Top 9 Mexican Street Foods List – Must To try
Mexican street food is vibrant, flavorful, and an essential part of the country’s culture. From crispy tacos to spicy elites, these dishes are more than just food; they tell the story of Mexico’s rich history and diverse regions. Here, we’ll explore the must-try street foods in Mexico, their flavors, and what makes each one special.
| Mexican Street Foods list | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1. Tacos | Variety of tortillas filled with meats, fish, or vegetables. |
| 2. Elote & Esquites | Grilled corn on the cob or in a cup, topped with cheese, mayo, and chili powder. |
| 3. Tamales | Corn dough steamed in corn husks, filled with meats or sweet fillings. |
| 4. Quesadillas | Tortillas stuffed with cheese and other ingredients, then grilled or fried. |
| 5. Churros | Fried dough coated with cinnamon sugar, sometimes filled with chocolate or caramel. |
| 6. Tostadas | Crispy tortillas topped with beans, meats, and fresh toppings like avocado. |
| 7. Gorditas | Thick tortillas stuffed with savory fillings like pork cracklings or beans. |
| 8. Sopes | Thick corn tortillas with raised edges, topped with beans, meats, and salsa. |
| 9. Tlayudas | Large crispy tortillas topped with beans, meats, cheese, and avocado. |
1. Tacos
Tacos are the king of Mexican street food. There are endless varieties, but they all have one thing in common: they are delicious.
| Type of Taco | Ingredients | Unique Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Tacos al Pastor | Marinated pork, pineapple, onions | Sweet, smoky |
| Tacos de Barbacoa | Slow-cooked beef, cilantro, lime | Rich, juicy |
| Tacos de Carnitas | Fried pork, salsa, pickled onions | Crunchy, savory |
| Tacos de Pescado | Grilled fish, cabbage, lime, mayo sauce | Fresh, tangy |
How They’re Made
Tacos al pastor, for example, is made by cooking marinated pork on a vertical spit, similar to shawarma. The pineapple adds a sweet touch, while the salsa gives it heat. Tacos de carnitas are made by frying pork until it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Why You Should Try Them
Each taco offers a different taste experience. Whether you love meat, fish, or something crispy, there’s a taco for you.
2. Elote and Esquites
Elote is grilled corn on the cob, and esquites are its off-the-cob version.
| Type | Description | Toppings |
|---|---|---|
| Elote | Grilled corn on a stick | Mayo, cheese, chili powder |
| Esquites | Corn kernels in a cup | Lime, crema, hot sauce |
How They’re Made
The corn is usually grilled until it’s slightly charred, then smothered in a mix of mayo, cheese, lime, and chili powder. Esquites are made by cooking the corn kernels and then serving them in a cup, topped with creamy and spicy sauces.
Why You Should Try Them
Elote and esquites are the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and spicy. The flavors of grilled corn combined with tangy lime and spicy chili are a mouthwatering delight.
3. Tamales
Tamales are corn dough stuffed with various fillings, then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed.
| Type of Tamale | Fillings | Taste |
|---|---|---|
| Tamal Verde | Chicken in green salsa | Mild, tangy |
| Tamal Rojo | Pork in red chili sauce | Spicy, savory |
| Sweet Tamal | Fruit, raisins, or chocolate | Sweet, dessert-like |
How They’re Made
Tamales are made from masa dough, filled with meats, cheese, or sweet fillings, and then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves to steam. The steaming process gives them a soft, almost fluffy texture.
Why You Should Try Them
Tamales are not only filling, but they also offer a wide range of flavor profiles. Whether you prefer spicy or sweet, tamales have something for everyone.
4. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients, then grilled or fried.
| Type | Fillings | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Quesadilla | Cheese only | Creamy, mild |
| Mushroom Quesadilla | Mushrooms, cheese | Earthy, savory |
| Huitlacoche Quesadilla | Corn fungus, cheese | Unique, earthy |
How They’re Made
Quesadillas are made by filling a corn or flour tortilla with cheese and other ingredients, and then cooking it on a griddle until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Why You Should Try Them
Quesadillas are simple, but they’re packed with flavor. The combination of melted cheese and other fillings creates a savory, gooey bite every time.
5. Churros
Churros are fried dough pastries coated in sugar and cinnamon.
| Type | Description | Dipping Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Churro | Fried dough with cinnamon sugar | No sauce needed |
| Filled Churro | Churros filled with chocolate or caramel | Chocolate or caramel |
How They’re Made
Churros are made by piping dough into hot oil, and then frying until golden and crispy. After frying, they are rolled in cinnamon sugar.
Why You Should Try Them
Churros are the perfect sweet snack. Their crispy outside and soft inside make them irresistible. Pair them with a chocolate dipping sauce for an extra treat.
6. Tostadas
Tostadas are crispy tortillas topped with various ingredients, similar to an open-faced taco.
| Type of Tostada | Toppings | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Tostada de Ceviche | Fresh fish, lime, avocado, cilantro | Light, tangy |
| Tostada de Pollo | Shredded chicken, lettuce, sour cream | Savory, crunchy |
| Tostada de Frijoles | Refried beans, cheese, salsa | Hearty, rich |
How They’re Made
Tostadas start with a fried tortilla base. Then, they’re topped with ingredients like beans, meat, seafood, or vegetables.
Why You Should Try Them
Tostadas are a great combination of crunch and flavor. Each bite offers a balance of crispy tortilla and the freshness of toppings like avocado and salsa.
7. Gorditas
Gorditas are thick tortillas stuffed with a variety of fillings.
| Type of Gordita | Fillings | Taste |
|---|---|---|
| Gordita de Chicharrón | Pork cracklings, salsa | Crunchy, savory |
| Gordita de Frijoles | Refried beans, cheese | Rich, creamy |
| Gordita de Pollo | Shredded chicken, salsa | Tender, flavorful |
How They’re Made
Gorditas are made by forming thick rounds of masa dough, cooking them on a griddle, then slicing them open to stuff with fillings.
Why You Should Try Them
Gorditas offer a satisfying, filling meal in just a few bites. The soft masa combined with savory fillings creates a comforting, hearty snack.
8. Sopes
Sopes are thick corn tortillas with a raised edge, topped with beans, meat, and other ingredients.
| Type of Sope | Toppings | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Sope de Carne | Grilled meat, lettuce, sour cream | Savory, hearty |
| Sope de Frijoles | Refried beans, cheese, salsa | Creamy, spicy |
| Sope de Pollo | Shredded chicken, salsa verde | Tangy, flavorful |
How They’re Made
Sopes are made by forming thick corn tortillas, creating a rim around the edge to hold the toppings, and then frying them until crispy. They are then topped with beans, meat, and sauces.
Why You Should Try Them
Sopes are packed with flavor and texture. The crispy base holds up well to the toppings, creating a satisfying bite every time.
9. Tlayudas
Tlayudas are often called Oaxacan pizzas. They are large, crispy tortillas topped with beans, meat, cheese, and avocado.
| Type of Tlayuda | Toppings | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Tlayuda de Carne Asada | Grilled steak, beans, avocado | Rich, smoky |
| Tlayuda de Pollo | Shredded chicken, cheese, salsa | Savory, tangy |
How They’re Made
Tlayudas are made using large, crispy tortillas topped with a
