Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
In this blog post, we explore the quintessential Mexican street food dishes that you can find in bustling markets across the country.
From tacos to tamales to tostadas, these are the dishes that people line up for, and for good reason. They’re flavourful, authentic, and affordable. And if you can’t make it to Mexico, we hope you’ll be inspired to try one of our Mexican street food recipes at home.
Is Street Food Safe?
While many people are cautious about eating street food when travelling, Mexico is an exception. The most authentic and flavourful local cuisine can only be found on the streets. From bustling stalls to makeshift tables under umbrellas, food trucks, carts, bicycles, and even windows of private homes, there’s no shortage of places to find delicious Mexican street food.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s best to choose vendors with long queues. This is a good indicator that the food is both high quality and safe to eat.
Without further ado, here is a compilation of the traditional Mexican street food delicacies that capture the essence of this vibrant culinary culture.
Tacos
First on our list of Mexican street food, considered the most iconic of Mexican cuisine and certainly the most consumed food in Mexico. Tacos are simple to make, cheap and quick to get. Most of all, in every corner of every city you will most probably find a taco place.
Tacos can be made with either corn or flour tortilla, topped with finely cut meat chunks, and sprinkled with avocado and onion. Of course, a good dose of chilli sauce, a very spicy sauce, makes it authentically Mexican.
Tamales
Tamales are a typical Mexican breakfast. Although you find them in many other Latin American countries, we think the Mexican ones are the best version. A tamale has corn dough wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and stuffed with different kinds of meat or cheese, mole or rajas (strips of chile poblano along with some tomato and onion). Every region has its typical variation but everywhere Mexicans enjoy it either for breakfast or as a treat during the day.
Quesadillas
Next on our list of Mexican street food is Quesadillas. The typical quesadilla is a flour tortilla folded into a sort of pocket containing melted cheese and different kinds of vegetables, especially mushrooms or squash blossoms. In some regions, you can also find them deep-fried and topped with guacamole, bean paste, a spicy tomato sauce, and shredded fresh cheese.
Tortas
Tortas are generally huge sandwiches made with bun bread and filled with all sorts of stuffing including meat, cheese, avocado, salad, and tomatoes. The most typical are the overly stuffed Chemita in Puebla and the juicy Torta Ahogada in Guadalajara, which is a sandwich dipped in hot tomato sauce.
Beware that if you ask for a sandwich in Mexico, you won’t get a “Torta”, because a sandwich is made with sliced bread only, not with a bun.
Gorditas and Sopes
Gorditas and Sopes are the same things just with different names. A thick fat tortilla, fried or grilled, cut in two and stuffed with different kinds of “guisado” (delicious stewed meat or vegetables).
Made with either yellow or purple corn which gives a different colour to the tortilla.
Mexican Corn
Elotes
Corn served on the cob, either boiled or grilled, and drizzled with mayonnaise, salt and grated cheese. Grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and sprinkled with smoky chipotle and chilli flakes creates a taste explosion in every bite. It’s the perfect Mexican street food experience, right at home!
Esquites
With Esquites, or as we like to call it Mexican Corn, the kernels have been removed from the cob and served in a cup. Served with mayonnaise, cheese and salt.
Easier to eat if you are walking and has a delicious side for just about any Mexican main or BBQ.
Tlacoyos
Tlacoyos are made with the same masa dough used to make corn tortillas. They are rolled into a tortilla-like shape, filled with refried beans and then the sides are folded up into a vessel-like shape. They are then heated on the comal and topped with some salad and salsa.
Chicharron
Ultra-crispy fried pork skin chunks are sold in markets or carts on the street. Very common everywhere in Mexico and eaten as a snack always with a delicious, spicy jalapeño sauce. We like seasoning the pork skin with Smoky Chipotle Fajita and Taco Mix and then dipping it into a pot of our Mango Habañero Salsa to get our fix when at home!
Tostadas
A delicious, crunchy salted corn tortilla topped with different ingredients. You will find tostadas with seafood or different kinds of meat mixed with salad. Our Tuna Tostada recipe is absolute heaven!
Chips
At first glance, these might seem like your everyday crisps, but something is exciting happening here. The bags are cleverly open on the side, inviting you to dive right in. As you reach in, you’ll notice they’re generously drizzled with a zesty hot jalapeño sauce that adds a vibrant kick to each bite.
Perfect for a quick treat or a gathering with friends, these jalapeño crisps are sure to elevate your snack game. Just imagine sharing them at a movie night or enjoying them on a casual afternoon—each crisp is a delightful surprise, bringing a burst of heat that dances on your taste buds. Yum indeed!
Churros
A typical sweet treat made of deep-fried sweet dough in a cylindrical shape and sprinkled with sugar. Served with different sauces the most common being chocolate or dulce de leche.
Licuados and Juices
Finally, up on our list of Mexican street food are the drinks, which are a refreshing and vibrant part of the culinary experience. As you explore the lively streets, you’ll come across a variety of delicious fruit drinks that perfectly complement the savoury bites.
Frutas are a delightful way to enjoy fresh, seasonal fruits. Often served in colourful cups, these fruit salads are usually topped with a sprinkle of lime juice and a dash of chilli powder, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tangy heat. Agua Frescas are another staple, made by blending fruits with water and a hint of sugar.
