Walking through our country without feeling the temptation to stop and try a bite of what is being prepared next to you is almost an impossible mission. From the typical taco stand to the food cart, the streets of Mexico have slowly become runways of culinary delights to go. No one can deny that street food is part of Mexican gastronomic culture, and if you really want to know the country, you have to try it.

1. Tacos

Traditional tacos undoubtedly take the top spot on this list of street food in Mexico. Depending on where you are, you can find a wide variety of tacos: suadero, carnitas, al pastor, tripas, cochinita pibil, de canasta, and a long etcetera. Basket tacos with raw green sauce  

2. Burritos

Burritos, the cousins of tacos, are not far behind. Although this street food is more typical in the north of the country, you can now find them almost everywhere. To enjoy a good burrito, you must ensure that the flour tortilla is freshly made. Bean and cheese burrito  

3. Gorditas

In the central part of the country, they are traditionally made with corn flour (white, yellow, or blue), while in the north, they are also prepared with wheat flour. Generally, they are filled with typical Mexican stews: picadillo, potatoes, meat with chili, rajas, mole, among many others. Light gorditas  

4. Quesadillas

Putting aside the eternal dilemma (do quesadillas have cheese or not?), this is one of the favorite dishes of Mexican passersby. You can try them fried or, if you prefer a slightly lighter option, grilled. Fried zucchini blossom quesadillas  

5. Elotes and esquites

No matter where you are in the country, you will always find a corn vendor on some corner. The fabulous thing about this street delight is that you can always prepare it to your liking: with lime, spicy chili (or not), mayonnaise, butter, grated cheese, and/or cream. Esquites in cups  

6. Tamales

Delicious hot tamales are the ideal guilty pleasure for dinner. Like some of the other street dishes, tamales also vary slightly from one region to another. In northern states, they are usually prepared with corn husks, and in southern states, with banana leaves. Different flavors, equally delicious. Poblano chili, cheese, and corn tamales  

7. Panuchos and salbutes

After cochinita pibil and lime soup, panuchos and salbutes are possibly the most well-known dishes of Yucatecan cuisine. To complete the gastronomic experience in the Mayab style, accompany these typical dishes with red onion and roasted habanero chili. Salbutes  

8. Insects

Chapulines with chili and lime may seem like an exotic food, but in the state of Oaxaca, they are quite a popular street snack. Don’t be fooled by appearances and dare to try these critters. Quesadilla with chapulines  

9. Fruit

Prepared fruit cups are definitely one of the most sought-after street foods in Mexico. You can find basic options, such as jícama, carrot, or cucumber, to seasonal fruits like watermelon, mango, or prickly pear. Don't forget the lime juice and chili powder for the final touch. Colorful fruit cocktail  

10. Tlayuda

Another example of delicious Oaxacan street food is the tlayuda. This type of super toasted tortilla is prepared with tasajo, chorizo, chapulines, meat, or avocado. Tasajo tlayuda with guacamole   Enjoy the original street food by making it at home with the recipes from Kiwilimón.