Authentic Mexican Food Guide: Best Mexican Dishes

ByAnnaEverywhere Hours Updated on:
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Mexican Food Culture

One thing that surprises many foreigners when they come to Mexico are meal times. It’s not easy to find a cafe opened before 9 am or even later. Lunch at 12 pm? You might be the only one at the restaurant, and that’s if it’s even open. 

Mexicans eat lunches between 2pm and 4pm, and dinners from about 8pm to 10pm. Lots of places stay open until midnight. 

Unless you go to fine dining places like the infamous Pujol (which personally I don’t recommend as I don’t think it’s worth the hype and price), you’ll be eating with your hands.

Most Mexican food dishes are eaten by hands and if they’re not you’ll be given tortillas or totopos (tortilla chips) to dip in things. It’s just part of the Mexican culture. 

Also check my recommendations for Mexican breakfasts, along with some recipes 🙂

Is Mexican Food Always Spicy?

One myth about Mexican food is that every single dish is spicy. Many Mexican chefs will always tell you pica mucho (very spicy) when they see a foreigner, but it’s not always the truth.

You can easily find dishes that aren’t spicy at all or simply not put salsa on it (ask for sin salsa). Many salsas might look innocent but they might contain serrano or jalapeño chilis.

There’s no reason not to put a tiny bit on your plate first, try it and then decide whether to dump more on your food. Mexicans do that very often actually. 

Best Mexican Dishes to Try in Mexico

Tacos

When most people think of Mexico they associate it with burritos and tacos. And I guess guacamole. There are even emojis for that. But, burritos can only be found in northern parts of the Mexico.

When it comes to tacos, there are plenty of types and kinds that they deserved another post. Check out my ultimate guide to Mexican tacos to know what to order.

tacos cochinita

Guacamole

Guacamole can easily be found everywhere in Mexico. Many restaurants will make it fresh at the table, some will just give you some on the side.

Truth to be told, I’ve learned to make the best authentic guacamole over my years spent in Mexico. Click for