10 Local Mexican Ingredients You Need to Try When Dining Out
Mexican cuisine is packed with bold flavors, unique textures, and ingredients that have been used for centuries.
While you might be familiar with staples like tortillas and salsa, there’s a whole world of local ingredients that elevate traditional dishes in ways you might not expect.
Whether you’re dining at a street food stall or a high-end restaurant, these essential ingredients will take your meal to the next level.
Here are 10 local Mexican ingredients you absolutely need to try when dining out.
1. Tajín: The Ultimate Seasoning
Tajín is a popular Mexican seasoning blend made with chili powder, dehydrated lime, and salt.
It’s commonly sprinkled on fresh fruits like mango and pineapple, giving them a tangy, spicy kick.
You’ll also find Tajín used to rim cocktail glasses for drinks like micheladas and margaritas.
Its bright, citrusy flavor makes it a perfect complement to savory dishes like grilled meats and seafood.
2. Cotija Cheese: The Mexican Parmesan
Cotija is a crumbly, salty cheese that’s often sprinkled over tacos, elote (Mexican street corn), and refried beans.
It adds a rich, savory contrast to fresh and spicy flavors.
This aged cheese doesn’t melt like other varieties, making it ideal for adding texture and boldness to dishes.
You’ll also find it in salads, enchiladas, and even some soups.
If you enjoy parmesan or feta, you’ll love the sharp, briny taste of Cotija cheese.
3. Poblano Peppers: Mild and Flavorful
Poblano peppers are large, dark green chiles that have a mild, smoky flavor.
They’re often used in dishes like chiles rellenos, where they’re stuffed with cheese or meat and coated in a light batter.
These peppers are also blended into creamy sauces like rajas con crema, a rich dish made with sliced poblano peppers, onions, and cream.
When dried, they become ancho chiles, which are used in moles and stews.
If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, poblano peppers are a great way to enjoy the depth of Mexican chiles without the heat.
4. Mexican Crema: The Silky Finishing Touch
Mexican crema is a slightly tangy, rich dairy product similar to sour cream but with a thinner consistency.
It’s often drizzled over tacos, enchiladas, and soups to add a creamy element that balances spice and acidity.
Unlike sour cream, Mexican crema has a higher fat content, making it smoother and more luxurious.
It’s also a key ingredient in sauces for dishes like chiles en nogada.
If you see a dish topped with a white drizzle, there’s a good chance it’s Mexican crema—it’s the perfect finishing touch.
5. Oaxacan Cheese: The Perfect Melting Cheese
Oaxacan cheese (quesillo) is a stringy, semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavor.
It’s commonly used in quesadillas and tlayudas, Oaxaca’s famous oversized tortillas.
This cheese melts beautifully, making it a favorite for stuffing into empanadas and chile rellenos.
It’s similar in texture to mozzarella but has a slightly saltier taste.
If you love gooey, melty cheese, anything made with Oaxacan cheese is a must-try.
6. Salsa Macha: The Bold, Spicy Oil
Salsa macha is a rich, nutty chili oil made with dried chiles, garlic, nuts, and seeds.
It has a deep, smoky flavor and adds a bold punch to tacos, grilled meats, and even eggs.
Unlike traditional salsas, salsa macha is oil-based, making it ideal for drizzling over dishes rather than dipping.
Some variations include peanuts or sesame seeds for extra texture and nuttiness.
7. Pickled Red Onions: The Tangy Garnish
Pickled red onions are a staple topping in Mexican cuisine, especially in dishes from the Yucatán region.
They’re tangy, slightly sweet, and bring a bright contrast to rich meats like cochinita pibil.
These onions are often marinated in citrus juice and vinegar, sometimes with a touch of oregano.
They’re commonly used as a topping for tacos, tostadas, and grilled meats.
8. Masa: The Foundation of Mexican Cooking
Masa is the dough made from corn that’s used to make tortillas, tamales, and sopes.
It has a distinct, slightly nutty corn flavor that’s essential to Mexican cuisine.
Fresh masa is pressed into tortillas and grilled, or it’s shaped into thicker forms like gorditas and tlacoyos.
It’s also the base for tamales, where it’s wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
9. Avocado Leaves: The Unexpected Flavor Booster
Avocado leaves are often used in Mexican cooking to add a subtle anise-like flavor to dishes.
They’re commonly used in barbacoa, black beans, and slow-cooked stews to enhance the dish’s depth.
Dried avocado leaves are sometimes toasted before being added to food, releasing their distinct aroma.
They bring a unique, earthy note that pairs well with smoky or spicy dishes.
10. Pipián Sauce: The Nutty Alternative to Mole
Pipián is a type of mole sauce made with pumpkin seeds, chiles, and spices.
It has a rich, nutty flavor and is often served over chicken or pork.
Unlike traditional mole, which uses chocolate, pipián relies on the natural creaminess of pumpkin seeds for its texture.
It’s typically green or red, depending on the type of chiles used.
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
