Cuisines of the World Part One
~ Mexico ~
By: Adrienne White
Date: Spring 2025
Cuisine isn’t simply food. It isn’t just the thing you have to put into your body for fuel, and it should never be a chore or something you dread. Cuisine is an experience, life-changing in itself. This experience can vary not only from person to person, but from place to place. So, over the span of this series we will be taking a deep dive into the diverse cookery around the world.
Mexico. Commonly overshadowed by the larger, more commercially advertised part of North America– The United States –it is a lively, thriving country blessed with some of the most unique dishes in the world. In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain and became just the start of the place it is today. Known for its rugged mountains, deserts, and low coastal plain, its entire geography stands out from most other countries. Not only do its incredible landscapes make it unique, but its distinctive and recognizable cooking. In this issue of the Cuisines of the World series, we will be diving into just some of the many types of unforgettable Mexican cuisine.
Traditional Mexican cuisine’s earliest roots lie in Mesoamerica, dating back to 7200 BC. Staple flavors include ingredients such as corn, turkey, beans, squash, chia, avocados, tomatoes, tomatillos, and cacao. Another common basis among Mexican Cuisine is their heavy reliance on spices. Anything from Cumin to Chili Powder can easily enhance any traditional dish. Speaking of traditional dishes, Tacos, Burritos and Enchiladas are among many of the popularized dishes in Mexican culture. While these are certainly traditional, Mexican cuisine has many lesser-known foods such as Tamales, Adobo, and the classic breakfast Huevos Rancheros. Popular desserts include the fried, cinnamon and sugared churros, and drinks such as the warm and creamy Horchata. A wide variety of spicy, eclectic, and overall unique foods hold much Mexican Heritage.
A common, more westernized type of Mexican cooking is called Tex-Mex. Both the name and the flavors are derived from traditional Mexican and Texas food. It originates from the culinary creations of Texas Creoles — also known as the Tejano people. Found in the southwest, it is mostly known for its heavy use of shredded cheese, beans, meat (mostly chicken, beef, and pork), chili peppers, and spices. A main difference between Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican food is also its heavy usage of flour tortillas, the more Americanized flatbread. The most frequently discussed Tex-Mex dishes are chili without beans (chili con carne), along with fajitas, which is stripped grilled meat and vegetables served in a flour tortilla. Overall, Tex-Mex is a fusion of the most unique flavors from both Texas and Mexico.
If you are not fond of the blend between Texas and Mexico, a good alternative could be found in the Northern Mexico state of Baja California. Frequently mistaken for a part of California, Baja is actually the world’s second-longest peninsula. Baja Med cuisine is a remarkable blend between Mexican foods such as Cotija cheese with those of the Mediterranean, such as olive oil, and Asian cuisine, such as lemongrass. What ties this all together is the use of Baja’s fresh seafood caught locally, turned into dishes such as fish tacos, shrimp, and risotto. This coastal take on Mexican cuisine is an alternative to tradition, but delicious nonetheless.
The final, possibly most culturally impactful type of Mexican cuisine is the wide variety of street food. Found in carts, stalls, food trucks, and practically all over the streets of Mexico, it is no secret that rich flavor and culture is packed into each dish. City restaurant owners, business owners, and residents come together to hold a gathering, connecting anyone from locals to tourists through the power of food. Dishes such as the cheesy, spiced corn on the cob referred to as Elote or tacos made with fish, birria, and other meats are quite popular options. But no matter what you decide, each bite will be brimming with Mexican lifestyle.
In summary, Mexican cuisine has a large spectrum of creative flavor and exquisite taste. If you haven’t had a chance to experience the depth of these flavors, I would recommend taking a cuisine course, eating at a local traditional Mexican restaurant, or even making your own replications of these foods from scratch. Anyone and everyone should be exposed to this immense display of culture, and hopefully, someday everybody will be.
Sources:
TEX MEX-
https://www.seriouseats.com/essential-tex-mex-dishes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tex-Mex
TRADITIONAL-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_cuisine
PRODUCE AND STREET-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesoamerican_cuisine
BAJA MED-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baja_Med