Typical Meal

Example of a typical meal: Rice with refried beans and burritos

Common Dishes

Ceviche

Raw fish marinated in lime juice, often in a chopped salad.

Chiles Renellos

Large Poblano chilies stuffed with cheese or spicy meat (picadillo). The chilies are mild, though the sauce may not be.

Enchiladas

Tortillas coated in a tomato and chili sauce, stuffed with vegetables, chicken or pork then folded and baked. Despite the chili content, enchiladas are often fairly mild. Enchiladas suizas are topped with sour cream.

Huachinango

Red Snapper, a common feature on the menus at coastal resorts. Often available ‘al gusto’, cooked in a choice of methods.

Quesadillas

Tortillas stuffed with cheese, folded and grilled. A simple dish often served with beans or a little salad and suitable for those avoiding anything spicy.

Mole sauce

A wonderful rich sauce made with the unlikely combination of chocolate, chilies and many spices. It can be red or green depending on the ingredients and the moles of Puebla and Oaxaca are particularly famous, hence ‘mole poblano’ or ‘mole oaxaqeño’. The sauce is often served over chicken, though turkey is more traditional.

Tacos

Tortillas fried until they are crispy and served with various fillings.

Tamales

Cornmeal paste wrapped in corn or banana husks and often stuffed with chicken, pork or turkey and/or vegetables, then steamed.

Tortas

Mexican sandwiches, often large rolls with generous fillings.

Tostadas

Thin and crisp tortillas served loaded with guacamole, sour cream, chilies, chicken etc.