Food
Discovering the Best of Mexican Street Food
Mexico’s traditional dishes, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2010, are celebrated for their exquisite flavors and deep connection to the country’s history and culture.
Mexican cuisine has again topped the renowned Taste Atlas rankings, one of the most famous and respected global platforms for evaluating culinary experiences.
In 2024’s rankings, Mexico dominated the list of the top 100 street food destinations worldwide, with an impressive array of traditional dishes earning spots among the best.
From tacos and quesadillas to tamales, the country’s street food scene continues to captivate food lovers from around the globe. Keep reading and find out some of the Mexican dishes that made it to the Taste Atlas rankings, showcasing why Mexico is a must-visit destination for foodies:
Tacos
One of Mexico’s most famous dishes, tacos come in different forms, with each region offering its unique twist.
Whether you prefer tacos “al pastor”—marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served with fruits and onions—or “de carnitas,” made with delicious tender pork, you can find these varieties at almost any street corner in Mexico.
Cities like Mexico City (DF) and Guadalajara are known for their street taco stands, where you can savor authentic flavors cheaply. The best food tour in Mexico DF includes stops at these famous taco stands, offering a chance to try a variety of tacos while learning about the ingredients and traditions behind each one.
Most food tours in Mexico DF start at Taquería El Califa de León, a famous spot for authentic Mexican tacos. Located in the San Rafael neighborhood, this tiny taco stand has earned a huge reputation for serving some of the best tacos in town. In fact, it was awarded a star in the first-ever Michelin Guide Mexico, published this year.
Carnitas de Michoacán
Carnitas (translated as little meats), slow-cooked pork (usually front sections or the shoulder) typically served in tortillas with guacamole, is a specialty of the Mexican state of Michoacán.
This succulent dish is renowned for its juicy meat, often seasoned with herbs, limes, and spices. Mexicans have perfected the art of preparing this dish over generations. It is usually made for special occasions or festivities such as birthdays, Christmas, or New Year’s.
Tacos de Carne Asada
Another street food favorite, “tacos de carne asada,” which translates to “grilled beef tacos,” features flank steak cut in thin pieces. It is usually marinated with lime and aromatic spices before being seared over an open flame.
These tacos are trendy in cities like Tijuana and Monterrey. They’re often topped with fresh salsa, onions, guacamole, chili, and lime.
Gringas Asadas
A type of quesadilla, gringas consist of flour tortillas filled with al pastor meat (marinated grilled pork), pineapple, and melted cheese.
This dish combines traditional Mexican flavors with the influence of American cuisine, where flour tortillas are more commonly used. The tortillas are usually folded in half and eaten like average tacos.
Gringas can be found at quesadillas stands across Mexico, but they’re trendy in northern cities like Monterrey or Tijuana.
Esquites and Elotes
Esquites and elotes are trendy choices for a quick bite. These corn-based snacks, often topped with lime, chili powder, cheese, and mayo, can be found throughout Mexico, from the bustling streets of Mexico City to small towns like Puebla.
They offer a delicious, savory treat perfect for enjoying on the go. Whether walking through local markets or relaxing in a plaza, these snacks capture the essence of traditional Mexican street food.
Cochinita Pibil
Cochinita Pibil is a traditional dish from the Yucatán Peninsula. It consists of smoky slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus juices and a unique mix of herbs, such as cinnamon, allspice, and achiote seed.
Traditionally cooked in an underground pit or oven, this earthy-flavor dish is usually served in tacos. If you’re traveling through Cancun or Playa del Carmen, try Cochinita Pibil at one of the local markets or family-run restaurants.
Antojitos
Mexico’s street food is also known for its wide variety of “little cravings” (known as “Antojitos” in Spanish). Antojitos include Tamales, Tostadas, Sopas, Gorditas, Quesadillas and Chilaques. Most of these dishes are made with corn tortillas and are part of the daily food repertoire throughout the country, especially in cities like Oaxaca and Puebla.
As you can see, Mexican street food offers an endless variety of delicious dishes that can be enjoyed on different occasions—during specific celebrations, as a traditional Sunday breakfast, or as a snack on a day out.
Thanks to its rich flavors and textures, it continues to earn international recognition, as shown in its performance in the Taste Atlas rankings.
So, whether you’re craving tacos al pastor, tamales, or gringas, Mexico’s culinary offerings will surely delight every food lover. A trip to Mexico is complete with exploring the countless street food stands serving up some of the world’s best flavors.