Mexican cuisine is as diverse as it is flavorful. The birthplace of tacos and chocolate, you’re sure to have sampled foods originating in Mexico even if you haven’t realized it. But there’s far more to the culinary expertise of the country than just that. Each region has its own specialties, best discovered on their home turf. Here are 4 culinary experiences in Mexico no foodie will want to miss!
1. Tour Mexico City’s San Juan Market
Don’t let the relatively ordinary exterior of this indoor market put you off exploring the treasures inside. Mexico City’s San Juan Market is known to be the top place in the Mexican capital to see, touch, smell and taste the country’s best gourmet ingredients.
Used by the city’s restauranteurs and chefs, many of the traders have been around for years. Their stalls are packed full of goodies, whether that’s locally grown chili peppers, cuts of crocodile meat or whole cabrito – the kid goats traditionally roasted on a spit.
Visit around lunchtime and you’ll find the market’s small eateries are also a popular place for locals to grab some lunch, tucking into seafood tostada wraps and stuffed tlacoyos corn patties.
2. Explore the historic distilleries of Tequila
A short distance northwest of Guadalajara in western Mexico, the town of Tequila is known throughout the world for the local spirit that bears its name. One of the best ways to discover how the distillation process of the blue agave plant creates the spirit in this UNESCO World Heritage Site is with the Jose Cuervo Express train.
Using nineteenth century-style rail carriages, the hour journey takes visitors to the oldest distillery anywhere in Latin America – La Rojeña. As you might imagine, there’s plenty of opportunity to sample the finished product during tours too.
3. Take a food tour of Oaxaca
Cuisine in Oaxaca shares some of the basics of dishes elsewhere in Mexico, while also adopting influences that come from the strong indigenous heritage of the area as you’ll discover if you take a food tour of Oaxaca.
It’s this part of the country that sees chefs include chocolate in savory meals and insects such as roasted grasshoppers (chapulines) on Oaxaca pizza (tlayudas). From the markets where these ingredients are piled high to restaurants that have been serving up tamales to locals for decades, this – and Oaxaca’s seven moles (sauces) – shouldn’t be missed!
4. Join a cooking class on the Riviera Maya
Keen to make authentic tortillas on a comal griddle or cactus salad? This could be the experience for you. Situated among the sparkling waters of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the Riviera Maya is another destination that should be high on the list of food lovers.
Join a cooking class and you’ll learn the secrets to making Mexico’s top dishes watched over by an expert cook. The result will be a multi-course extravaganza which you’ll be able to tuck into while learning more about what makes Mexican cuisine so special!
Culinary experiences not to be missed
Few could doubt that Mexico is a fantastic destination for anyone who enjoys spending time in the kitchen. Follow our recommendations of the top culinary experiences in Mexico and you’ll return home with a renewed love and appreciation of Mexican cookery.
