Ordering Mexican food can be an exciting experience, but the wide variety of options and terms can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you are at a traditional taqueria, a fast-casual chain, or a sit-down restaurant, knowing the basics helps you get exactly what you want. This guide provides a straightforward look at common menu items, ingredients, and ordering tips to ensure a satisfying meal.
Understanding the Core Menu Items
Most Mexican food orders begin with a base, which is typically a tortilla made of corn or flour. Understanding the differences between these bases is the first step in placing a successful order. While ingredients often overlap, the way they are prepared and served defines the dish.
Tacos
Tacos are perhaps the most recognizable Mexican dish, consisting of a small tortilla filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese. Traditional Mexican tacos usually use soft corn tortillas and are topped simply with onions and cilantro. In many casual restaurants, you may also find “Tex-Mex” style tacos, which feature flour tortillas or hard shells with lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheese.
Burritos
A burrito is a large flour tortilla wrapped into a sealed cylinder to hold various fillings. Common ingredients include rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. Because they are portable and filling, they are a popular choice for lunch or quick meals on the go.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas consist of corn tortillas rolled around a filling, covered with a savory sauce, and baked. The sauce is typically a red chili sauce or a green tomatillo sauce. They are usually served on a plate and eaten with a fork rather than by hand.
Quesadillas
A quesadilla is a tortilla, usually flour, filled primarily with melted cheese and then folded in half. Many people choose to add proteins like chicken or steak inside as well. They are grilled until the outside is crisp and the inside is gooey.
Choosing Your Protein
Once you have selected your base dish, the next step is choosing a protein. Mexican menus often use Spanish names for meat preparations. Knowing these terms will help you understand the flavor profile of your meal.
- Carne Asada: This is grilled beef, typically flank or skirt steak, marinated and sliced into thin strips. It has a smoky, savory flavor.
- Pollo: This simply means chicken. It is often marinated in citrus and spices before being grilled or shredded.
- Al Pastor: This is pork marinated in a blend of dried chilies and spices, then cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It often has a sweet and savory taste because it is frequently served with pineapple.
- Carnitas: This refers to pork that has been slow-cooked in fat until it is tender, then shredded and fried until the edges are crispy.
- Barbacoa: This is meat, usually beef, that has been slow-cooked with spices until it is very tender and easy to shred.
- Chorizo: This is a highly seasoned, spicy pork sausage that is crumbled and cooked.
Essential Sides and Toppings
The toppings and sides you choose can completely change the flavor of your order. Most restaurants offer a variety of fresh ingredients to customize your meal. Understanding the heat levels and textures of these additions is key.
Salsa Options
Salsa is a staple of every Mexican meal. Salsa Roja (red sauce) is usually made with tomatoes and dried chilies, ranging from mild to very hot. Salsa Verde (green sauce) is made with tomatillos and green chilies, offering a brighter, more acidic flavor.
Guacamole and Pico de Gallo
Guacamole is a creamy dip made from mashed avocados, lime juice, and salt. Pico de gallo is a fresh, chunky salsa made from diced raw tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños. Both are excellent for adding freshness to heavier meat dishes.
Rice and Beans
Most platters come with a side of Mexican rice and beans. The beans are typically either frijoles refritos (refried beans) or frijoles de la olla (whole pinto or black beans). Refried beans are mashed and cooked with oil or lard for a creamy consistency.
How to Customize Your Order
Customization is a major part of the Mexican dining experience. Do not be afraid to ask for modifications to suit your taste or dietary needs. Most kitchens are accustomed to building dishes to order.
If you prefer your food without spice, ask for “mild” options or request that the salsa be served on the side. Conversely, if you enjoy heat, you can ask for extra jalapeños or the house’s spiciest salsa. For a lighter meal, many restaurants allow you to substitute a tortilla for a “bowl,” which replaces the bread with a bed of lettuce or extra rice.
When ordering tacos, you might hear the phrase “con todo.” This translates to “with everything.” In a traditional setting, this usually means your tacos will come topped with onions and cilantro. If you want cheese and sour cream instead, you should specify that you want “American style” or “Tex-Mex style” toppings.
Dietary Considerations
Mexican cuisine is often very adaptable for different dietary requirements. However, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding hidden ingredients. Being specific with your server will help ensure your meal meets your needs.
- Vegetarian and Vegan: Many places offer grilled vegetables or extra beans as a protein substitute. Be sure to ask if the rice is cooked with chicken stock or if the beans contain lard.
- Gluten-Free: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making them a great choice for those avoiding wheat. Always confirm that the tortillas are 100% corn and not a corn-wheat blend.
- Dairy-Free: Simply ask for no cheese (sin queso) and no sour cream (sin crema). The flavors of the marinated meats and fresh salsas are usually enough to make the dish delicious without dairy.
Tips for Ordering Delivery or Takeout
If you are ordering Mexican food for delivery, some dishes travel better than others. Burritos and quesadillas tend to stay warm and hold their shape well during transport. Tacos can sometimes become soggy if they sit too long, especially if they are topped with heavy sauces.
To keep your food fresh, consider ordering salsas and guacamole on the side. This prevents the tortillas from absorbing moisture while the food is in transit. When you receive your order, you can add the cold toppings yourself for the best texture.
Conclusion
Ordering Mexican food is a straightforward process once you understand the basic components of the menu. By identifying your preferred base, choosing a protein, and selecting the right toppings, you can create a meal that perfectly fits your preferences. Whether you are looking for a quick taco or a hearty burrito, these tips will help you order with confidence.
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