25 Best Mexican Street Foods To Try Today

If you want to know what the best Mexican street foods are, you better book a flight.

Or, you know, just save this roundup of fresh, vibrant, and delectable dishes!

I adore Mexican food. Be it tacos, flautas, eloté, or gorditas, I just can’t get enough!

And I’m talking real Mexican, not Tex-Mex (though I love that, too!).

Every recipe on this list is bursting with authentic flavor, and one bite is enough to transport you to a vacation state of mind.

So, add some flair to your next family dinner with these incredible Mexican street foods!

Top 25 Mexican Street Foods We Can’t Get Enough Of

1. Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Eloté) 

Mexican street corn – also known as eloté – is one of my all-time favorite summer side dishes or snacks. 

There are variations on how it’s served, but the street food version features a whole ear of corn cooked on a grill.

Then, it’s coated in delicious toppings, including a creamy, tangy sauce, cotija cheese, and chipotle pepper.

These are so easy to make at home, and you can easily customize them to your specific taste preferences. 

2. Bionicos (Mexican Fruit Bowls) 

If you love fruit parfait, you have to try bionicos.

Made with fruit, a creamy yogurt sauce, and your favorite toppings, they’re the best way to start your day.

Use your choice of fruit, but keep in mind the fresher, the better!

Oh, and feel free to add crunchy granola or toasted coconut if you like a bit of crunch.

3. Agua Fresca de Tamarindo (Made With Tamarind Pods) 

Tamarindo is one of the most beloved flavors of Agua Fresca, a wildly popular drink of fruits, cereals, or seeds with water and sugar.

It’s spicy-sweet with earthy and acidic notes, and that’s all down to the tamarind pods.

If you can’t find the pods, go ahead and use tamarind paste – you’ll just need to adjust the recipe to taste.

4. Mexican Churros 

Authentic churros are a fantastic street food that’s super fun to make at home.

Light and airy, they’re best served with plenty of cinnamon sugar, making them crispy, sweet, and warm.

This recipe is easy to follow, and when you’re done, the churros are even easier to eat!

Once you make these at home, those county fair churros will never stand a chance!  

5. Gorditas 

Gorditas are little corn cakes made with masa harina, water, and salt. So they’re a lot like tortillas, only they’re served a bit differently.

The masa dough is portioned and flattened, then grilled until light and charred. Then, you’ll cut a pocket in the middle, kind of like a pita.

Stuff them with beans, pork chile verde, or even chorizo and eggs! No matter what, you’ll love these gorditas. 

6. Nachos 

Nachos are one of the most well-known Mexican street foods in the world. And while it’s been adopted by the Tex-Mex cuisine, it all started south of the border.

Incredibly versatile, full of flavor, and loaded with fantastic textures, they’re ideal for sharing – or not! You do you!

I like mine with real melted cheese, plenty of guac, and lots of salsa and jalapeños.

But feel free to play around and use whatever toppings you like. For example, leftover pulled pork is a lovely addition!

7. Mexican Street Tacos 

Street tacos are my favorite kind of tacos. They’re simple but have insane amounts of flavor. 

So what’s the difference?

Well, street tacos traditional only feature corn tortillas with meat, onions, and cilantro, whereas other tacos are loaded with all kinds of tasty extras.

And as much as I love those extras, when the meat is good, you don’t need anything else to make the taco addictive.

Try these carne asada tacos once, and you’ll never go back.

8. Mexican-Style Chicken Flautas 

Taquitos are out! It’s time for flautas to shine!

Okay, so flautas are basically the same thing – they’re just made with flour tortillas instead of corn. 

That makes them light, airy, and not quite as crunchy as corn tortillas.

They’re still satisfying and delicious, though! And I know plenty of people who don’t like corn tortillas, so they’re ideal for parties.

Serve them with pico de gallo, sour cream, and guac, and they’ll be your new favorite meal or appetizer. 

9. Tacos Al Pastor Homemade 

Tacos al pastor are flavor bombs in a tortilla.

Pork is one of my favorite taco fillings. And in this case, it’s served with pineapples, which really breaks up the spice from the marinated pork. 

These complex and balanced flavors will please any palate. So make a big batch and get ready to feast!

10. Molletes 

Molletes are a hearty and delicious breakfast dish. But they’re so good, you’ll crave them any time of day. 

Basically, this Mexican street food is like fancy toast with tons of flavor and some south-of-the-border flair. 

You’ll need some crusty rolls, butter, and refried beans – that’s the bare minimum. 

To make this snack special, add cheese, pico de gallo, chorizo, onions, and anything else your tastebuds are craving. 

11. Mexican Tamales 

Tamales are one thing I crave all year round. I just love the soft masa and flavorful fillings. 

Unfortunately, they’re kind of a pain to make.

So, you may want some help to make these authentic Mexican tamales; otherwise, you’ll be there all day!

12. Torta de Jamon (Mexican Ham Sandwich)

Torta de jamon is a famous Mexican sandwich you’ll want for lunch every day.

Super soft bolillo rolls hold a host of delicious ingredients, including salty ham, yummy cheese, creamy avocado, and fresh lettuce.

Of course, as with any sandwich, you can adjust and add ingredients. But this recipe is a terrific start!

13. Pambazo Mexicano 

Here’s another incredible Mexico City sandwich. 

The buns (or bread) for these sandwiches are very particular – they’re similar to kaiser rolls, but instead of the seeds, they’re dusted with flour. 

There are also different versions of Pambazo Mexicano, but this one is filled with potatoes, chorizo, guajillo sauce, lettuce, cheese, and cream. Yum!

14. Chicharrones De Harina (Mexican Wheel Chips) 

I think these are going to be your new favorite snack. 

Chicharrones de harina are crispy wheel-shaped wonders that are actually made from a type of pasta.

Just drop the little pasta wheels into hot oil and watch them bubble and rise to the top in less than one minute! 

Add lime juice, Tajin, hot sauce, or any of your favorite toppings to this crunchy snack. 

15. Salbutes 

Salbutes are a type of corn tortilla that are fried until they’re puffed up and crispy. 

I love how effortless these are to make and that everybody enjoys them. Serve them with your favorite taco fillings, and you’re all set.

16. Entomatadas 

Entomatadas are similar to quesadillas or enchiladas. They’re vegetarian and made with corn tortillas, cheese, and tomato sauce.

Making homemade tomato sauce is worth the effort, in my opinion. But go ahead and use store-bought if you’re in a rush.

17. Pork Carnitas Street Tacos 

Pork carnitas street tacos are impossibly flavorful. Seriously, you’ll be hooked on these tacos at first bite. 

You’ll cook the pork in all kinds of spices and juices, ensuring plenty of layers of complexity.

Taco Tuesday will never be the same again. 

18. Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad) 

Remember I said Mexican street corn comes in different styles? Well, here’s one of those variations.

Esquites has all the fresh and fantastic flavors of eloté, but it’s served off the cob and in a cup.

It’s still full of tangy, sweet, spicy, creamy, and salty goodness, it’s just easier to eat – and less messy!

19. Tlacoyos 

Tlacooyos are like thick corn tortillas that hold all sorts of excellent toppings. 

They’re stuffed with mashed black beans and topped with an incredible mixture of ingredients, including nopales salad, salsa, cheese, and onions.

These are definitely a crowd-pleaser but do take a bit of extra work. So be sure to plan ahead.

20. Enfrijoladas 

Enfrijoladas are very similar to enchiladas, but instead of chili sauce, these are made with black bean sauce. 

Beans, tortillas, cheese…what more could you want?

This simple yet oh-so-satisfying meal can be tweaked whether you’re an avid meat eater or strictly meat-free. 

Either way, you’ll love ’em.

21. Barbacoa Tacos  

Barbacoa tacos are here to make your taco night easier and more flavorful. 

It’s time to get out the slow cooker for this scrumptious recipe. By the time the Crock Pot does its job, the meat is so juicy and tender, it falls apart. 

Barbacoa tacos make a lovely party dish. So why not set up a taco bar?

22. Mexican Candied Sweet Potatoes (Camotes Enmielados) 

Mexican candied sweet potatoes are a favorite of mine, and I’m sure you’ll love them too. 

They’re ooey-gooey, fluffy, soft, and sticky, so there’s no way you can do anything other than devour them. 

You’ll simmer sweet potatoes in a piloncillo (blocks of unrefined whole cane sugar) and cinnamon syrup, then serve to a hungry crowd.

Try them for your next holiday meal, and I bet they’ll be a hit!

23. Conchas 

Conchas are a popular Mexican sweet bread with a very distinctive appearance. They’re easy to spot at grocery stores and bakeries and taste phenomenal.

The dough is buttery and soft – like brioche. And the colorful streusel topping is scored in a pretty pattern that makes these baked goods so recognizable. 

If you’ve never had this popular breakfast item, you must try this recipe. 

24. Mexican Street Corn Quesadillas 

If you love quesadillas and you love eloté, this is the recipe for you!

Sweet corn, gooey cheese, and tangy lime combine to make the perfect quesadilla.

I love this fusion of two of the best Mexican street foods!

Kids and adults alike will love this wonderful snack or meal. So be sure to make double!

25. Mexican Sopes

Sopes are a traditional and authentic dish that’s super tasty. This recipe is also gluten-free and vegetarian!

Disk-like sopes are made from masa and fried until golden and perfect. Top them with all of your favorite taco toppings are you’re good to go.