In 2010, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) decided to add 46 items to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, including things that they felt were cultural treasures that were worth persevering.
Food was introduced for the very first time that year, and France and Mexico saw their food be included. According to information at the time, the decision made by UNESCO to include it was based on the idea that the food of Michoacán, regarding Mexico’s cultural identity, was impossible to ignore.
Food can be representative of culture and travel
Foodies can often find themselves looking to explore the world through the meals that they can experience. As a result, many will look at the best options available to them to gain an authentic taste.
Many will travel the planet seeking to taste the best delicacies of each region. It’s possible for many to book all-inclusive vacations to ensure this is achieved. They can book a trip to places like Mexico, where they are able to get a package that can cater to all of their needs. This may come in the form of offering activities that include tasting the location’s best.
Indeed, Mexico’s cuisine is enjoyed by all parts of the world’s population. It includes staple ingredients like corn (maize), beans, and squash, which are considered the main ones of any dish. However, it’s common to find avocados, chili peppers, amaranth, tomatoes, papayas, potatoes, lentils, plantains, and vanilla in many dishes.
Burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, guacamole, churros, and tamales are among the most famous Mexican dishes that have been hugely popular with cultures worldwide.
A plate of topped nachos. Photo: Henson Rodriguez
Mexico’s solid placing among world rankings for cuisine
Perhaps part of the appeal of traveling to Mexico for authentic food experiences is due to the country’s perceived ranking among food experts.
TasteAtlas has posted several rankings on their Instagram over the years, with Mexican cuisine often ranking very highly. For instance, their 24/25 awards saw Mexican cuisine be ranked #3 overall out of 100, behind Greek and Italian. Pozole was ranked as #75 of the 100 best dishes in the world by the same site.
However, what makes Mexico potentially more appealing for foodies and travelers is the number of cities that scored highly for its local delicacies and food dishes. According to TasteAtlas, Guadalajara (#28), Mexico City (#36) and Puebla de Zaragoza (#52) ranked inside the top 100 cities.
While this was down from the rankings of 23/24 by the same site – seven that year – the three locations still rank highly. Interestingly, the popular tourist spots Cancun, Merida, Puerto Vallarta, and Tulum dropped out of the list. Nonetheless, they remain high on the list of those who travel to Mexico for food experiences.
Guadalajara. Photo: Sergio Rodríguez / Unsplash
Guadalajara: What Is Offered?
Guadalajara has been rated as the best city for foodies when visiting Mexico. Located in Jalisco, the city has regularly scored highly for its cuisine. Several dishes originate from the region, with Carne en su jugo (soup), Torta ahogada (signature sandwich), and Bionico (sweet treat). All of these have become must-try for visitors, with restaurants like Kamilos 333, Tortas Tono, Karne Garibaldi Santa Tere, and El Sacromonte among the very best to try each one.
Mexico City: Why Does The Location Rank Highly?
Perhaps unsurprising, the capital of Mexico also ranks highly for its cuisine. Mexico City is bustling with authentic eateries that allow visitors to taste many local dishes. Restaurants include Cafe de Tacuba, Prendes, La Hacienda de Los Morales and El Cardenal, where it is possible to try native dishes to the region, such as Enchiladas Suizas (wrap), Torta de tamal (sandwich), Caldo Tlalpeño (soup), and various vegetable soups.
Traditional food market in Mexico. Photo: Puebla de Zaragoza / Unsplash
Puebla de Zaragoza: Ranked Highly Regularly
Puebla de Zaragoza ranks just outside the top #50 of the world, with the historic city in Puebla often known for much more than its food, such as its architecture. However, with dishes such as Tortas (sandwich), Chalupa (appetizer), and Rompope (liquor) among those famed with the region, there is plenty for foodies to try. Eateries like Casa Reyna, El Mural de los Poblanos, and Cabanna Solesta Puebla make it easy for visitors to taste genuine and real Mexican cuisine.
