Traditional Mexican food is a diverse, culturally rich cuisine with strong indigenous roots made more colorful by infusions of foreign ingredients and cooking techniques. This is one of the first two cuisines to receive Intangible Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO in 2010.

Mexico’s earliest settlers were native Aztecs and other ancient cultures, whose diets were largely based on corn, chile peppers, beans and squashes. The arrival of the Spanish brought new livestock, meats and dairy products as well as various spices and methods of cooking which helped develop Mexico’s unique flavor profile.

The Spanish also brought their own food traditions, such as adobo and other vinegar-based dishes which became common throughout the country. These ingredients are still key to the cuisine and are often used in conjunction with other Mexican staples like chiles, rice and garlic.

In addition to the foods brought by the Spanish, many other cultures contributed to Mexico’s cuisine, most notably Asia and Africa. These influences are reflected in the variety of regional cuisines and include everything from spicy Tex-Mex to coastal seafood.

Vegetables are a big part of traditional Mexican food with vegetables such as zucchini, cauliflower, corn and potato being staples. They can be steamed, roasted or raw and they are usually served with a side of guacamole or salsa.

Pork is a popular protein in the cuisine and it is used to make tacos, tamales, fajitas and other meat dishes. It is often slow-cooked with a combination of herbs and spices to make it tender and flavorful.

Beef is another important protein in the cuisine and it is commonly used in a wide variety of dishes, including taquitos. It is also a main ingredient in a variety of stews, such as caldo de menudo (tripe soup).

Chocolate is another important component in the diet. It is widely eaten for breakfast and comes in a variety of forms, including pan dulce and frothed.

Sweet breads are a major part of the desserts in the cuisine and they often have a distinctive taste. These include pan de chocolota, pan de maiz, and pan dulce.

Torta is a type of sandwich that is commonly found on the street in Mexican cities and is essentially a grilled or fried tortilla filled with meat or veggies. It is typically made with a bolillo or telera (two of the most iconic Mexican breads) and it can be eaten hot or cold.

Enmoladas is a classic dish that hails from Oaxaca and consists of a rolled corn tortilla that’s filled with shredded chicken and cotija cheese, then bathed in black mole. It is then topped with sesame seeds and crumbled cheese.

Tamales are another traditional food that is often found on the streets of Mexico. These are stuffed with different fillings such as chicken, beef or chorizo and topped with red or green hot sauce and fresh cheese.

Mexican desserts are among the most popular in the world. These can be made in a variety of ways such as with sugar, milk and butter or with a whipped egg mixture. They are sometimes garnished with fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon.