Chow Down

Travel for the Food

Do you love food? Who doesn't? You haven't truly experienced a country and the culture until you've tasted the local cuisine. In some parts of the world that can mean choosing from hundreds of different dishes. I've broken down the tastiest grub, some well-known, some not so well-known. Food lovers unite! Let's explore your taste buds!

Cuisines by Country/Region

Mexico

When asked what is your favorite type of cuisine; most popular in the WORLD will be one of a few types: Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai and Mexican. What makes Mexican food taste so good? The spices, duh! Typical spices used in Mexican dishes include: garlic, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and mexican oregano. The most important ingredient, in my opinion, are mexican chilies, always included in any truly authentic dish.

Traditional Mexican dishes can be separated by regions within the country, each with it's own unique combinations of flavor.

MOLE - Home to the sweet/savory dish known as "Mole" (sauce) is the city of Puebla. It has roots from the colonial period. Commonly known as mole poblano, usually a dark brown sauce covered in chicken. INGREDIENTS: chili pepper, nuts, chocolate and other spices like cumin.

MENUDO - Affectionately referred to as the "hangover cure", it is prepared in several variations throughout the country. Menudo is usually made with beef stomach (tripe) in a chili pepper based broth. INGREDIENTS: pig feet, tongue, hominy, cilantro, onions, and plenty of lime juice.

PIBIL POLLO - Originates in Quintana Roo, the Yucatan region. The distinct flavor comes from using bitter orange to marinate the chicken. Pibil pollo is then steamed in banana leaves. INGREDIENTS: achiote paste, onion, oregano, canela ("true cinnamon"), garlic and cumin. Often served with pickled onions and warm tortillas.

PORK CARNITAS - The best slow cooked pork recipe comes from the state of Michoacan. It is made with many varieties but the best includes just basic salt, pepper and pork lard. INGREDIENTS: whole milk, garlic, jalepenos, onions, lime juice, orange juice. Often served with salsa and warm tortillas.  

TRES LECHES - There is always room for dessert with this classic airy sponge like cake. Pastel de tres leches or "three milk cake" is soaked in, obviously, 3 types of milk. INGREDIENTS: sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream and then topped with whipped cream. Often with strawberries or other fruit on top.