How to Order the Best Mexican Dishes Like a Pro – Insider Tips & Must-Try Foods

Mexican food is more than just tacos and burritos—it is a rich, flavorful cuisine with deep cultural roots. Whether you’re visiting an authentic taquería, a family-owned cantina, or a high-end Mexican restaurant, knowing what to order and how to order it can make all the difference.

The best dishes are often hidden on the menu, and understanding regional specialties, spice levels, and key ingredients will help you enjoy a truly authentic experience. In this guide, I will share insider tips, must-try dishes, and personal experiences to help you order Mexican food like a pro.

1. Walking Into a Mexican Restaurant – What to Expect

Stepping into an authentic Mexican restaurant is an experience in itself. You will often notice:

• The aroma of freshly made tortillas cooking on a hot griddle
• The sizzle of carne asada grilling over an open flame
• Walls decorated with vibrant colors, papel picado, and traditional Mexican art

Many authentic places will bring you a complimentary starter, such as:

• Totopos (tortilla chips) with homemade salsa
• A small bowl of pickled jalapeños, carrots, and onions
• In some cases, a warm bowl of frijoles charros (bean soup)

Pro Tip: If the tortillas and salsas are house-made, you are in for a treat.

2. Must-Try Mexican Dishes for a True Experience

When ordering Mexican food, knowing which dishes truly represent the culture is essential. Here are some of the best options.

Tacos al Pastor – The King of Street Tacos

A must-try for any Mexican food lover. These tacos feature:

• Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit (like shawarma)
• Pineapple chunks for a perfect balance of smoky and sweet
• Served on small corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, and salsa verde

I had some of the best tacos al pastor in Mexico City, where the taquero sliced the pork and pineapple with razor-sharp precision. Every bite was a mix of tender meat, sweet fruit, and spicy salsa.

Birria Quesa Tacos – Crispy, Cheesy, and Rich

A newer star in Mexican cuisine, birria tacos are:

• Slow-cooked beef marinated in dried chiles and spices
• Served in cheesy, crispy corn tortillas
• Accompanied by a rich consommé for dipping

The first time I tried birria tacos was in Los Angeles at a family-owned restaurant. The owner’s grandmother prepared the consommé using a recipe passed down for generations, and it was one of the richest, most flavorful meals I have ever had.

Mole Poblano – Mexico’s Most Complex Sauce

A deeply traditional dish made with:

• Over 20 ingredients, including chocolate, dried chiles, nuts, and spices
• A rich, smooth sauce slow-cooked for hours
• Served over tender chicken or turkey with rice and handmade tortillas

When I visited Puebla, I saw chefs grinding the spices by hand on a stone metate before slow-cooking the sauce for hours. That experience made me appreciate just how much effort goes into every plate of mole poblano.

Chiles en Nogada – A Dish With History

A true Mexican classic, this dish is as patriotic as it is delicious.

• Poblano peppers stuffed with a mix of meats, fruits, and spices
• Creamy walnut sauce drizzled on top
• Garnished with pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley, representing the Mexican flag

Tamales & Pozole – Comfort Food Classics

If you want traditional home-cooked flavors, order:

• Tamales: Corn dough stuffed with meat, wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks, and steamed
• Pozole: A rich hominy soup with pork or chicken, served with shredded cabbage, radish, and lime

3. Ordering Like a Local – Tips to Impress

If you want to order Mexican food like a pro, here are a few insider tips.

• Ask for house salsas – Many restaurants have hidden specialty salsas that are not brought to the table unless requested
• Know your spice level – Mexican food can be mild or fiery. If unsure, ask for “no muy picante” (not too spicy)
• Corn or flour tortillas – Corn tortillas are authentic for tacos, while flour tortillas are common in northern Mexican dishes like burritos and quesadillas
• Try aguas frescas – Instead of soda, order agua de horchata (sweet rice milk with cinnamon) or agua de jamaica (hibiscus iced tea) for a refreshing, traditional drink

4. A Funny Ordering Mistake I Made (Personal Story)

One of my funniest experiences happened in Guadalajara, when I walked into a small taquería and ordered cuatro tacos (four tacos).

The taquero smiled and asked, “¿Cuatro de qué?” (Four of what?)

Without thinking, I said, “Sí, cuatro de qué,” which made no sense. The entire kitchen started laughing, and the taquero said, “Amigo, tienes que decir qué carne quieres” (Friend, you have to say what meat you want).

I quickly recovered and ordered two tacos al pastor and two carne asada, and they ended up being some of the best tacos I have ever had. That moment taught me to always know the types of meats available before ordering.

5. Final Thoughts – How to Fully Enjoy Mexican Cuisine

Ordering at an authentic Mexican restaurant is about more than just picking a dish—it is about embracing the flavors, culture, and traditions that make Mexican cuisine so special.

• Try something new – If you have never had mole, birria, or al pastor, order it
• Respect the process – Authentic Mexican food is made with patience and love
• Engage with the people – Whether it is the taquero at a street stall or a chef at a sit-down restaurant, they are usually more than happy to share stories about the food

Every time I order Mexican food, I feel like I am getting a small taste of Mexico’s rich culinary history, and that is what makes it such a special experience.