Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ciudad López Mateos, México, Mexico
1. Tlacoyos de Huajiralco
A traditional Oaxaca dish made of masa filled with refried beans, cheese, and meat or vegetable salsa. Try them at Huajiralco Market.
- Unique Ingredients: Features locally-sourced ingredients like Oaxaca cheese and Huajiralco's special salsas.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy this dish at the bustling Huajiralco Market, a local institution since 1957.
- Variety of Fillings: Choose from various fillings such as tlacoyo de frijol, tlacoyo de huitlacoche, or tlacoyo de carne.
2. Barbacoa de Borrego
Slow-cooked goat wrapped in maguey leaves and served with corn tortillas, cactus pads, onions, and salsa. Try it at El Rancho de los Sabores.
- Cooking Technique: The unique slow-cooking method using maguey leaves imparts a smoky, earthy flavor to the dish.
- Local Flavor: A traditional Zapotec dish that showcases the rich flavors of the region.
- Cultural Significance: Barbacoa de borrego is often prepared on special occasions and has cultural significance for locals.
3. Memelas con Frijoles Rojos
Thick corn tortillas topped with refried beans, salsa roja, cheese, and optional toppings such as avocado or chicharrón. Try them at El Tacoteco.
- Thick Tortillas: Memelas are thicker than regular tortillas, making them perfect for toppings.
- Salsa Roja: The dish is enhanced by the use of tangy and spicy salsa roja made from tomatoes, chiles, and herbs.
- Versatile Dish: Customize your memelas with a variety of toppings to suit your taste preferences.
4. Tlayudas de Xocoatl
Oversized tortilla filled with beans, cheese, meats, and various toppings like avocado, lettuce, and salsa. Try them at Tlayuda Elena.
- Size: Tlayudas are large, making them a filling meal in themselves.
- Local Twist: Xocoatl sauce, made from chocolate and chiles, adds a unique, rich flavor to the dish.
- Customization: Choose from various proteins, cheeses, and toppings to create your perfect tlayuda.
5. Chiles en Nogada
Poblano peppers stuffed with picadillo (a mixture of meats and fruits) and covered in walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. Try them at La Casita de Don Rodrigo.
- Historical Significance: The dish was created in the early 19th century to honor Mexico's Independence.
- Colorful Presentation: The green, white, and red colors of the dish represent the Mexican flag.
- Complex Flavors: Combines sweet, savory, and tart flavors for a unique taste experience.
6. Pozole Verde
A hearty soup made with hominy, shredded chicken, vegetables, and topped with radishes, lime, lettuce, and tortilla strips. Try it at El Pozolero.
- Hominy: The use of hominy, a corn variety that has been treated with an alkaline solution, gives the soup a unique texture.
- Green Broth: The vibrant green broth is made from tomatillos and green chiles.
- Versatile Toppings: Add your preferred toppings to customize the flavor profile of your pozole verde.
7. Tacos de Tinga de Pollo
Shredded chicken in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce served on corn tortillas. Try them at Taqueria el Gallito.
- Smoky Flavor: The tinga de pollo sauce is made with chipotle peppers, imparting a smoky flavor to the dish.
- Versatile Tacos: Tacos can be easily customized with additional toppings such as avocado, onions, and cilantro.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy this dish at a local taqueria known for its delicious tacos.
8. Sopa de Aguas Frescas
A refreshing fruit soup made with fresh fruits and water. Try it at La Casita de Don Rodrigo.
- Refreshing Summer Drink: Perfect for cooling off during the hot Mexican summer.
- Fresh Fruits: Made with seasonal fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew.
- Variety of Flavors: Several fruit flavors can be combined to create a unique taste experience.
9. Gorditas de Papa
Corn dough pockets filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, and sour cream. Try them at El Tacoteco.
- Soft Dough: The soft corn dough casing makes for an enjoyable bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Featuring just a few key ingredients, this dish allows the flavors to shine through.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your gorditas with additional toppings like chicharrón or salsa.
10. Tamales de Mole Negro
Corn husk-steamed tamales filled with shredded meat and a rich mole negro sauce. Try them at El Tamalero.
- Rich Sauce: The mole negro sauce is made from a blend of chiles, spices, and chocolate for a complex flavor.
- Corn Husk Wrapping: The tamales are traditionally wrapped in corn husks, which add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy this traditional dish at a local taquería or market.
11. Huevos Rancheros
Fried eggs served on corn tortillas with refried beans, salsa, and avocado. Try them at El Tacoteco.
- Breakfast Staple: A popular Mexican breakfast dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: Can be customized with additional toppings like chorizo or cheese.
- Spicy Salsa: The dish is enhanced by the use of spicy salsa made from tomatoes, chiles, and herbs.
12. Aguas Frescas de Sandia
Refreshing watermelon drink made by blending watermelon with sugar and water. Try it at La Casita de Don Rodrigo.
- Refreshing Summer Drink: Perfect for cooling off during the hot Mexican summer.
- Fresh Watermelon: Made with ripe, juicy watermelons for the best taste.
- Sweet and Refreshing: The sweetness of the watermelon is balanced by the addition of sugar and water.
13. Chiles en Adobo
Pot roasted peppers in a savory adobo sauce made with garlic, vinegar, and spices. Try them at El Rancho de los Sabores.
- Savory Sauce: The tangy and savory adobo sauce gives the dish a unique flavor.
- Versatile Side Dish: Can be served as a side dish or added to other dishes for extra flavor.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy this traditional dish at a local restaurant or market.
14. Empanadas de Platano
Sweet plantain pastries filled with coconut, sugar, and spices. Try them at El Panadero.
- Soft Plantains: The sweetness of the plantains is enhanced by the addition of coconut and spices.
- Traditional Pastry: A traditional Mexican pastry enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
- Unique Flavors: The combination of plantains, coconut, and spices creates a unique flavor profile.
15. Pozole Rojo
A hearty soup made with hominy, shredded chicken, vegetables, and topped with radishes, lime, lettuce, and tortilla strips. Try it at El Pozolero.
- Hominy: The use of hominy, a corn variety that has been treated with an alkaline solution, gives the soup a unique texture.
- Red Broth: The vibrant red broth is made from tomatoes, chiles, and spices.
- Versatile Toppings: Add your preferred toppings to customize the flavor profile of your pozole rojo.