Mexico is known all over the world for its traditionally simple food. Made with ancient recipes and techniques, Mexican food is one of the most popular and loved cuisines worldwide. It is known for its colorful dishes, vibrant flavors, tantalizing textures and tastes.

You may already be familiar with famous dishes such as guacamole, nachos, quesadillas, fajitas and burritos that are easily available everywhere. However, here’s my round-up of 10 traditional items that you must try. It will surely leave an indelible impression in your mind and will satisfy your soul.

Tacos:

A Mexican meal is incomplete without its most iconic and internationally recognizable humble tacos. A historic dish, served in numerous flavors with different toppings is surely something you don’t want to miss out on. Hundreds of fillings can be put inside a soft palm-sized corn tortilla with flavorful garnishes. You’ll find dozens of varieties such as Tacos al Pastor, Tacos de Papa, Tacos de Pescado and lots more to satisfy those cravings anytime of the day.

Chilaquiles:

One of the most popular breakfast items, Chilaquiles are made with pieces of corn tortilla, salsa verde (green) or rojo (red), egg, meat or veggies of your choice and topped with hot sauce, onions, coriander and queso fresco (fresh cheese). If you’re an early riser, this is a dish you must start your day with.

Tlayuda:

The most popular street food item in Oaxaca made with grandma’s recipe and loads of love – Tlayuda is the tastiest Mexican-inspired flatbread you can try. A large dinner-plate sized tortilla, partially fried or toasted is topped with innumerable ingredients like beans, meat, vegetables, avocados, cheese and sauces and served open-faced or folded in half. The tortilla is thinner than a tostada and crunchy like a cracker but firm enough to hold the sweet flavors of Oaxaca. Every bite of this legendary dish has a different taste, flavor and texture. You can scoff down this massive dish all by yourself and taste grandma’s zing throughout.

Tostadas:

Mexico has several famous versions of tortillas that are not worth missing out on. Tostadas are one of them! Deep-fried, crunchy corn tortillas are piled high with any number of garnishes and toppings like beans, meats, cheese, seafood and ceviche. Bite into one and you’ll surely want more.

Elote / Esquites:

Corn is one of the most important ingredients in Mexican cuisine so Elotes and Esquites are probably the most popular street food dishes that are sure to hit your taste buds. Elote i.e. Mexican corn on the cob and Esquites i.e. corn kernels served in a cup are available everywhere so one can enjoy these delightful dishes with toppings and spices in abundance.

Tamales:

An iconic Mexican dish – Tamales can be enjoyed all day, every day! Pockets of corn cakes are stuffed with fillings of your choice, wrapped and steamed in banana leaves or corn husks. The most common fillings are mole, meats, salsa and cheese but there are many varieties available for people to choose what suits their tastes.

Taquitos:

Popularly known as rolled tacos, Taquitos are deep-fried, crispy, golden, rolled tortillas filled with a meat of your choice, cheese, salsa and sauces. They are bite-sized and delightful Mexican snacks, easily available everywhere.

Huevos Rancheros:

If you’re into runny eggs, this Mexican breakfast dish is for you. Huevos Rancheros consists of fresh tortillas, rich oozy eggs, melted cheese and refried beans. When all these ingredients are combined together and are just waiting to be devoured, the sloppy mix of juices and wonderful flavors are sure to make it a heartwarming choice for your first dish of the day.

Queso Fundido:

Mexico’s magical melted cheese dish that’s gooey and comforting is known as Queso Fundido. Served with warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips, you can scoop out the melted cheese or dip whatever your heart desires into it. It’s like the most indulgent, cheesiest little quesadilla that you can make for yourself. Try it once and you’ll surely want lots more.

Enchiladas:

A special dish that has a long history in Mexican cuisine, Enchiladas are a fast food option that everyone has tried or heard of. A large tortilla is stuffed with beans, meats and vegetables, rolled into a baking pan and topped with special sauces and cheese. Once baked to perfection, the dish is enjoyed with sour cream and guacamole on the side. Just like you enjoy tacos, quesadillas, burritos – enchiladas can be prepared in various styles that delight your tastebuds.

*All images have been taken from the internet and are not clicked by me.