5 Must-Try Street Foods in Mexico (Other Than Tacos)

From quick breakfasts to late-night snacks piled high with toppings, the realm of Mexican cuisine is incredibly diverse. Known as antojitos, these street foods are typically fast, savory, and easy to eat on the go. Many dishes are prepared at carts, griddles, or open grills that line the streets, although vendors also operate small eateries with just a few tables and a rapid turnover of customers.

Eager to dive into the vibrant world of Mexico‘s street food? Here are some popular dishes to seek out during your visit.

1. Tlayudas

When in Oaxaca, follow the lead of the locals. For food, that means hunting down the crispiest, topping-laden tlayudas. A tlayuda resembles a quesadilla but is crafted with thin, crunchy, char-grilled tortillas and generously layered with refried beans, lettuce, avocado, Oaxaca cheese, and shredded meat (typically chicken, beef, or pork). The magic of tlayudas also lies in the asiento, or pork lard, used in its preparation. Just keep in mind that when ordering a tlayuda, less is more—they can be as large as dinner plates and come packed with fillings.

Best Places to Enjoy Tlayudas in Mexico

You can find tlayudas throughout the state of Oaxaca, from the vibrant streets of Oaxaca City to charming fishing villages along the coast. A top recommendation is Comedor Maria Alejandra, nestled within the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where they serve open-faced tlayudas from a stall in the bustling central market.

Another fantastic choice is Mama Malu in Puerto Escondido, which began as a simple charcoal grill behind the Oxxo convenience store on Playa Zicatela. This brick-and-mortar restaurant now offers exceptional late-night tlayudas, along with other delightful dishes like tostadas and huaraches.

2. Huaraches

This masa (cornmeal) street snack is called “sandal” due to its elongated shape, reminiscent of traditional footwear. However, the comparison ends there: Huaraches are incredibly tasty, crafted from fried masa dough and generously topped with delicious ingredients like green or red salsa, onions, cilantro, ground beef (or any preferred meat), and a sprinkle of queso fresco.

Best Places to Enjoy Huaraches in Mexico

Huaraches can be found throughout Mexico, but the finest ones are reputedly in Mexico City.

El Huarache Azteca has been delighting customers with its delectable huaraches since 1935, claiming to be the originator of this popular street snack. Mexico City’s Tacos y Huaraches El Güero offers an extensive menu featuring various huaraches, along with tacos, quesadillas, and tortas.

3. Tamales

Tamales are arguably one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes and provide a perfect street snack that doubles as a complete meal. This portable dish traces its roots back to the pre-Hispanic era in Mesoamerica and is crafted from masa. The masa dough is filled with chicken, pork, or beef along with vegetables like peppers and onions, then wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk and steamed to perfection. In Mexico, tamales are traditionally made for national celebrations, such as Independence Day (September 16) or King’s Day (January 6).

Tamales can be found throughout the country, with a bewildering array of varieties. A traditional tamale is often filled with pork or chicken, but you’ll also find zacahuil, originating from Huasteca Potosina, which is made with chicken and slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven for approximately 10 hours. In Oaxaca, tamales are typically filled with mole and either pork or chicken, and topped with green or red sauce. There are even sweet tamales, which are usually pink and filled with pineapple.

Best Places to Enjoy Tamales in Mexico

Check out Tamales Doña Emi in Mexico City, renowned for offering both savory and sweet tamales.

4. Torta ahogada

In Mexico, the term torta refers to a wide variety of sandwiches. These generous, stuffed handheld treats are crafted from soft bolillos (similar to baguette bread), which are halved and filled with various meats, sauces, and other sandwich toppings.

On the other hand, the torta ahogada is a unique creation hailing from Jalisco. This filling street food features a combination of potato and chorizo, soaked generously in a light tomato sauce. It’s garnished with cabbage, sour cream, and cheese for added flavor.

Best Places to Savor Torta Ahogada in Mexico

Torta ahogadas are a must-try when in Jalisco, particularly in Guadalajara. Don't miss out on spots like Tortas Toño, which boasts a devoted following throughout the city. This popular eatery began as a street stall in Providencia and has now grown into a small empire with seven locations. Another great choice is Tortas Ahogadas Dany, which has been serving delicious tortas ahogadas from its street cart since 1988 on Calle Vidrio.

5. Camotes

A sharp, high-pitched whistle, reminiscent of a steam engine, announces the approach of a camote vendor. Camotes are essentially Mexican sweet potatoes, cooked in rolling carts that roam the city streets. These sweet potatoes are steamed to perfection in a metal cooker, with the whistle indicating the release of steam used to cook the tubers thoroughly. Served hot, they are often topped with condensed milk, cream, and a drizzle of strawberry jam.

Best Places to Enjoy Camotes in Mexico

Finding the top spots for camotes can be challenging, as vendors typically navigate the streets with their carts. However, they can be spotted all over Mexico—so keep your ears open for that signature whistle.