Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ixtapaluca, México, Mexico

Ixtapaluca, Mexico, Ixtapaluca, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ixtapaluca, México, Mexico

1. Tlayudas de Ixtapaluca

Giant corn tortilla smothered in beans, Oaxaca cheese, and your choice of meat or vegetables. A local specialty not to be missed.
  • Giant Size: Tlayudas are larger than typical tacos or quesadillas.
  • Versatile Fillings: Tlayudas can be customized with various meats and vegetables.
  • Unique Taste: The combination of flavors is unique to Ixtapaluca.

2. Huitlacoche Quesadilla

Corn smothered in a creamy sauce and cooked inside a corn husk until tender, then stuffed into a quesadilla.
  • Unique Ingredient: Huitlacoche is a delicacy made from the corn fungus found in Mexico.
  • Creamy Texture: The filling inside the quesadilla has a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Versatile Dish: Huitlacoche can be found in various dishes across Mexico, but Ixtapaluca offers a unique twist on the quesadilla.

3. Memelas con Frijoles

Thick fried corn tortillas topped with refried beans and your choice of salsa or cheese.
  • Thick Tortilla: Memelas have a thicker texture than traditional tortillas.
  • Refried Beans: The refried beans add a rich, creamy flavor to the dish.
  • Local Twist: Memelas are a popular street food in Ixtapaluca.

4. Tlacoyos de Ixtapaluca

Corn dough stuffed with fava beans and cheese, then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed.
  • Fava Beans: Fava beans are an important ingredient in many Mexican dishes but are especially prominent in Ixtapaluca's tlacoyos.
  • Steamed Preparation: Tlacoyos are steamed rather than fried, resulting in a different texture compared to other similar dishes.
  • Authentic Experience: Visiting a local market to buy fresh tlacoyos is an authentic Mexican experience.

5. Gorditas de Ixtapaluca

Small, puffy corn pockets filled with your choice of ingredients such as beans, cheese, or meat.
  • Soft Pockets: Gorditas have a soft, chewy texture.
  • Versatile Fillings: Gorditas can be filled with various ingredients catering to different taste preferences.
  • Local Flavor: Ixtapaluca's gorditas are known for their rich, authentic flavor.

6. Barbacoa de Borrego

Slow-cooked lamb served in a large leaf wrapped with steamed corn, onions, and cilantro.
  • Slow-Cooked: Barbacoa is cooked slowly for several hours to achieve a tender texture.
  • Authentic Preparation: The traditional method of cooking barbacoa in an underground oven adds to its unique flavor.
  • Community Event: Barbacoa is often prepared and enjoyed during special occasions or celebrations in Ixtapaluca.

7. Tacos de Trompeta

Grilled corn-on-the-cob topped with cheese, mayonnaise, and chili powder.
  • Unique Ingredient: Trompeta is a variety of Mexican corn that is larger and sweeter than regular corn.
  • Grilled Preparation: The corn is grilled, which adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
  • Quick Snack: Tacos de trompeta are a convenient, easy-to-eat snack while exploring Ixtapaluca.

8. Pozole Rojo

Soup made with hominy, meat, and red chili pepper broth.
  • Hominy Ingredient: Hominy is a type of corn that has been treated to remove the hard outer shell.
  • Red Chili Pepper Broth: The red chili pepper broth gives Pozole Rojo its signature spicy flavor.
  • Authentic Experience: Enjoying pozole rojo in Ixtapaluca is a must for any Mexican food enthusiast.

9. Chiles en Nogada

Poblano peppers filled with picadillo (meat and fruit mixture), covered in walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds.
  • Unique Presentation: Chiles en nogada are known for their colorful presentation, symbolizing the Mexican flag.
  • Fruit and Meat Mixture: The picadillo filling consists of a unique combination of fruits and meats.
  • Seasonal Dish: Chiles en nogada are traditionally served during the Mexican Independence Day celebration.

10. Enchiladas Verdes

Tortillas filled with chicken or pork and covered in green tomatillo sauce.
  • Green Sauce: The green sauce used in enchiladas verdes is made from tomatillos, giving it a tangy flavor.
  • Chicken or Pork Filling: Enchiladas verdes can be filled with either chicken or pork, depending on preference.
  • Regional Dish: Enchiladas verdes are a popular dish in the Puebla region of Mexico, including Ixtapaluca.

11. Tamales de Ixtapaluca

Corn dough steamed in a corn husk and filled with your choice of filling such as pork or vegetables.
  • Corn Husk Wrapping: Tamales are wrapped in corn husks, giving them a unique texture and flavor.
  • Variety of Fillings: Tamales can be filled with various ingredients, catering to different taste preferences.
  • Authentic Experience: Visiting a local market in Ixtapaluca to buy fresh tamales is an authentic Mexican experience.

12. Cemitas de Ixtapaluca

Sandwich made with a sesame seed bun, filled with your choice of meat or cheese, avocado, and chipotle sauce.
  • Unique Bread: The sesame seed bun used in cemitas is larger and denser than regular sandwich bread.
  • Versatile Fillings: Cemitas can be filled with various meats or cheeses, catering to different taste preferences.
  • Spicy Sauce: The chipotle sauce adds a spicy kick to the sandwich.

13. Mole Poblano

Rich, chocolatey sauce made with multiple ingredients including chilies, spices, and nuts.
  • Complex Flavor Profile: Mole Poblano has a complex flavor profile due to the various ingredients used.
  • Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Mole Poblano is considered one of Mexico's national dishes.
  • Versatile Dish: Mole Poblano can be served with various meats or as a sauce for enchiladas.

14. Tostadas de Ixtapaluca

Fried corn tortillas topped with refried beans, shredded lettuce, avocado, and your choice of meat or cheese.
  • Crispy Tortilla: The fried tortilla base for tostadas is crispy and holds up well under the various toppings.
  • Versatile Toppings: Tostadas can be customized with various ingredients, catering to different taste preferences.
  • Local Flavor: Ixtapaluca's tostadas are known for their rich, authentic flavor.

15. Queso de Bola Relleno

Hard Mexican cheese hollowed out and filled with various ingredients such as picadillo or refried beans.
  • Unique Preparation: The hard Mexican cheese is hollowed out and filled, making for a fun and tasty dish.
  • Versatile Fillings: Queso de bola relleno can be filled with various ingredients catering to different taste preferences.
  • Regional Dish: Queso de bola relleno is a popular dish in the Puebla region of Mexico, including Ixtapaluca.