Classic Mexican Food Guide

Classic Mexican cuisine is well known for its rich flavours, bold spices and diverse dishes that cater to various tastes. The recipes for many Mexican dishes have been passed down and refined through generations, with culinary experiences playing a key role in Mexican culture and traditions.

If you’re just getting started on your journey of exploring Mexico’s culture through food, the wide range of ingredients and options might seem overwhelming. As hungry and excited as you may be to experiment with your next lunch order, choosing where to start might feel like a challenge.

In this guide, we will explore everything from the key ingredients used in Mexican cuisine to popular dishes and help you discover the best places to enjoy these dishes.

Essential Ingredients in Mexican Cuisine

Authentic Mexican food is bright and colourful, combining fragrant herbs, fresh produce and bold spices to create deep, intense flavours. Most Mexican dishes are inspired by the native flavours of Mexico, with influences from Spain, Europe, India and China.

Although the approach to making most dishes can vary greatly, here are some of the most popular Mexican ingredients:

1) Chilli Peppers

Indigenous to Mexico, chilli peppers have been an important pillar of Mexican cuisine for thousands of years. They can be used fresh, dried, powdered or smoked. From spicy jalapenos to anchos to serranos, many different types of peppers play an important role in building the distinctive flavour of various Mexican dishes. The type of chilli pepper used mainly depends on the dish being made and the desired level of spiciness.

Chilli peppers aren’t just added to incorporate spice–they are also used to add a distinctive flavour to soups, salsas, and salads.

2) Corn

Corn is the main source of grain in Mexico. It’s usually dried and ground up into a dough called masa, which is then used to make tortillas, tamales and soups. Corn is also used in other Mexican dishes such as soups, stews, tortilla chips and atole.

3) Avocado

Avocados, the main ingredient in classic dips like guacamole, are deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine. Avocados are also incorporated into soups, salads, toppings for fajitas and tacos and even in desserts! Avocado leaves are also used to add extra flavour to stews or ground up to create new types of sauces.

4) Tomatoes

What’s a Mexican meal without some fresh salsa? Tomatoes are at the heart of many Mexican dishes, and fresh raw tomatoes are the primary ingredient for salsas. Beyond that, tomatoes are often used as toppings for tacos and burritos, blended into stews, and cooked into rice dishes.

5) Beans

Various types of beans, such as pinto beans and black beans, are a central aspect of Mexican cuisine. They are typically used in dishes like refried beans, huevos rancheros, salads, burritos, and soups. They are also used as a filling or topping for dishes like enchiladas, fajitas and tacos.

Iconic Mexican Dishes

Are you ready to try some of the most beloved traditional dishes? Here is a list of the most iconic and popular Mexican foods you need to try:

1) Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that consists of a corn tortilla rolled around a filling such as meat, cheese, seafood, beans and vegetables. They are then covered in a flavorful chilli sauce, topped with melted cheese and then baked.

2) Fajitas

Fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish that consists of grilled meat like beef, chicken or shrimp served with onions and sautéed bell peppers. They are usually served on a hot, sizzling plate with tortillas and a choice of toppings.

3) Parrilladas

Picture a smoky, flavoured barbeque served with delicious toppings and sides. A parrilla is a combination of different meats like beef, chorizo, chicken and pork belly that are marinated and cooked over a grill. They are typically served as a communal dish in cast-iron pans.

4) Tacos

A classic Mexican street food, tacos are extremely popular for their simplicity and versatility. Tacos are a traditional dish that consists of a tortilla filled with various ingredients such as seasoned meats and fresh vegetables, topped with salsa and other dips. From classic street tacos made from soft tortillas to crispy crunch hard-shell tacos, there’s a taco for everyone.

5) Ceviche

Ceviche is a cold seafood dish where dried cubes of raw fish are marinated in a lemon or lime juice mixture, along with spices and seasonings. This dish is typically served with colourful seasonings like peppers, cilantro and onions.

Where to Enjoy Classic Mexican Food in Burwood

With time-honored ingredients and delightful recipes, classic Mexican cuisine offers a rich and flavourful experience that’s always worth savouring.

Looking for the best Mexican restaurant in Burwood? Rosa Mexicano in Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre packs authenticity and flavour into every item they serve. Their menu includes classic favourites like tacos and burritos as well as crowd-favourites like croquettes and empanadas.

Ready for the perfect day out? A meal at Rosa Mexicano and a shopping experience like no other at Burwood Brickworks is the best choice. From valuable offers to exciting events and activities, Burwood Brickworks has it all.

FAQs

1) What makes Mexican food so flavourful?

The distinctive and flavourful profile of Mexican food comes from a tactful combination of fresh ingredients and spices. Unlike other cuisines, classic Mexican cuisine relies on heavy seasoning and herbs like cumin, oregano and cilantro, along with a variety of dips.

2) What are the most authentic Mexican street foods to try?

If you’re looking for iconic and truly authentic Mexican street foods to try, you should explore tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas and fajitas.

3) What drinks pair well with Mexican food?

Mexican food pairs well with drinks like frozen margaritas, tequila or refreshing alcohol-free coolers.