National Mexican Gastronomy Day is a celebration that pays tribute to one of the richest and most varied culinary cultures in the world. Every November 16, this great day is celebrated for all Mexicans, recognizing the global significance of its gastronomy, which was named Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010.
In this blog post, we will explore the essence of Mexican food, its deep-rooted customs and a variety of typical dishes and drinks that delight palates around the world and are part of its national and cultural identity.
Food in Mexico
Mexican cuisine is a fusion of indigenous and colonial influences that dates back centuries. With fresh ingredients and a unique combination of flavors, Mexican food is internationally recognized for its diversity and authenticity. Each bite of the tacos and tamales tells a story of tradition and passion for gastronomy.
The rich Mexican cuisine has been enriched over the centuries by various cultural influences, such as Spanish, French and African, which have added a vibrant touch to our traditional dishes during the colonial era.
Furthermore, a fundamental part of the delicious aromas and flavors of Mexican food comes from the ancient Mayan and Mexica cultures, whose heritage endures to this day.
Customs and traditions in Mexico
In Mexico, food goes beyond mere nutrition, it is an integral part of national and cultural identity and is associated with celebrations, rituals and family gatherings. Mealtime is sacred and is usually an opportunity to share moments with loved ones while enjoying typical culinary delights and lively conversations.
What is the traditional food of Mexico?
The traditional food of Mexico is a gastronomic universe as vast as it is diverse that reflects the cultural and culinary richness of the country. It varies by region, but some elements are common throughout the country. Corn, beans, chili and tomato are the basic ingredients of many dishes, from appetizers to main dishes and desserts. Additionally, Mexican cuisine is known for its innovative use of spices and herbs that enhance the flavor of each dish.
Mexican cuisine is known worldwide especially for its tacos, a delicious combination of corn or flour tortillas filled with meat, chicken, fish or vegetables, accompanied by a variety of sauces and condiments. We cannot forget the Mexican appetizers (antojitos), which are a wide variety of small dishes that include quesadillas, sopes, gorditas, enchiladas and chilaquiles, among others. These dishes are a true explosion of flavors and textures.
Typical dishes of Mexico
From tacos al pastor to tamales, Mexican food offers a wide variety of typical dishes that satisfy all tastes. Among the most popular are pozole, chiles en nogada, mole poblano, tamales and enchiladas, each with their own history and unique preparation technique.
Each region has its own culinary specialties, but they all share a common denominator: the passion for good food and the love for fresh, quality ingredients.
Among the most emblematic dishes is the delicious chicken with mole poblano, which is a dish composed of a thick and aromatic sauce that combines a wide variety of ingredients, such as chilies, spices, chocolate and fruits, to create an explosion of flavors in the palate. Another iconic dish is pozole, a tender corn soup cooked with pork, chicken and even seafood, accompanied by a variety of fresh and crisp condiments, such as lettuce, radishes, onion and lemon. Have you already craved them? Well, with the following dishes you will want to come to Mexico as soon as possible.
Let's continue with tamales, another traditional delicacy that consists of a corn dough filled with meat, chicken, vegetables or sweets, wrapped in corn husks and steamed. Finally, a classic of Mexican gastronomy, enchiladas, which are corn tortillas filled with chicken, cheese, meat or vegetables, bathed in a red or green chili sauce and gratin with grated cheese. Enchiladas are served hot and accompanied with rice, refried beans, cream, fresh cheese and cilantro, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Types of Mexican sauces
Sauces are an essential part of Mexican cuisine and add a touch of flavor and spiciness to every bite. Among the most popular are Pico de Gallo, guacamole and chipotle sauce, all perfect to accompany meats and tacos.
“Pico De Gallo” Salsa
“Pico de Gallo” sauce is a classic of Mexican cuisine known for its freshness and vibrant flavor. This delicious combination, also known as fresh salsa or Mexican salsa, is perfect to accompany a wide variety of dishes, such as tacos, quesadillas, grilled meats and fish.
Ingredients of the “Pico de Gallo” sauce:
- Fresh tomatoes
- White or purple onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Serrano or jalapeño chile
- Lemon or lime juice
- Salt to taste
Guacamole: the green treasure of Mexico and its recipe
Guacamole is another culinary treasure from Mexico, a delicious mix of avocado, onion, tomato and cilantro that captivates palates around the world. This exquisite sauce is perfect for spreading, dipping, or serving as an accompaniment. Its creaminess and unique flavor make it an undisputed favorite on any table.
Guacamole ingredients:
- Ripe avocados
- Red or white onion
- Tomato
- Fresh cilantro
- Lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Chipotle sauce
Chipotle sauce is a delicious addition to any Mexican dish, known for its smoky flavor and pleasant heat. Chipotle is a jalapeño pepper that has been smoked and dried, leaving it with a unique and distinctive flavor that perfectly complements a wide variety of dishes.
Chipotle sauce ingredients:
- Chipotle chiles in marinade
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Apple vinager
- Salt to taste
Mexican drinks: traditional soft drinks to complement your meal
In addition to its exquisite food, Mexico is also known for its refreshing traditional drinks. Pomegranate punch, tepache and Jamaica water are some of the most popular options. Each one offers a unique experience for the palate, with the fruity flavors of punch, the refreshing acidity of tepache and the floral flavor of Jamaican water.
Pomegranate punch
Pomegranate punch is a traditional Mexican drink that is enjoyed especially during the Christmas season and is very popular in the state of Jalisco. This refreshing drink is not only delicious, but it is also full of antioxidants and nutrients that benefit your health. With its vibrant color and sweet, slightly tart flavor, pomegranate punch is perfect to share with friends and family for any occasion.
Pomegranate punch ingredients:
- Fresh pomegranates
- Sugar
- Water
- Tequila
- Cinnamon stick
- Clove
- Tamarind
- Lemon juice
- Fruits such as apples, pears and oranges (optional)
- Sugar cane (optional)
- Rum or brandy (optional)
Tepache
Tepache is a refreshing and slightly spicy drink originally from Mexico, made from the fermentation of pineapple, piloncillo and spices (it has a very low amount of alcohol, about 1.5%). This traditional drink is perfect for beating the heat and quenching thirst, as well as being an excellent option for those looking to try new and exciting culinary experiences.
Tepache ingredients:
- Pineapple
- Piloncillo or brown sugar
- Cinnamon stick
- Clove
- Water
Jamaican water and how to make it
Jamaican water is a refreshing and flavorful drink that is enjoyed throughout Mexico. Made from dried hibiscus flowers, this delicious drink is also perfect for beating the heat and quenching thirst at any time of the year. Plus, it's easy to make at home and can be customized to your taste preferences.
Jamaican water ingredients:
- Jamaica flowers (hibiscus)
- Water
- Sugar
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Ice
Preparation:
- Start by heating water in a large pot until it boils.
- Add the hibiscus flowers to the pot and let it boil for a few minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the hibiscus flowers soak in the hot water for at least 30 minutes, so they release all their flavor.
- Strain the mixture to remove the hibiscus flowers and add sugar to the infused water to taste, stirring until completely dissolved.
- Let the hibiscus water cool in the refrigerator for a few hours or serve over ice to enjoy immediately. If you wish, you can add a little lemon juice to give it an extra touch of freshness.
And ready! Your hibiscus water is ready to enjoy. Serve this delicious drink at your family meals or gatherings with friends and surprise everyone with its refreshing flavor and beautiful red tones.
How to enjoy this gastronomic experience? Our featured hotels and restaurants
For those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the Mexican dining experience, our hotels offer a variety of options to satisfy every craving.
At you will find Frida Restaurant, which offers an authentic Mexican culinary experience with a contemporary touch. Visit it at Park Royal Beach Cancún and Grand Park Royal Puerto Vallarta.
We also have the Flor de Sal restaurant, where local Mexican flavors merge with modern gastronomic techniques, here each bite is a masterpiece. Find it at Grand Park Royal Cancún and The Villas Cancun by Grand Park Royal.
Also, don't miss our special food activities, such as taquiza cooking demonstrations, preparing the classic cochinita pibil, making fresh guacamole, and tasting artisanal margaritas. With these experiences, we guarantee you total immersion in the culture and flavors of Mexico at its best.
In conclusion, National Mexican Gastronomy Day is an occasion to celebrate the culinary and cultural richness of Mexico, since every aspect of Mexican food is an experience for the senses. So get ready to taste the best of Mexico and enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience!
