong with Mexican cuisine. Vegetarians also have a wide variety of dishes to choose from and in most major cities there are restaurants that have a vegetarian menu.
From gorditas to tacos, to corn covered tamales and carne asada there is plenty to taste!
Photo Credit: Flickr users IShouldLogOff and Albumdobruto through a creative commons license.
Author: Jillian Tobias spent 21 months traveling around the world with her husband. They explored 50 countries, covering famous overland routes like Capetown to Cairo and the Old Silk Road. They blog about their travels and adventures off the computer at their website: www.IShouldLogOff.com.
You can find them on facebook or twitter: @ishouldlogoff.
These are the many reasons why I love Mexico. :)
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