Mexico for food lovers

The first thing I do when I arrive in a foreign country is visit a farmers' market, because I believe that's where you get the most exposure to culture. And goodness knows how many traditional markets Mexico has, each one richer than the last. What's even more interesting is that each region of Mexico has its own distinct and fascinating culinary traditions.

But no matter which city you are in in Mexico, visiting the local market will certainly be a culturally enriching experience.

In the Oaxaca region, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences are evident in the stalls overflowing with avocados and tomatoes, as well as other fruits and spices of indigenous origin. You'll also find numerous cheese producers, a legacy of European cheesemaking, but offering recipes unique to Mexico, such as Queso Fresco, Panela, and the delicious Oaxaca cheese. Meanwhile, in the Yucatan region, achiote takes center stage in the cuisine, a vibrant red spice that lends a distinctive flavor to dishes like the famous conchinita pibil (pork braised in a spicy sauce).

However, there are basic ingredients used in practically every region of the country. Corn is one of them, being at the heart of Mexican cuisine; it's used, among other things, to make tamales, sopes, and tortillas. Then there are chilies, of course, an endless variety, used as seasoning in traditional cooking throughout Mexico. And whether you're in the south, north, or central Mexico, food always holds paramount importance in people's lives; it's a source of love and is made with respect for traditions and ancestral heritage. In the making of mole, for example, the kernels are still ground using a stone roller, even though it's longer and more demanding, and the tortillas are handmade at the last minute to ensure they are always as fresh as possible.

To experience the best of Mexican cuisine, simply walk down the street and stop at one of the many kiosks offering a wide array of traditional dishes. Street food is ubiquitous throughout Mexico. Markets generally have a section dedicated to small, family-run restaurants, where you can sample a variety of dishes such as tacos, sometimes filled with marinated chicken and rolled like cigars, or enchiladas (a typical breakfast dish) topped with salsa verde or rojo. You might also find small salted shrimp (wonderful with beer as an appetizer), as well as chapulines (fried grasshoppers), or the wonderful mix of fruits and vegetables in a small bag, covered with lime juice and seasoned with chili powder!

In short, no matter which region you're in in Mexico, the food options will always be abundant and delicious. It's no surprise that Mexican cuisine has been officially listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2010; it's incredibly rich and varied!

Among the gourmet specialties, we find;

- Tortas ; a sandwich in a crispy white bread, generously filled with grilled meat, cheese and avocado.

- Churros ; fried dough covered in sugar and cinnamon, filled with Dulce de Leche or served with a chocolate dip! Dangerously good!

- Fruit and vegetable mixes enhanced with lime juice and spices! The perfect snack for the explorer!

- Elotes ; a grilled ear of corn decorated with mayonnaise, cheese and chilies.

- Chicharrones ; fried pork skin...the dirtiest snack in the universe!

- Tacos ! These can be found all over the country in many different forms. The most popular is the Al Pastor, which is said to have originated in Mexico City. Then there's my personal favorite, the Campechanos, which consists of a mixture of two meats (often braised beef and chicoron/pork) and is accompanied by grilled onion and sometimes papalo leaves (the best herb in the world, in my opinion!).