Corn, or maize, is a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine and has been cultivated in the region for thousands of years. It is used to make tortillas, tamales, and other traditional dishes. ¹⁾

Tacos are one of the most iconic Mexican dishes. They consist of a tortilla filled with various ingredients such as meat (like carne asada or al pastor), seafood, beans, vegetables, and salsa. ²⁾

Mole is a complex and flavorful sauce made from a combination of ingredients including chilies, spices, nuts, seeds, and chocolate. It is often served over meats and is famous in dishes like mole poblano. ³⁾

Guacamole is a popular Mexican dip made from mashed avocados, lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. It is often enjoyed with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and quesadillas. ⁴⁾

Chiles en Nogada is a traditional Mexican dish typically served during the patriotic celebrations of September. It consists of roasted poblano chilies stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, fruits, and spices, and topped with a walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. ⁵⁾

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made from masa (a dough made from corn), filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, or vegetables, wrapped in a corn husk, and steamed. ⁶⁾

Pozole is a hearty Mexican soup made from hominy (large white corn kernels), meat (usually pork), and seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, and other spices. It is often garnished with lettuce, radishes, avocado, and lime. ⁷⁾

Salsa is a fundamental element of Mexican cuisine. It is a sauce made from a mixture of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice. There are countless variations of salsa, ranging from mild to spicy. ⁸⁾

Churros are a popular Mexican dessert. They are deep-fried dough pastries that are often coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a chocolate dipping sauce. ⁹⁾

Ceviche is a refreshing seafood dish made by marinating raw fish or seafood in citrus juice (usually lime or lemon), along with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and chili peppers. The acid in the citrus juice “cooks” the fish. ¹⁰⁾

Enchiladas are tortillas filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, or beans, rolled up, and topped with a chili pepper sauce. They are often baked and served with garnishes like sour cream and cheese. ¹¹⁾

Tostadas are crispy tortillas topped with a variety of ingredients such as beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. They are often served as appetizers or as a light meal. ¹²⁾

Horchata is a popular Mexican drink made from ground rice or other grains (such as almonds), sweetened with sugar, and flavored with cinnamon and vanilla. It is a refreshing and creamy beverage. ¹³⁾

Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish that involves slow-cooking meat (usually beef, lamb, or goat) until it is tender and flavorful. It is often served in tacos or as a filling for tortas (Mexican sandwiches). ¹⁴⁾

Chapulines are toasted grasshoppers that are a traditional snack in certain regions of Mexico. They are often seasoned with chili, lime, and salt and are considered a crunchy and protein-rich delicacy. ¹⁵⁾