4 Traditional Mexican Dishes That Are a Must-Try

You’re likely familiar with chilaquiles at this point, but how much do you know about cemita poblanas, enmoladas and posole? If the answer is “nada,” you’re not alone. Many of these regional dishes aren’t standard on Mexican menus across the United States. That said, you’d be wise to bone up on these traditional eats, so the next time you walk into a real-deal establishment, you’ll know what to order. 1- Enmolada Hailing from Oaxaca, an enmolada is a rolled corn tortilla that’s often filled with shredded chicken and cotija cheese, then bathed in black mole and sprinkled with sesame seeds and crumbled cheese. Think of it like the more complex cousin of the enchilada. 2- Posole (or Pozole) The foundation of this hearty soup is hominy (hulled corn kernels, also known as maize), which is simmered with red chiles, aromatic spices, tomatoes and pork shoulder; garnished with shredded cabbage, chopped onions, sliced radishes and lime; and served alongside warm corn tortillas. The Aztecs believed maize was a sacred plant, which explains why posole is traditionally reserved for special occasions. 3- Tortas A torta is a Mexican sandwich that’s typically served hot—grilled or pressed—but can be enjoyed cold as well. While the fillings—some combination of meat and veggies—may run the gamut, the roll is pretty specific: most commonly a bolillo or telera (two of Mexico’s most iconic breads). Bolillos are tapered on both ends, slightly denser and have a crusty exterior—most comparable to a baguette. Whereas teleras have a more rounded shape and tend to be softer. 4 – Chiles en Nogada While chiles en nogada is traditionally made in September, in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, some U.S. restaurants, like Chiguacle Sabor Ancestral de Mexico in Los Angeles and La Encantada in Chicago, offer it year-round. The dish consists of poblanos that are stuffed with picadillo—a mixture of pork, chopped fruit and spices—smothered in a walnut cream sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds.