Here at Sabores Mexico Food Tours, we are passionate about the ingredients, history, and vibrancy of authentic Mexican cuisine and we love to offer visitors a taste of our country that they simply can’t find in their local Mexican restaurant wherever in the world they come from. If we inspire you to have an experience with us, please consider our range of food tours in Mexico City. 

Mexico is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted people. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, a food lover, or simply someone looking for a memorable vacation, Mexico has something extraordinary to offer.  Come, explore the best of Mexico with Sabores Food Tours!

Mexico is renowned for its vibrant culture, colorful traditions, and lively festivals. If your idea of a good time involves taking part in local parties and festivities, then Mexico is a must-visit.

From the exuberant Day of the Dead celebrations to the lively Mariachi music and dance performances, Mexican culture is infused with energy and passion. Immerse yourself in the captivating folklore, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality that make Mexico an unforgettable destination.

If you’d be interested in a themed dinner around the Day of the Dead, this is something we are creating at Sabores as the food during the festival is incredible! If this sounds like fun to you, please get in touch and we’ll take care of the details. 

9) Mexico’s Beautiful Beaches

With its huge, sprawling coastline along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Mexico has an uncountable number of stunning beaches. This makes Mexico perhaps the best beach vacation destination in the world.

Whether you prefer the pristine white sands of Cancun, the laid-back vibes of Tulum, or the surf-friendly beaches of Sayulita, Mexico offers a paradise for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike!

8) Mexico’s Mouthwatering Cuisine

Now we get onto the main course: Mexico’s mouthwatering food! Mexican cuisine is celebrated around the world for its bold flavors, diverse ingredients, and unique culinary techniques. 

Wherever in the world you decide to eat Mexican cuisine, we’re sure you’ll enjoy yourself, but nothing compares to eating local Mexican fare, made with locally grown ingredients — many of which can only be found in Mexico. We grow produce you’ve probably never seen or heard of before, and we have recipes and methods passed down for generations.

We are called Sabores Mexico Food Tours and we design and deliver food tours in Mexico City that are packed with local personality and authentic flavors. One of our most popular tours, the Mexico City Center Food Tour offers guests the chance to experience authentic pre-Hispanic food and the oldest sweet shop in Mexico!

7) Mexico’s Natural Wonders

Mexico is full of natural wonders, from the lush jungles of Chiapas to the breathtaking Copper Canyon and the mesmerizing cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula. If you’re more about nature than culture and civilization, then Mexico absolutely has you covered!

Hike ancient trails, dive into underwater caves, or marvel at the incredible monarch butterfly migration in Michoacán… There’s no limit to the natural wonders Mexico has to offer. 

6) The Colonial Architecture of Mexico

Mexico’s colonial heritage is beautifully preserved in its cities and towns. Explore the charming streets of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, and Oaxaca, where colorful colonial buildings, baroque churches, and vibrant plazas will transport you to a bygone era. 

The architectural beauty and rich history make these places a delight for history and architecture enthusiasts. And even if you’re neither of these things, you’ll likely still enjoy the grandeur and beauty of our buildings and plazas.

5) Mexican Art and Crafts

Mexico has a rich artistic heritage through its folk art, pottery, textiles, and intricate silver jewelry. While it’s lovely simply to see the beautiful objects another country creates, it’s sometimes even better to find a little piece of that country to take home with you.

Visit the workshops in Oaxaca and Taxco, and watch as they practice crafts that have been passed down through generations. Take home unique souvenirs that reflect the artistic soul of Mexico.

4) Mexico’s Ancient Mayan Ruins

Mexico boasts some of the world’s most impressive ancient Mayan ruins, such as Tulum, Palenque, and Chichen Itza. For anyone fascinated by history and other civilizations, there is nothing quite like Mexico’s well-preserved ruins. The Official Chichen Itza website is full of information and guidance for visitors. 

While in Mexico, you will be transported back in time by the mystical pyramids, intricate carvings, and awe-inspiring architecture. The ancient Mayan civilization was vast, and modern-day Mexico has many of the best-preserved remaining structures and artifacts!

3) Ecotourism Opportunities in Mexico

There is a growing passion for ecotourism in Mexico. Explore the stunning biodiversity of the Riviera Maya’s coral reefs, go whale-watching in Baja California, or take a boat tour through the mangroves of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Mexico’s commitment to conservation ensures that you can enjoy these natural wonders responsibly and sustainably. 

Perhaps more than anywhere else we’ve mentioned, La Huasteca, in San Luis Potosí, is the most impressive. It is packed full of waterfalls, caves, and natural sights, making it the perfect choice for ecotourists!

2) Mexico’s Warm Hospitality

If nothing else sold you on Mexico, we think the people could. Mexicans are famous for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. As you travel through Mexico, you will encounter welcoming locals who are eager to share their culture and traditions with you. 

Embrace their warmth, immerse yourself in their traditions, and create lasting memories of genuine connections with the people of Mexico!

1) Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Mexico is home to a large number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There is the ancient city of Teotihuacan, the historic center of Mexico City, and the pre-Hispanic city of Uxmal. 

These sites hold immense historical and cultural significance and offer a glimpse into Mexico’s rich past. Exploring these UNESCO treasures will undoubtedly leave you with a deep appreciation for Mexico’s cultural heritage.

We hope we’ve inspired a few readers to visit Mexico. We believe that any one of these reasons is enough to visit Mexico… but then we’re more than a little biased. If we’ve inspired you to get a taste of Mexico on one of our tours and you have a few questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

The post 10 Compelling Reasons to Visit Mexico appeared first on Sabores México Food Tours.

 Mexico City and Puebla

Mexico City is itself a melting pot of cultures and traditions, acting as a window onto the medley of flavor sensations found across the country. Mexico City is a magnet pulling a festival of tastes into one place; a city with markets, street food stalls, and restaurants at the heart of its identity. When in Mexico City, indulge in authentic examples of famous street food classics such as tacos, tortas, gorditas, and sweet camotes. Dishes considered specialities of Mexico City include the carb-heavy but totally delicious torta de tamal, a tamale served inside a bread roll, and pazambos, a variation of the torta in which the bread is pre-soaked in a guajillo chilli sauce.

Located between Mexico City and Veracruz is the city of Puebla, one of Mexico’s foodie hotspots. In Puebla, guests should seek mole poblano, the classic version of Mexico’s national dish. Mole poblano is a rich, deep-colored sauce usually served over meat. This flavoursome dish contains an average of around 20 different ingredients, including fruit, nuts, chilli peppers, and spices.

If you’re curious to learn more about the food culture of Mexico City, why not browse our Mexico City Tours for Foodies.

Oaxaca

Often voted as Mexico’s greatest food region, Oaxaca’s food culture is shaped by thousands of years of tradition. The climate in Oaxaca gives the state magnificent biodiversity, making it a supreme producer of fresh ingredients. While perhaps unusual to outsiders, chapulines (grasshoppers) are a popular choice in the region. This sustainable source of protein has been a staple of the Oaxacan diet for centuries and is delicious in tacos or picked up as a crunchy snack from local food stalls. The region is also famous for its variety of chilis, some of which are found nowhere else — try a recipe with chilhuacle chilis to enjoy their sharp and mildly hot flavor. For anyone wishing to explore Mexico’s traditional mole sauces, Oaxaca is home to over 200 recognized varieties, which includes the ‘seven moles’ the state is famous for: amarillo, chichilo, coloradito, negro, manchamanteles, rojo, and verde. And those with a love of chocolate mustn’t miss the Oaxacan drinking chocolate. If your curiosity is piqued, we try both black mole and grasshoppers on our Mexico City Historic Center Walking Tour for Foodies.

Veracruz

With a significant share of the Gulf of Mexico coast lining its eastern flank, Veracruz is a region renowned for its seafood. Its most famous plate is arroz a la tumbada, a dish of white rice and seafood traditionally cooked in a clay pot. A variety of fresh seafood can be tossed into the recipe, though popular choices include clams, shrimp, calamari, crab, and whitefish. Other popular fish dishes include caldo de mariscos, a traditional seafood soup (said to be the perfect fix for a hangover!) and huachinango a la Veracruzana, a baked red snapper fish prepared in a rich tomato sauce and served whole. In Veracruz, you’ll find a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Cuban elements in the cooking.

Chiapas

The cuisine of Chiapas is commonly said to have stayed closer to its indigenous roots than elsewhere. The widespread use of leafy green chipilín leaves in much Chiapas cooking illustrates this seam of tradition running through the region’s cooking, with the plant rarely being used at all in much of the rest of the country. Pozol is Chiapas’ most famous beverage, a drink made from cocoa and fermented corn dough that traces its roots to Pre-Columbian Mexico. Loaded with vitamins, amino acids, and fiber, this sustaining drink is often consumed around midday. Another Chiapas speciality is tamales juacanes, a tamale filled with dried shrimp, black beans, and pumpkin seeds, then wrapped in the regionally popular hoja santa leaf that gives the dish its name. 

Northern Mexico

The culinary region of Northern Mexico encompasses a large sweep of the country from the Baja California Peninsula to the Gulf of Mexico. The cuisine of Baja California is today defined by wine and seafood. Winemaking in Baja California goes back to the 17th century, however, it is over the last 100 years that the wine industry here has really begun to make waves in the global market. Wine enthusiasts can explore the many delightful wineries that open their doors for tastings (we also sample some flavorful Baja California wine as part of our food pairings on our Colonia Roma Food Tour). The seafood in this region is also not to be missed, with tacos de pescado being a speciality — these corn flour tacos packed with grilled or fried, fresh fish are a delight.

Elsewhere in Northern Mexico, a cuisine based in ranch culture is to be found. Fans of meat-heavy dishes and barbecue will enjoy the classic local dish of cabrito, roast goat either prepared over a spit (cabrio al pastor) or oven-roasted (cabrito al horno). Queso fresco (creamy white cheeses) are produced locally and lovers of burritos will be in paradise in Northern Mexico, as this is where the world-famous dish has its origins.

Western Mexico

Encompassing the states of Michoacán, Jalisco and Colima, Western Mexico offers a tantalizing array of choice. On the Pacific coast, you’ll find a cuisine that offers world-class seafood, such as marlin, octopus, swordfish, and tuna. Elsewhere, the influence of indigenous culture is observed in the variety of corn-based foods available. Try atole, a traditional hot corn and masa drink, to experience flavors deeply rooted in the local Purepecha culture. The Western city of Guadalajara is often associated with the torta ahogada, a decadent sandwich made with the local birote bread, stuffed with chopped pork, and covered in a spicy, thick tomato sauce. It is said that no one should ever visit Guadalajara without indulging in this glorious sandwich. 

Yucatán

The most well-known dish from the beautiful, historic Yucatán Peninsula is cochinita pibil: slow-roasted pork which is marinated in seeds, spices, and lots of citrus juice which adds flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. Huevos Motuleños is another Yucatán specialty. Typically served at breakfast, this dish consists of fried eggs served on corn tortillas and topped with a delicious cooked salsa. Queso relleno, meanwhile, showcases Yucatán’s enigmatic Dutch influences. This calorie-rich dish is made by stuffing a hollowed-out sphere of Edam cheese with seasoned, ground meat and then topping it with two thick sauces — indulgent, and marvellously tasty.

This brings to an end our stroll through Mexico’s food regions and a selection of their notable dishes. We hope we’ve given you an appetite to start planning your next trip. If you have any questions concerning this blog or our tours, please contact us. 

The post What Are Some Regional Foods in Mexico? appeared first on Sabores México Food Tours.

Throughout the 573 square miles of extension that this metropolis has, there is an innumerable number of museums, restaurants, bars, entertaining centers, theaters and streets that are worth visiting. It is important for you to know that the Mexican capital is divided into 16 districts, each one with different neighborhoods and zones. Some of the main ones due to their offer are The Zona Rosa, Chapultepec, and Polanco, the Centro Histórico (Historic Downtown), the La Roma neighborhood, the Condesa, and San Ángel.

Its versatility, history, people, gastronomy, and nightlife are some of the things that make Mexico City an attractive and original touristic destination. Therefore, during a short stay, it is always problematic to choose what to see, where to go, and what places to leave for a future visit, thus having tips from a local is a travel game changer for those finding themselves in this situation.

What are must-dos with 24-hours in Mexico City?

It is common that many travelers visit Mexico for business or to enjoy our heavenly sun and beach destinations, and most of them usually save a day to visit the big city. It is then when the dilemma occurs: choosing what to see, what to eat, and what to do to get the most of these 24 hours, as the cultural, gastronomic, and entertaining offer surpasses your expectations. 

If it is not possible for you to reschedule your flight or land transportation in order to stay longer in the city, it is important to have a clear idea of what you would like to experiment during your stay. If you want to get to know the “basics” in the city, keep on reading this article and discover the interesting and varied schedule we have prepared, so you can enjoy 24 fun and entertaining hours in the heart of the city: Historic Downtown. 

The Classic Historic Downtown, the colorful Juárez, and the unusual Tabacalera 

Mexico City originated as Tenochtitlan, precisely in the space where the Historic Downtown is located now. This is why this zone and its surroundings are packed with markets, museums, restaurants, bars, and emblematic buildings that will show you around and let you live the hectic Chilango lifestyle. 

If you have only one day to enjoy the Centro Histórico, our advice is for you to find accommodation there, in order to avoid wasting time on the road and make the best out of your visit. “Downtown México” is a local boutique hotel with modern, cozy bedrooms, and a roof with one of Mexico City’s best views. On the other hand, “Casa Pepe” is a hotel with more affordable prices, a very original roof and, above all, a very fun atmosphere.

Once you have booked your hotel, check out this schedule, as it is the best way to spend one day in Mexico City.

Breakfast – Tamales Madre: with a really modern, but cozy environment, this restaurant offers an original variety of artisanal tamales, prepared with only Mexican ingredients. Suggestion: tamal de nuez (walnut tamal), and tamal de mole con plátano macho (mole and plantain tamal).

Activities – Chocolate Museum: You will learn the history behind chocolate, starting from the cacao seed, and exploring its elaboration process. In the MUCHO (Museo del Chocolate) you’ll also understand the importance of this ingredient for the Mexican culture. Suggestion: Enjoy a traditional cacao drink in Fonda Cacao, located inside the museum.

La Ciudadela Handcrafts Market: You’ll be amazed by the variety of handcrafted products from all around the Mexican Republic. Inside this great market, you can find clay handcrafts, purses, clothes, jewelry, toys, textiles, and more. Suggestion: Verify that the products you buy are Mexican because it is common to find bad quality imported fake products.

Lunch – San Juan Market: It is one of the most important gourmet markets in the city, for it offers exotic products, imported cheeses, and charcuterie, which is why many chefs and Chilango foodies are usual clients of the place. Suggestion: don’t stop to eat in the first place you see; walk through the entire market and choose the places you find more appealing. That way, you’ll get to taste a bite of everything.

Activities – Palace of Fine Arts: It is known for its exterior beauty, its interior murals, and its importance as an artistic place. It permanently exhibits the work of some of the most recognized artists from the Mexican muralism movement. Suggestion: Ask for the temporary exhibit and for the guided tours inside the theater.

Metropolitan Cathedral: This amazing building was constructed during the Spanish Viceroyalty. It is also one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, due to its undeniable greatness. When you enter, you’ll be surrounded by golden altarpieces and grand rock columns. Suggestion: Ask for the guided tours, so you can visit the vestry, understand the altarpieces, and get to know the bell tower.

Snack and drinks – Terraza Cha Cha Chá: With one of the best views to the Revolution Monument, you’ll be able to enjoy tropical snacks with street-like flavors, exotic drinks, and great music to enjoy a fun and warming evening. Suggestion: tuétanos con esquite (marrow with corn grain) and xoconostle mezcalita (prepared drink with mezcal).

Dinner: Tacos, Beer, and Mezcal Tour: Apart from discovering and tasting Mexico City’s best tacos, something you will be proud of, on this tour you’ll visit four neighborhoods and enjoy a drink in the first mezcal bar that opened in Mexico City. Suggestion: Book your SMFT tour in advance.

.It is more than clear that Mexico City has so many things to do, that 24 hours will only be enough to give you a brief idea of what the city is like. However, we hope these options help you choose the most adequate and essential activities and places to visit in just one day. We also encourage you to follow us on our social media, Sabores México Food Tours (saboresmexicoft), so you can learn more about how to travel around Mexico City like an authentic local saborista.

Article by: María José Ordóñez Platas

The post 1 Day in Mexico City appeared first on Sabores México Food Tours.

Ever since, the project has grown thanks to a committed team of chilangos (Mexico City locals) who adore Mexican food, love exploring the unknown, and enjoy sharing the best of Mexico City through its flavors. 

Something makes us Mexicans unique regarding food: food makes us smile…

We’re also in love with our country’s capital. Local products, traditional techniques, the symbolism of food, and traditions hidden inside every Mexican dish inspire us. This is why, since 2012, we have dedicated our time to sharing the most delicious Mexican flavors, the classic architecture, and the exciting stories of Mexico City, with more than 12,000 foodies looking to experience Mexico City in a fun, unique way.

At Sabores México Food Tours, we are proudly Mexican. We are also aware that our culinary tradition is a matchless way of getting to know Mexican culture, which is why we are committed to keeping alive the techniques, recipes, flavors, and anecdotes that make our gastronomy an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from UNESCO.

Mexico City is a vibrant destination. Both historical and ultra-modern. A place where one can taste the country’s regional food thanks to its dizzying variety of gastronomic offerings. Plus, it’s a place that transmits the best of Mexican culture through beautiful historical places. We love it for good reason…it’s a special city. 

The Saborista experience is designed so foodies can live like locals, walk, eat, have fun, and enjoy stories, neighborhoods, and Mexican dishes.

The quality of food and generous portions inside each location on our tours, our personalized attention, and the invaluable knowledge of our guides are some of the things you’ll only find with us.

We also support local chefs and food producers, always promoting the Buy Local Movement.

If you love good eating, tasting new or exotic dishes, and taking lots of pictures of your meals, you’re a foodie.

By living the Sabores México Food Tours experience, you’ll become a Saborista interested in meeting the people behind the food and listening to their passions, stories, and secrets.

A Saborista also enjoys savoring the dish before them and always wants to know the origin of an ingredient and technique, looking to understand their meaning in a cultural gastronomic context fully. 

Now that you know more about who we are, we encourage you and kindly invite you to live the Sabores México Food Tour experience, where you’ll have fun, enjoy your time around a table, and learn about Mexican gastronomic culture — become a Saborista! Are you up for it? Don’t forget to follow us on our social media and stay tuned for all our new projects.

Now, browse our full range of Mexico City Food Tours and prepare to take your first steps into the magical world of Mexican cuisine.

Article by: María José Ordóñez Platas

The post The Saborista Experience from Sabores México Food Tours appeared first on Sabores México Food Tours.

Discover how Mexican you are with this fun taco quiz.

The post Quiz: How Mexican Are You? appeared first on Sabores México Food Tours.

For us, art is expressed where things are crafted with the heart, exteriorizing emotions that bring us together as a nation. That said, we can affirm that gastronomy is an art that reconciles us with culture through our senses and appetites. 

Experiencing gastronomy is done exclusively with our tastebuds because it is also possible to experience it through words and/or images. This is why we have selected some books, TV shows, and movies to teach you about Mexican gastronomy and what makes it so unique. Enjoy!

Diccionario enciclopédico de la gastronomía mexicana (Encyclopedic Dictionary of Mexican Gastronomy)

Some classify it as the most comprehensive book on Mexican gastronomy because it contains more than 4000 terms and definitions. The ingredients, utensils, dishes, and techniques described are always oriented to Mexican cooking.

Larousse edited this 700-page dictionary, and it is one of the most recognized books by the Mexican chef and food researcher Ricardo Muñoz Zurita. Undoubtedly, the twenty years of research the book took him can be appreciated on every page.

This is an exhaustive reading experience for those foodies who love detailed investigations of food culture and history. (To explore Mexican history and food for yourself in Mexico City, we recommend you join us for our Coyoacan Food Tour.

Cultura gastronómica en la Mesoamérica prehispánica (Cultural Gastronomy in the Prehispanic Mesoamerica)

Alberto Peralta de Legarreta, teacher, and researcher in cultural and gastronomic tourism wrote this book, considering Mesoamerican social practices and culinary traditions to explain the importance of gastronomic culture as an expression of a group’s identity.

In addition, his book describes how humans devour symbols via food and includes a gastronomic inventory with detailed descriptions of Mesoamerican ingredients, dishes, utensils, and techniques.

An in-depth journey through the wonders of Mesoamerican food culture.

Taco Chronicles

This Netflix series shows how people inside and outside of Mexico live our culture through tacos.

The first-person narration is told from each taco’s point-of-view, and the amazing photography and close-ups are mouthwatering.

Whether they’re talking about tacos al pastor, de canasta, carnitas, barbacoa, asada or guisado, the chefs, writers, cultural guides, and taco makers (taqueros) in these chronicles always have something to say that compliments the story of this classic Mexican dish.

Como agua para chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate)

Alfonso Arau’s 1992 motion picture was a success, as was Laura Esquivel’s eponymous novel on which it was based.

The magical realism of this intimate, personal Mexican love story makes us want to watch it a thousand times.

However, apart from the story, the way gastronomy is used as a link and metaphor for each character’s feelings makes it unique. Last but not least, home cures and authentic Mexican recipes are described through the story, making it a highly valued Mexican cinema motion picture that everyone should get to know.

A Tale of Two Kitchens

This Netflix documental tells the story of Mexican chef Gabriela Cámara’s sister restaurants, “Contramar” and “Cala.”

The short film shows the divergence between the two places, Mexico City and San Francisco, respectively.

With everyday images of the restaurants’ services, backstage examples from inside the kitchens, and testimonies from Gabriela and her team, “A Tale of Two Kitchens” shows how compromise, empathy, and love for food can change lives.

With these books, series, and movies, you’ve got a whole new way to entertain yourself while connecting with Mexican gastronomy at home.

And if you’re traveling to Mexico City for a trip, why not join us for one of our Mexico City Food Tours – we have something for everybody.

Have a sweet tooth? Book a place on our Friends & Chocolate Experience, where you’ll discover the long story of chocolate in Mexico and indulge in an array of delicious food pairings. Fancy a Mexican alcoholic drink while meeting like-minded people? Our Taco Tour in Mexico City with Beer and Mezcal would be perfect for you!

If you have any questions about our tours, please contact us.

Article by: María José Ordóñez Platas

The post Books, TV series, and movies to learn about Mexican gastronomy appeared first on Sabores México Food Tours.

Before anything else, we must stand for the importance of food. The existing bond between food production, human survival, and human identity is an expression of culture. In other words: ingredients, cooking techniques, social practices, and the people we share food with have meaning, profound meaning. This said, there is nothing left to do but to motivate ourselves and take advantage of the uncertain situation we’re living in.

Dare to meditate, spend quality time with your loved ones, and explore your identity, expressing culture and exploring new things inside the comfort of your kitchen. 

We chose four Mexican culinary techniques that might help you cook everyday dishes even better and will give your confinement a Mexican touch. Are you ready to try them?

Tatemado

The name comes from the Nahuatl word “tlatla” (to sting), and from the Spanish “quemar” (to burn), and it is a culinary technique used to roast ingredients. The tatemado can be performed directly on fire or using a Mexican griddle or comal.

It grants smoky and roasted notes to ingredients, which makes them stronger if used in a salsa or any prepared dish. Likewise, this method can help remove some vegetables’ skin, being the most common example of the chile poblano when used to make rajas or chiles rellenos.

You can perform your tatemado by following the next steps:

1. Wash and disinfect the vegetables you’ll use (chili, tomato, onion).
2. (Optional) Place a Mexican griddle or comal on the stove. 
3. Put the vegetables on top of the griddle or directly over the flame.
4. Let them sting until the skin is burnt on the inferior side, and turn them over to burn all sides. 
5. If your goal is to remove the vegetables’ skin, put them inside a plastic bag. They will “sweat,” and then you’ll be able to peel them off easily. 

Molcajete crushing

The molcajete is a mortar made with a porous volcanic stone that comes with a “hand”, stone, or tejolote to crush ingredients properly.

The word molcajete comes from “molli” and “caxitl”, Nahuatl terms meaning salsa and container, understanding then that its main use is the creation of salsas. Molcajetes were Mesoamerican people’s blenders; however, their shape and material give artisanal crushed salsas characteristics a household appliance could never match.

To achieve perfect molcajete grinding, you should follow these steps:

1. Place your ingredients inside the molcajete.
2. Start grinding them, moving the stone over the bowl with circular, spiral, and/or straight, strong movements. 
3. Keep moving the stone according to what you want to do with your ingredients: chop them, grind them, or mix them. 
4. If you want to make salsa, you should normally add the ingredients starting with the hard-textured ones and finishing with the aromatic herbs. 

You should know that in order to use a molcajete for the first time, you need to prepare it in a special way. First, you must pour some raw rice and salt inside the bowl and crush softly with the stone for five minutes.

Next, you will add a little bit of oil, minced garlic, and chili and continue grinding for five more minutes. Lastly, you should wash your molcajete with water and soap and rinse it perfectly. Once you’re done, the stone’s roughness must have decreased, and the stone dust from the outside layer should be off. 

Mixiote

The name comes from Nahuatl terms “metl” (maguey) and “xiotl” (membrane), because mixiote refers to the leaf one can tear off a maguey plant.

Since the prehispanic time, this leaf has been used to steam prepared meat dishes, normally accompanied by a chili sauce and aromatic herbs. Lamb and chicken meat are the favorites for this technique.

However, some people use more exotic ones, such as squirrel, crocodile, or deer meat. It is important to say that maguey plants are protected species, so we suggest replacing the membrane with wax paper or aluminum foil to make your mixiote.  When you’re ready:

1. Prepare the sauce and season the meat you will use.
2. Place the aluminum foil or wax paper in a bowl and put a piece of meat, a bit of salsa, and some herbs inside. 
3. Assemble the papers’ corners, and tie them with a hemp rope to form a small sack. 
4. Repeat the last step for each piece of meat because the sacks or mixiotes come in individual sizes. 
5. Place the mixiotes over a steamer without them touching the water.
6. Steam them until the pieces of meat are fully cooked. 

Capeado

It is also known as rebozado or baldado and it is basically frying an item that has been previously covered with an egg layer. We can think of it as a light batter-breading. Usually, this technique is used to prepare chiles rellenos (stuffed chili), nopales with cheese, tortitas de huauzontles or fish. It is also common to compliment them with red sauce.

To make your own capeado, follow these steps:

1. Whisk the egg whites until frothy.
2. Add the yolks and continue whisking until you get a soft yellow colored foam. 
3. Dredge your food item in flour. 
4. Soak it inside the egg batter.
5. Place it on a hot pan with oil and fry until the outside layer is fully cooked and has turned gold.

Now, you’ve got no excuses to leave Mexican gastronomy aside during confinement. Don’t fear success and dare to try these techniques that make delicious dishes and have been part of traditional Mexican cooking for a long time.

Follow our social media Sabores México Food Tours to stay tuned on all the surprises we’re planning for this period and for you to learn more about Mexico and its gastronomy through this blog. 

Also, be sure to browse our full selection of Mexico City Food Tours, so you can join us in the future when everything reopens.

Article by: María José Ordóñez Platas

The post Mexican culinary techniques to try during confinement appeared first on Sabores México Food Tours.

We offer two types of boxes that you can buy and that will be delivered to your address in Mexico City. Each box contains a selection of Mexican food products that will vary each week to compliment your pantry with a fantastic collection of Mexican flavors to enjoy during the Covid confinement.

Hereafter, we share some facts about the two gastronomic boxes we have available, so you identify the products they contain and you get to know their origin.

Sabores de Barrio 

The first takeaway option is the “Sabores de barrio” (the block’s flavors) box. It contains a variety of quality and great flavored Mexican products and dishes. For the first week, flavors include artisanal Mexican wine, beer, coffee, tortillas, tamales, jams, and chocolate.

Wines from Tinto MX are produced with crops from the Santo Tomás Valley in Ensenada, Baja California. With labels like Medio Cielo Azul, Eva, and Narcissus, this producer looks forward to positioning Mexican wine worldwide, demonstrating that wine is not an exclusive drink and showing that it can be matched with many dishes.

On another note, the tortillas from Cintli Tortillería are unique not only because of the superfood tortilla versions available (hemp, kale, or quinoa tortillas). These tortillas are produced with creole maïze harvested in Mexico and use nixtamalización, the traditional Mesoamerican technique for their preparation. 

In Oscuro Puro, chocolate is more than a craving or a compliment for food. The chocolate bars, desserts, and drinks they produce and sell are made from scratch with native cacao from Tabasco and Chiapas. These products have no artificial flavors or chemicals, and they truly conserve the authentic flavor of Mexican cacao. 

Besides their excellent roasted coffee beans, Café Barajas is well known for its versatile and energizing Cold Brew, which implies an eighteen-hour extraction process that involves high caffeine concentrations and procures a drink that can be combined with many flavors.

Prepared food from La Pitahaya Vegana is inspired by Mexican cooking but characterized by twisting it. Their dishes promote a sustainable lifestyle and use local seasonal ingredients with trustworthy origins. In addition, people from La Pitahaya are always in search of new techniques and flavors to share the best of Mexican food in their style. This is some of the best vegetarian food in Mexico City. 

Rather than specializing in coffee, Café de Raíz is the place for tamales. Here, the classic rolled maïze paste dishes from Veracruz, like the rice and cheese tamal, the mushroom tamal, or the cheese and hoja santa tamal, are perfectly well executed with quality and flavored ingredients.

Artisanal beers from Cervezas Artesanales Cinco Soles represent a Mexican legend via five types of fermented beers with unique flavors, aromas, and sensations.

Last but not least, Rebelión defines itself as a “collection of sensory expressions around the genuine national drink, mezcal.” With Espadín and Bicuishe, original mezcales from Oaxaca, Michoacán, and Estado de México, Rebelión seeks to disseminate the cultural legacy of this drink and highlight the flavors that can be obtained with its distillation.

Mercado en Casa

If you want quality, fresh, and exotically flavored everyday eating items, the second box, “Mercado en casa” (market at home), is for you. This box includes various Mexican ingredients from some of the best producers and distributors in the famous San Juan Market. For the first week’s flavors, Mercado en Casa includes a sample of Mexican raw exotic meat, some cheeses, deli meats, and artisanal jams.

El Gran Cazador is a familiar enterprise dedicated to meat distribution. They are highly known in the market for their Mexican, exotic, and prehispanic products. Their catalog includes classic chicken, duck, beef, and lamb meat, but one can also find unusual ones like crocodile, boar, and ostrich meat. On the other hand, salsas and jams from Manuel are really popular inside the San Juan Market. These prepared food items result from his experiments and combine Mexican flavors in original and innovative ways.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables from Rosse Gourmet are meticulously selected and their freshness is more than evident, which makes them perfect for any Mexican dish you’re willing to cook at home. Besides that, La Jersey Gourmet is one of the best-imported cheeses and deli meat distributors in the San Juan Market not only because its variety of lactic products on sale but because of its incomparable quality. Finally, the dried nuts, mole, and chili from Malena are an example of the unique flavors and textures that compose Mexican gastronomy and are undoubtedly worth the try.

Now that you know more about the producers, restaurants, and local stores participating in this project, dare to try the best gourmet flavors, fresh products, and exotic delights Sabores México Food Tours has chosen for you. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media to stay tuned and be the first to know what’s happening. Remember, #ComeLocal and support small food businesses because nobody surrenders to problems in Mexico. 

Article by: María José Ordóñez Platas

The post #ComeLocal: How To Support Small Mexican Food Producers During Quarantine appeared first on Sabores México Food Tours.

Tenochtitlan market was the place to barter or exchange goods for other things rather than money, which was called “trueque” and was commonly used by the Mexicas or Aztecs. Furthermore, this market was the meeting point for Mesoamerican civilizations and where all the cultural interactions took place. 

Nowadays, markets can still be found in Mexico as really popular and folkloric spaces. However, not everyone notices that visiting and knowing about them is a fantastic way of understanding our country’s cultural identity. As said before, markets in Mexico aren’t just places where you can sell or buy stuff; they are authentic sources of handicraft and gastronomic techniques and social practices.

Therefore, we’ll share details about three Mexico City Markets, each with its own social and cultural characteristics that transform the most casual visit into a unique journey.

(Source – License)

Medellín Market

The favorite market for those who live in the Colonia Roma neighborhood or just with “chilangos” (people from Mexico City) who want the best Mexican fast food or some fantastically flavored seafood at amazing prices.

Moreover, this market is known for the variety of South American ingredients and products sold inside. Whether you want to search for a refreshing Peruvian Inca Cola, enjoy the texture of Colombian “buñuelos,” try an authentic “pisco antioqueño,” buy a bottled “chimichurri” or get to know some Latin American food products, Medellín Market is the best place in Mexico City to do it.

San Juan Market

Worldly known for selling armadillo, iguana, skunk, or lion meat, San Juan Market is a place where many secrets hide. The fish shops found inside are some of the best in Mexico City, as well as the crunchy “gusanos de maguey” and scorpions you’ll find ready to be tasted.

Don’t miss a chance to visit this market and try one Spanish “tapa” or a juicy crocodile “mixiote”. If you join us on our Centro Histórico Food Tour, you’ll be able to discover the best dishes in this market and get to know them better, understanding why it’s a favorite for some of the best Mexican chefs.

Coyoacán Market

This famous market is one of the most popular foods, vegetable, and spice providers in Mexico City. Did you know that Frida Kahlo used to go there weekly to buy everything she needed? Going shopping and for a walk in the Coyoacán Market was one of her favorite hobbies, and we know many people who nowadays do the same thing as a leisure activity.

When you go visit, we’re sure you’ll find handicraft lovers buying things, small kids looking for the best costumes, and many tourists because in this market, you’ll also come across the best tostadas in the city.

Explore the culture and history of this popular district with our Coyoacán Food Tour.

Mexico City has 312 municipal markets, many of which specialize in specific products. Some of them offer just food, while at others, one can find plants, fruits, vegetables, clothing, and even tools.

Visiting one of these places is not just entering a world of colors, aromas, and textures. It is also traveling to the past, getting to know some aspects of Mexican culture, being warmly welcomed by everyone inside, and having your appearance and/or rank changed because people won’t stop calling you “güero/a” (blond), “joven” (young), “reina” (queen), or “rey” (king) while you walk by the stands.

Are you eager to visit one of these markets and try some of the delicious things inside? Don’t miss the chance to visit some of Mexico City Markets with the Best Food Tours in Mexico City.

Article by: María José Ordóñez Platas

The post Mexico City Markets appeared first on Sabores México Food Tours.