Get to know Mexico

What is Mexican food?

We have a lot to thank Mexico for – not only did it give us chocolate and vanilla beans, but also tomatoes, avocado and lime. It's no wonder then that its dishes are fresh, flavourful and varied. From the soups in the mountains to the seafood dishes on the coast, this is a cuisine that is full of regional speciality.

Of all the ingredients, it's probably the chilli that garners the most fame. However, the beauty of making Mexican food at home is that it doesn't need to be hot and you can easily control the chilli content. Here are some of its most-loved dishes, ranging from its creamy guacamole to its spicy enchiladas. Take an adventure through them all and on the way you'll discover one of the world's most ancient cuisines that it is sure to add zing to your cooking.

Guacamole

Translated from the Aztec language to mean 'avocado' (guac) 'sauce' (mole) this is one of the country's oldest accompaniments. Traditionally paired with chilli, lime and coriander, you can also add tomato and onion for even more flavour.

Salsas

Much more than just a dip or simple side dish, a salsa can add a flavourful punch to any meal. Ditch the bottled stuff and try making your own from chillies, tomatoes, fresh cut herbs and a dash of lime. Whether spicy or refreshing, filled with fruit or served as a dip, we've got all the best salsa recipes here.

Tortillas

This Mexican unleavened bread is made of a special corn flour, known as masa, and is eaten throughout the country, from the big cities to the tiniest pueblos. Outside of Mexico it is common to find it made from wheat flour. Tortillas are cooked on the griddle and are served as a side or used to make burritos, tacos and other Mexican treats.

Burritos

These northern Mexican treats are made by piling fillings into a tortilla and folding it up to make a pocket. They are then fried in a hot pan to make them toasty on the outside.

Enchiladas

The ultimate comfort food! Meat and vegetables are bathed in hot sauces, wrapped in tortillas, sprinkled with cheese and baked in the oven until piping hot. This dish has a long history, with evidence showing it originated from the Mayans on the Yucatan Peninsular. Today, it is one of Mexico's favourite exports, enjoyed both nationally and internationally.

Quesadillas

The Mexican version of a toasted sandwich. Fresh corn tortillas are stuffed with cheese and a whole host of other fillings and fried in a hot pan. Experiment with flavour combinations or stick to the classic flavours of tomato, avocado, coriander and red onion.

Nachos

One of Mexico's most loved dishes is actually not Mexican at all! This North American dish hails from Texas, close to the Mexican border, where Mexican favourites – beans, guacamole, salsa – are mixed with toasted tortilla chips to great effect.

Tacos

Mexican tacos are soft, not crispy, and made from a hot tortilla piled with fillings. Tacos have a long history, dating back to the Aztecs, but its name was given by the Spanish who quickly fell in love with this Mexican snack. Tacos are Mexico's ultimate street food and they're usually eaten standing up!