MEXICAN

CUISINE
 OBJECTIVES
1 • Understand the historical and cultural influences that have shaped Mexican
cuisine.
• Recognize the importance of food in Mexican celebrations, traditions, and
daily life.
• Identify the distinct regional cuisines within Mexico and their unique
characteristics.
• Explore the variations in ingredients, flavors, and techniques across different
2 Mexican states.
• Familiarize yourself with staple ingredients in Mexican cooking, such as corn,
beans, chilies, tomatoes, avocados, and various herbs and spices.
• Recognize the impact of Mexican cuisine on international gastronomy and
fusion cuisine.
• Explore examples of dishes that have been influenced by Mexican flavors in
other parts of the world.
 INTRODUCTION
Mexican cuisine is a flavorful and diverse culinary tradition from
1
Mexico. It's known for its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and rich
history. With a mix of indigenous ingredients like corn and chili
peppers, along with influences from Spanish and other cultures,
Mexican food offers a delicious blend of old and new. From tacos
2 and tamales to guacamole and salsa, Mexican cuisine is a
celebration of taste and culture that has captured the hearts and
palates of people around the world.
MAP (LAND AREA)
1

2
MAP (LAND AREA)
1

2
 1

Gulf of
Mexico

3,200 km (2,000 mi)

2
 1

Gulf of
Mexico

2
 1

Gulf of
Mexico

s 2
 1

Gulf of
Mexico

s 2
 1

Gulf of
Mexico

s 2

SE
Beliz, Guatemela,
Caribbean Sea
 HISTORIC
CULINARY
INFLUENCES
AFRICAN AND MODERN FUSION
INDIGENOUS ASIAN FRENCH
HISTORY CULTURE CARRIBEAN AND
INFLUENCE INFLUENCE INTERVENTION
GLOBALIZATION
INFLUENCES
HISTORY
 HISTORY OF MEXICAN
The history of Mexican cuisine can be traced back to the ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures that existed in
CUISINE
Mexico long before the Spanish colonization. These indigenous cultures were known for their farming and
agricultural practices, which heavily influenced the development of Mexican cuisine. Corn, beans, and
HISTORY
squash were the primary staples of their diet, along with various types of peppers, tomatoes, and fruits.
When the Spanish arrived in Mexico in the 16th century, they brought with them new ingredients and
cooking techniques that influenced Mexican cuisine in significant ways. The Spanish introduced various
meats, dairy products, and spices, including garlic, cinnamon, and cumin. They also introduced new cooking
methods, such as frying, baking, and grilling, which helped to expand the range of dishes that could be
prepared.
Over time, Mexican cuisine evolved into a unique blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, creating a
diverse and flavorful cuisine that is enjoyed around the world today.
HISTORY
 HISTORIC
CULINARY
INFLUENCES
AFRICAN AND MODERN FUSION
INDIGENOUS ASIAN FRENCH
HISTORY CULTURE CARRIBEAN AND
INFLUENCE INFLUENCE INTERVENTION
GLOBALIZATION
INFLUENCES
CULTURE
 CULTURE OF MEXICAN
CUISINE
Mexican cuisine is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and traditions,
reflecting the history and diversityCULTURE
of its people. Food is a central part of
Mexican culture and is often used to bring family, friends, and
communities to honor special events, religious observances, and
historical milestones.
Mexican dishes during Cinco de Mayo festivities

CULTURE

Taco Guacamole Salsa Quesadillas Enchiladas

Chiles Rellenos Mexican Tamales Churros Horchata

Street Corn (Elote) (Sweet Rice
Milk)
CULTURE
 HISTORIC
CULINARY
INFLUENCES
AFRICAN AND MODERN FUSION
INDIGENOUS ASIAN FRENCH
HISTORY CULTURE CARRIBEAN AND
INFLUENCE INFLUENCE INTERVENTION
GLOBALIZATION
INFLUENCES
INDIGENOUS INFLUENCE
 indigenous influence
The indigenous influence on Mexican cuisine is deeply ingrained and plays a
significant role in shaping its identity. Native civilizations such as the Aztec and
INDIGENOUS INFLUENCE
Maya introduced staple ingredients like maize and beans, as well as traditional
techniques like nixtamalization. These elements contribute to the unique flavors and
methods of Mexican cooking. Indigenous culinary practices also hold cultural
significance, with many traditional dishes being prepared for special occasions. This
influence has left a lasting impact on Mexican cuisine, reflecting its rich history and
strong connection to cultural traditions.
INDIGENOUS INFLUENCE
 HISTORIC
CULINARY
INFLUENCES
AFRICAN AND MODERN FUSION
INDIGENOUS ASIAN FRENCH
HISTORY CULTURE CARRIBEAN AND
INFLUENCE INFLUENCE INTERVENTION
GLOBALIZATION
INFLUENCES
AFRICAN AND CARRIBEAN
INFLUENCES
 African and Caribbean Influences
The African and Caribbean influences in Mexican cuisine have contributed to its rich and diverse flavors, as well as its unique
culinary techniques. These influences are a result of historical interactions and cultural exchanges between regions.
AFRICAN AND CARRIBEAN
• Ingredients: African and Caribbean ingredients such as plantains,
INFLUENCES yams, and tropical fruits have made their way into
Mexican cuisine, adding new textures and flavors to traditional dishes.

Example of Plantain dishes:

Tacos de plátano plátanos fritos

 African and Caribbean Influences
2. Spices and Flavors: Spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cloves, which are commonly used in African and
Caribbean cooking, have found their AFRICAN
place in Mexican
AND CARRIBEAN cuisine, enhancing the taste profiles of various dishes.
INFLUENCES
3. Cooking Techniques: Techniques such as slow cooking, smoking, and grilling, which are prevalent in
African and Caribbean cuisines, have been adopted and integrated into Mexican cooking methods.
4. Sauces and Marinades: The use of marinades and sauces, often featuring bold and spicy flavors, has been
influenced by Caribbean culinary traditions and has become a distinctive aspect of certain Mexican dishes.
5. Desserts and Sweets: Caribbean and African desserts, characterized by the use of tropical fruits, coconut,
and unique pastries, have also influenced the Mexican dessert repertoire.
AFRICAN AND CARRIBEAN
INFLUENCES
 HISTORIC
CULINARY
INFLUENCES
AFRICAN AND MODERN FUSION
INDIGENOUS ASIAN FRENCH
HISTORY CULTURE CARRIBEAN AND
INFLUENCE INFLUENCE INTERVENTION
GLOBALIZATION
INFLUENCES
ASIAN INFLUENCE
 Asian Influences
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Chinese and Filipino immigrants
introduced Asian flavors and ingredients to Mexican cuisine. Elements
ASIAN INFLUENCE

like soy sauce, ginger, nuts and stir-frying techniques found their way
into certain Mexican dishes, resulting in unique fusion dishes like "tacos
al pastor and sopa seca."
ASIAN INFLUENCE
 HISTORIC
CULINARY
INFLUENCES
AFRICAN AND MODERN FUSION
INDIGENOUS ASIAN FRENCH
HISTORY CULTURE CARRIBEAN AND
INFLUENCE INFLUENCE INTERVENTION
GLOBALIZATION
INFLUENCES
 FRENCH
INTERVENTION
 French Intervention
During the French occupation of Mexico in the mid-19th century, French
culinary techniques and ingredients influenced Mexican cuisine,
FRENCH
INTERVENTION

particularly in the creation of pastries, desserts, and elaborate

presentations.
 mexican pastries and desserts
influenced by french
FRENCH
INTERVENTION

Tartaletas Conchas Crepe

 FRENCH
INTERVENTION
 HISTORIC
CULINARY
INFLUENCES
AFRICAN AND MODERN FUSION
INDIGENOUS ASIAN FRENCH
HISTORY CULTURE CARRIBEAN AND
INFLUENCE INFLUENCE INTERVENTION
GLOBALIZATION
INFLUENCES
MODERN FUSION AND
GLOBALIZATION
 Modern Fusion and Globalization
In recent decades, Mexican cuisine has continued to evolve with
influences from other global cuisines. Contemporary chefs and food
enthusiasts have embraced innovation and fusion, resulting in dishes that
MODERN FUSION AND
GLOBALIZATION

blend traditional Mexican elements with international flavors.

MODERN FUSION AND
GLOBALIZATION
 HISTORIC
CULINARY
INFLUENCES
AFRICAN AND MODERN FUSION
INDIGENOUS ASIAN FRENCH
HISTORY CULTURE CARRIBEAN AND
INFLUENCE INFLUENCE INTERVENTION
GLOBALIZATION
INFLUENCES
 UNIQUE
COMPONE
NTS
Mexican dishes are known for their bold and spicy flavors, colorful presentation, and
the use of fresh ingredients such as avocado, tomatoes, chilies, and corn.
Northern vs. Southern flavors in Mexico are vastly different, with northern cuisine
featuring dishes that are heavily influenced by the ranching and cowboy culture of
the region.
In contrast, Southern Mexican cuisine tends to be lighter and more seafood-focused,
with dishes like ceviche, camarones al mojo de ajo (shrimp in garlic sauce), and
pescado a la talla (grilled fish) being staples in many coastal regions.
Northern Mexican Cuisine southern Mexican Cuisine

vs.
Arrachera (Fajitas) Ceviche

Machacha Camarones al mojo de ajo

Significant Sub
Regions
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
NORTH
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGIONTHE
NORTH
 SIGNIFICANT SUB
THE REGIONTHE

NORTH
[Baja,
NORTH
Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Nuevo Leon
and Tamaulipas]
The vast region that makes up “El Norte”, spanning 2000 miles from Baja California to
the Gulf of Mexico, is known for its hearty ranch culture and unique cuisine. Its
distinctive cooking technique involves expertly grilled beef, popular dishes include
machaca, arrachera, and cabrito. El Norte also produces the widest varieties of cheese in
Mexico, including queso fresco, ranchero, cuajada, requesón, and asadero. The region
also has at least forty flour tortilla types, allowing for burritos in Sonora.
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
COAST
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
COAST
 SIGNIFICANT SUB
THE NORTH PACIFIC REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
Sinaloa, Nayarit,COAST
NORTH
Jalisco and Colima
COAST
The North Pacific Coast region in Mexico offers a variety of dishes, including chilorio,
birria, pozole, chilayo, menudo, and pork dishes. Guadalajara is the cultural center,
while Tonalá is known for its pozole. Tequila is produced in Jalisco, and seafood is a
main focus, cooked with European spices and served with a spicy salsa.
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
THE COAST
BAJIO
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
THE COAST
BAJIO
THE BAJIO
Michoacán, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi and Queretaro
The Bajio region, a plateau with rugged mountains, resembles the central Spanish plains. Its
cuisine consists of rice, pork, and spices, with well-known dishes like morisquesta and carnitas.
Sweet desserts include cajeta, chongos, arroz con leche, and bunuelos. The town of Cotija has a
cheese named after it, and charanda is a local alcoholic beverage.
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
THE COAST
THE SOUTH PACIFIC
BAJIO
COAST
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
THE COAST
THE SOUTH PACIFIC
BAJIO
COAST
 SIGNIFICANT SUB
THE SOUTH PACIFIC REGION
THE
Guerrero, OaxacaCOAST
and Chiapas
THE
NORTHNORTH PACIFIC
THE COAST
Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas are indigenous Mexican regions with unique cuisines. Oaxaca
THE
BAJIOSOUTH PACIFIC
cuisine features staples like chicken and pork, and Oaxaca cheese. It is known for seven mole
COAST
varieties, including Negro, Amarillo, Coloradito, Mancha Manteles, Chichilo, Rojo, and Verde.
Chiapas uses chile as a condiment, corn as a staple food, and black beans as a sauce for
enfrijoladas.
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
THE COAST
THE SOUTH PACIFIC
BAJIO
THE COAST
SOUTH
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
THE COAST
THE SOUTH PACIFIC
BAJIO
THE COAST
SOUTH
 SIGNIFICANT SUB
THE SOUTH REGION
THE
Campeche, Yucatan & Quintana Ro
THE
NORTHNORTH PACIFIC
THE COAST
Yucatán cuisine is a unique blend of Mayan, Caribbean, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern
THE
BAJIOSOUTH PACIFIC
influences. Corn is the staple, and achiote, a spice, gives food a reddish color and a peppery
THE COAST
smell. Recados, seasoning pastes, are used in chicken and pork dishes like conchinita pibil.
SOUTH
Tropical fruits, like tamarind, plums, and avocados, are prominent in Yucatán cooking. Honey is
used to sweeten and make regional drinks. The coastal areas offer fish dishes like Mero, conch
fillet, coconut-flavored shrimp, and lagoon snails.
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
THE COAST
THE SOUTH PACIFIC
BAJIO
THE COAST
THE
SOUTH
GULF
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
THE COAST
THE SOUTH PACIFIC
BAJIO
THE COAST
THE
SOUTH
GULF
 SIGNIFICANT SUB
THE GULF REGION
THE
Tabasco & Veracruz
THE
NORTH NORTH PACIFIC
THE COAST
The Gulf of Mexico-bordering states of Tabasco are a Caribbean region with a mix of
THE
BAJIOSOUTH PACIFIC
indigenous, Afro-Cuban, and Spanish cuisine. The region's cuisine features corn, vanilla, and
THE COAST
herbs like acuyo and hoja santa, as well as tropical fruits like papaya and zapote. Europeans
THE
SOUTH
introduced herbs like parsley, thyme, marjoram, bay laurel, and cilantro. Popular dishes include
GULF
Huachinango a la veracruzana, red snapper with tomato sauce, and pollo encacahuatado.
Tabasco's vast deltas and estuaries offer a diverse variety of seafood, including crab and crayfish.
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
THE COAST
THE SOUTH PACIFIC
BAJIO
THE COAST
THE
SOUTH
CENTRAL
GULF
MEXICO
SIGNIFICANT SUB
REGION
THE
THE NORTH PACIFIC
NORTH
THE COAST
THE SOUTH PACIFIC
BAJIO
THE COAST
THE
SOUTH
CENTRAL
GULF
MEXICO
 SIGNIFICANT SUB
CENTRAL MEXICO REGION
THE
THE
NORTHNORTH PACIFIC
Mexico, Puebla, Morelos, Tlaxcala, Hidalgo and Distrito Federal (Federal District / Mexico
City)
THE COAST
THE
BAJIOSOUTH PACIFIC
Mexico City's cuisine features influences from various regions and foreign countries, with street
THE COAST
cuisine featuring taco stands, torta shops, and lunch counters. Popular dishes include barbacoa,
THE
SOUTH
birria, cabrito, carnitas, moles, tacos, and tortas. Pre-Hispanic food and haute cuisine are also
CENTRAL
GULF
popular in this area.
MEXICO
 TOP 10
MEXICAN RECIPES
(TRADITIONAL
RECIPES)
 Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles is a traditional breakfast dish featuring lightly fried corn tortillas, salsa, scrambled eggs,
chicken, cheese, cream, and frijoles (refried beans). It is often served with a healthy dose of frijoles.
 Pozole
Anthropologists suggest pre-Hispanic soup, pozole, was consumed during sacrifice rituals and is now easily
accessible in everyday settings. Simmered with hominy corn, herbs, and spices, served with lettuce, radish,
onion, lime, and chili.
 Tacos al pastor
Pastor tacos are a popular Mexican dish made with adobe BBQ sauce, Mexican spices, and achiote.
Originating in the 1920s and 1930s, they feature pork meat and are served with onions, coriander leaves,
and pineapple. Other options include minced beef tacos, tacos dorados de barbacoa, and beer-battered fish
tacos for non-meat eaters.
 Tostadas
Toastadas are a delicious dish featuring corn tortillas fried in oil, covered with refried beans, pickled red
onion, herbs, and spices. They can be served alone or piled high with various toppings.
 Chiles en nogada
Chiles en nogada, a Mexican patriotic dish, features green, white, and red colors of the Mexican flag.
Originating from Puebla, it was first served to Don Agustín de Iturbide, the liberator and emperor of
Mexico.
 Elote
Elote, the Mexican corn on the cob, is a traditional dish sold on city streets in Mexico. Boiling corn is
served on sticks or in cups, with various toppings like salt, chili powder, lime, butter, cheese, mayonnaise,
and sour cream.
 Enchiladas
Enchiladas, dating back to Mayan times, are made from corn and flour tortillas filled with meat, cheese,
seafood, beans, or vegetables. They are then covered in chili sauce for a delicious Mexican breakfast.
 Mole
Three states claim to be the origins of mole, a popular Mexican sauce with around 20 ingredients, including
chili peppers. It requires constant stirring and is best known as mole poblano, a rusty red sauce served over
turkey or chicken.
 Guacamole
Guacamole, a popular Mexican dish, dates back to the Aztecs and is made from mashed avocados, onions,
tomatoes, lemon juice, and chili peppers. It is often served with tortilla chips or as a side dish.
 Tamales
Tamales, developed for Aztec, Mayan, and Inca tribes, were nourishing food on the go. Pockets of corn
dough are filled with sweet or savory fillings, wrapped in banana leaves or husks, and steamed. Fillings can
include meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, chillies, and mole.
THANK YOU!
 References:
https://www.mexicali-blue.com/exploring-the-evolution-of-mexican-cuisine-from-pre-
colonial-to-modern-times/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Mexico
https://www.elrincontx.com/the-history-and-culture-behind-traditional-mexican-cuisine/

[https://rrealtacos.com/authentic-mexican-food-cuisine/#:~:text=Mexican%20dishes%20are
%20known%20for,and%20depth%20to%20the%20dishes.]

[https://www.picos.net/seven-regions-of-mexican-cuisine/]
[https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/travel/global/top-10-foods-try-mexico]