Best gastronomic destination
One of the things that makes Mexico one of the best gastronomic destinations in the world is its rich culinary traditions. With dishes that have captured the hearts and palates of experts and travelers around the globe, Mexican food continues to leave a lasting impression on the world. In 2024, Taste Atlas, one of the most recognized global platforms for culinary evaluation, released its ranking of the countries with the best cuisine worldwide. This ranking is based on over 477,000 valid ratings from more than 15,000 dishes, highlighting those destinations that have left a significant mark on global gastronomy.
Among the top-ranking countries, several are known for their rich culinary traditions and unique flavors. According to the renowned food magazine, the top three countries that stand out for their traditional and diverse local cuisine are:
- Greece
- Italy
- Mexico
In addition to this prestigious recognition, Taste Atlas also highlighted certain Mexican cities as best gastronomic destinations. These cities are known for their local dishes that are beloved both within Mexico and internationally, offering visitors the opportunity to taste a wide array of flavors.
Guadalajara: a taste of tradition and flavor
One of the best-known culinary cities in Mexico, Guadalajara is home to several traditional dishes that reflect the region’s cultural richness. One of the standout dishes you must try is carne en su jugo (beef in its juices). This dish consists of tender beef, bacon, beans, garlic, and onions, and it originated in 1950 at a restaurant called El Gallo in the region. Over the years, it has become a beloved classic that defines the local cuisine.
Another popular food in Guadalajara is the torta, which is a sandwich made with fresh bread, filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, and other ingredients. The torta has been a part of the city’s culinary scene since the 1960s and remains a favorite snack for locals and visitors alike.
Mexico City: the heart of Mexican street food
Mexico City, or CDMX, takes second place in the Taste Atlas ranking, thanks to its diverse and flavorful street food scene. One of the most iconic Mexican dishes—tacos—originated here, and it remains a key part of the city’s gastronomic identity. Tacos are a street food staple, served on soft tortillas with a variety of fillings such as meats, vegetables, and salsas. What sets Mexico City apart is the incredible diversity of tacos available, from tacos de carnitas (braised pork) to tacos de suadero (beef), each offering unique and mouth-watering flavors.
Another classic dish from CDMX is the enchilada, a tortilla that’s dipped in chili sauce and filled with ingredients such as cheese, meat, and onions. While enchiladas are common across Mexico, the Mexico City version is considered a must-try for food lovers.
Among the many taco variations in Mexico City, tacos al pastor are the most famous. These tacos are made with marinated pork, cooked on a vertical rotisserie, and served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. Tacos al pastor are not only popular in Mexico City but also have a significant presence in Mexican communities around the world.
Puebla de Zaragoza: a hub for iconic Mexican dishes
In third place is Puebla de Zaragoza, known for its rich culinary heritage and diverse offerings. Like Mexico City, Puebla also boasts a variety of tacos that are beloved by locals and visitors. But what truly sets Puebla apart is its specialty dish, the cemita. This sandwich features a delicious combination of ingredients, including tomato, lettuce, meat, and avocado, all stuffed into a sesame-seed roll. The cemita is a flavorful and satisfying meal, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Puebla.
Puebla is also famous for its tortas, which are similar to those found in Guadalajara but are known for their unique preparation. The bread is sliced in half and filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables, making it a perfect snack for any time of day. The variety of ingredients used in Puebla’s tortas is a testament to the region’s culinary creativity.
Why Mexico is a global culinary leader
What makes Mexico one of the best gastronomic destinations is the incredible diversity and history behind its food. From the vibrant markets of Guadalajara to the street vendors of Mexico City and the delicious sandwiches of Puebla, Mexican food is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and community. These three cities, each with their own distinct flavors, offer a glimpse into the heart of Mexico’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re tasting a taco al pastor in Mexico City, savoring a cemita in Puebla, or enjoying carne en su jugo in Guadalajara, you’re experiencing the rich cultural heritage that makes Mexico’s food so beloved around the world.
Mexico’s position in the global gastronomic ranking is not just a reflection of the diversity of its dishes, but also of the pride its people take in preserving and sharing their culinary traditions. This recognition by Taste Atlas is a testament to the country’s importance as a global food destination, and it only reinforces the idea that Mexico is a must-visit place for food lovers from around the world.
