Moving to Mexico: The Ultimate Guide for American Expats (Chapter 1 – Why Move to Mexico)

Culinary Delights

Mexican cuisine is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. From street tacos to gourmet mole sauces, the country’s culinary offerings are diverse and flavorful.

Mexican cuisine is one of the oldest in the world, with origins tracing back to ancient civilizations like the Aztecs, Mayans, and Zapotecs. These indigenous peoples developed complex agricultural systems, cultivating staples such as maize (corn), beans, chili peppers, and squash—ingredients that remain fundamental to Mexican cooking today.

UNESCO’s recognition underscores the importance of traditional Mexican cuisine as an integral part of cultural identity and community life. The designation focuses on the “ancestral, ongoing community culture” that encompasses farming, ritual practices, age-old skills, culinary techniques, and ancestral customs.

Try Street Food: Don’t miss out on street vendors offering tacos, tamales, elotes, and quesadillas. Street food is a staple of Mexican cuisine and provides an authentic taste of local flavors.

Visit Local Markets: Explore traditional markets (mercados) to sample fresh produce, regional specialties, and homemade dishes. Markets are great places to experience the diversity of Mexican food.

Sample Regional Specialties: Each region in Mexico has its unique dishes. Try Oaxacan mole, Yucatecan cochinita pibil, or Puebla’s chiles en nogada to appreciate the country’s culinary variety.

Attend Food Festivals: Participate in local food festivals and fairs to taste a wide array of dishes and learn about Mexican culinary traditions.

Take a Cooking Class: Enroll in a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Mexican recipes and understand the ingredients and techniques used.

Explore Fine Dining: Mexico boasts world-renowned restaurants and chefs. Visit acclaimed establishments to experience modern and innovative interpretations of Mexican cuisine.

Pair with Traditional Beverages: Complement your meals with traditional drinks like tequila, mezcal, aguas frescas, or Mexican hot chocolate.

Learn Basic Spanish Food Terms: Familiarize yourself with common Spanish phrases and food vocabulary to navigate menus and communicate with locals more effectively.

Be Adventurous: Try new and unfamiliar dishes such as chapulines (grasshoppers), huitlacoche (corn fungus), or escamoles (ant larvae) for a unique culinary experience.

Respect Dining Customs: Embrace local dining etiquette, which may include sharing dishes, leisurely meals, and late dining hours.