Mexico Food and Drink: Daily Meals
Breakfast
In Mexico, the morning meal, el desayuno, is light and informal. Breakfast typically consists of a hot drink—coffee, hot chocolate, or atole (a drink made from corn and masa, corn dough)—and sweet breads. It is usually eaten in the home, but is also available from street vendors and at cafés.
Lunch
La comida, which translates simply to “food” or “meal,” is the main meal of the day in Mexico. Many businesses close for lunch between 2 and 4 pm, and most Mexicans return home to eat a leisurely meal with their families. Lunch can include multiple courses, including sopa (soup), ensalada (salad), guisado (a meat entrée with refried beans and rice, served with a fresh corn tortilla), and postre (dessert). Most meals are accompanied by glasses of agua fresca (flavored water that often contains fruit).
Dinner
The last meal of the day, la cena, is casual and consists of small portions. Dinner is eaten late in the evening, between 7 and 9pm, and can include leftovers from lunch, a few tacos, or soup.
Snacks
Botanas are snacks enjoyed with drinks. These usually consist of finger foods, such as cacahuates japoneses (peanuts coated in a crunchy shell and flavored with soy sauce). Antojitos, literally “little cravings,” are the heart of a vibrant culture of street food in Mexico. Available in the morning and evening, most antojitos are corn-based foods, including nearly endless variations of tacos, tamales, gorditas, quesadillas, tostadas, and enchiladas, as well as drinks, fruit, and other portable foods.
Sweets
Mexican sweets are also notably spicy. Mexicans enjoy eating fresh fruits—such as mango, pineapple, watermelon, and coconut—with a sprinkle of chili powder and lime. A variety of sweet and spicy tamarind candies are also popular. Shaved ice, cinnamon churros, and flan are common desserts.
Article written for World Trade Press by Christine Kiilerich.
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