3 Can't-Miss Mexican Cities For Gastronomes—And Where To Stay

26.04.2024 - 18:15 / forbes.com

The birthplace of world-renowned dishes including elotes, chilaquiles and birria, Mexico has earned abundant acclaim for its national cuisine, with no shortage of endemic ingredients and time-honored cooking styles coming together to form one truly spectacular mosaic of flavors. While the national capital of Mexico City is home to a wealth of can’t-miss dining destinations, the country is dotted with foodie-friendly municipalities spanning from the Baja Peninsula to the tip of the Yucatan. As you plan your next trip to Mexico, don’t miss out on these essential cities, each one offering the perfect blend of high-end gastronomy and ultra-flavorful street food.

Renowned for its rich cultural diversity and wealth of unique dishes, Oaxaca de Juárez offers some of the finest dining experiences in all of Mexico. Traditional street food reigns supreme across the municipality, with destinations like Tlayudas Doña Licha and Don Pablito specializing in the tlayuda, a Oaxaca-born dish that consists of a large open-faced tortilla that’s smothered in refried beans, lettuce, meat and Oaxaca cheese. During late night hours, visitors can stroll around the city’s Centro district and sample fresh burgers, hot dogs and esquites from the area’s many vendors, but for an extravagant sit-down dinner, Origen is a top spot. Established in 2011, this polished venue offers contemporary Mexican cuisine that highlights the superb culinary prowess of Oaxaca, with confit duck enchiladas, habanero-infused fish ceviche and mole-smothered beef tongue all available for guests.

For those in search of lavish accommodations located right in the heart of the city, Hotel Escondido Oaxaca serves as the perfect base. During a stay, guests are welcome to stroll around the surrounding neighborhood and marvel at sites like the Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca and Mercado Benito Juárez, while the on-property pool and solarium are perfect for some afternoon relaxation after a long day—but of course, no visit is complete without spending a few hours at the hotel restaurant. While guests can sample their fair share of mezcal during a visit, the venue also offers a meticulously-crafted tasting menu that changes weekly, with each dish packed full of fresh ingredients sourced from local vendors across Oaxaca’s many markets.

While Puebla is best known as the site of the Battle of Cinco de Mayo—a prominent skirmish during the Second Franco-Mexican War—there’s far more to this storied city than just its military history. Upon arrival, visitors can make their way to the Calle de Los Dulces to sample sweet treats spanning from camotes to tortitas de Santa Clara, while the nearby La Pasita is renowned for their shots of homemade raisin liqueur that come with