Mexican cuisine holds UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status and is one of the world's great food traditions. Real Mexican food bears little resemblance to Tex-Mex: street tacos (al pastor, carnitas, barbacoa on small corn tortillas with salsa, onion, cilantro), tamales, tlayudas, enchiladas, and mole (complex sauce with chili and chocolate) define the canon.
Oaxaca is Mexico's food capital: black mole, tlayudas, grasshopper tacos (chapulines), and mezcal distilleries. Mexico City's taqueros and market food stalls are extraordinary. Fresh-squeezed juices, agua frescas, and traditional Oaxacan hot chocolate are standouts. Always eat at busy stalls with rapid turnover.