Gastronomes from all over the world agreed that Mexican food is one of the country´s biggest exports. Mexican food also ranks alongside the foods of Italy and France as one of the world’s most popular cuisines. Go just about anywhere these days, and it seems like you will find a Mexican restaurant selling burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. Even UNESCO decided in 2010 to add Mexican food to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Very few countries offer the culinary diversity and range of taste experiences Mexico does. Exploring Mexican cuisine is a journey in itself. But you probably wonder where to begin and the essential dishes you have to experience when visiting Mexico and its culture.

There are countless ways to enjoy Cabo San Lucas, such as diving into the Sea of Cortez, kayaking over the bay and its beautiful creatures, playing golf on one of the many exquisite courses that are bordered by the ocean and the desert, but the most authentic experience you could ever do, is trying the local cuisine because, as the saying goes, the best way to get to know a place is through its cuisine.

If you love good food, you should taste some of what Cabo San Lucas has to offer to you and your family. The city offers an almost limitless selection of delectable foods for all tastes and price ranges. Also, the local dining places, which serve everything from casual fare to local and delicious homemade food, will leave your palate with a wonderful flavor.

Let´s talk about the most delicious and traditional mexican dishes to try in Cabo when you visit us:

Tacos

They are very well known worldwide, these handsized, filled tortillas are another versatile dish suitable for any occasion. Although, good tacos can be found internationally, the general quality you will find in Mexico is always superior. The origin of the term Taco is shrouded in mystery, although it was almost certainly coined in Mexico. One amusing theory is that silver miners gave the wrap its name. 

There is a theory that goes that a taco was a “plug”, an explosive charge made of a paper wrapper stuffed with gunpowder. The folded tortilla we know and love looked similar to these charges and so they were branded with the name taco. Whether true or not, the name is a fitting one. For when tacos are prepared right, with hearty fillings and a lively sauce, they offer an explosion of taste in your palate.

For example, fish tacos; which can be made with everything from crab meat to cod or shrimp, fish tacos (tacos de pescado) are the perfect Mexican food for seaside locations. Built around whatever seafood is freshly available, the fish/shellfish is usually battered and fried, before being dressed in a cilantro ranch dressing and Pico de Gallo. The lightness of the fish, color of the lettuce or veggies, and zest of the dressing make this the ideal streetfood for summer and hot days spent by the sea in Cabo San Lucas.

Quesadillas

For the cheese lovers out there, quesadillas are the mexican food for you. Consisting of two whole tortillas with a layer of cheese sandwiched between them, quesadillas are then placed on a stove or griddle until the cheese has completely melted. 

The most commonly used cheese for Quesadillas is Oaxaca cheese, a stringy, salty cheese made from stretched curd. Quesadillas are then usually served with an accompanient of red and green salsa, or even guacamole. However, like so many mexican dishes, you will find innovations with the quesadilla among the different restaurants and locations, with meats and vegetables often being added. If you do not eat cheese at all, dairy free versions of Quesadilla can often be found, with vegetables acting as a substitute for the cheese. 

Enchiladas

The word enchilada, which comes from the Spanish word enchilar which means to season with chili pepper, first appeared in 1885. The tortilla used in enchiladas is typically coated in a chili-based sauce before being filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, meat, chicken, or seafood. It is then wrapped, baked, and topped with onions, beans, sauces, or additional cheese.

Tostadas

While not necessarily a Cabo specialty, this is a must-try mexican dish. You have probably heard about a tostada before, and if you haven´t, it is a fried tortilla and it can be combined with different ingredients such as chicken, fish, shrimp, meat, beans, etc. Cabo is a coastal city, so it should come as no surprise that its specialty is seafood. If you are ever in Cabo and feel like a tostada, you should definitely try one with fish or shrimp ceviche.

Mexico’s best food is a never ending journey and the truth be told, we could make this list several times longer. With any recommendations regarding the best of mexican food, you have to remember you will only ever be dipping your toes in the water.

Mexican food culture stretches back thousands of years and every single region has its own specialties and unique local produce. If you are a foodie planning a holiday in Mexico, you are making an excellent choice.

And if you will be looking for some outdoor fun while in Mexico, check out our Cabo Yummy Tours in Cabo San Lucas. Do not miss the opportunity to sample regional cuisine that can help you learn more about Cabo San Lucas. Discover Cabo through its mouth watering traditional food, and you will undoubtedly discover tastes that will entice you to come back again. Begin with planning your dream Cabo adventure today! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.