TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Foods
Originating from the Mexican state of Michoacán, carnitas is a flavorful dish made from pork (usually front sections or pork shoulder) that is braised, roasted, or slow-cooked in its own fat for a long time until fully tender and succulent.
The heat is then turned up until the meat is crispy on the exterior and can be shredded. Carnitas, which translates to little meats, is often served with tortillas, accompanied by salsas, beans, guacamole, lime, or fresh vegetables. In Michoacán, carnitas are found everywhere from street stalls to upscale restaurants, although the dish is more often made for special occasions such as Christmas, anniversaries, or birthdays.
MOST ICONIC Carnitas
Bionico is a popular Mexican street food item in the form of a fruit cocktail, originating from Guadalajara. Chopped fruits such as papaya, strawberries, cantaloupe, apples, and bananas are topped with a sweet cream mixture, granola, pecans, raisins, and desiccated coconut.
The dish was invented in the early 1990s as a healthy breakfast meal. As its popularity grew, the dessert spread throughout Mexico and even to some parts of the United States. Today, bionico is mostly served by street vendors or it can be bought at numerous juice bars and ice cream shops.
MOST ICONIC Bionico
Pescado zarandeado is a signature dish of the Mexican Nayarit region. It is a simple meal made by cooking local fish (preferably red snapper) over mangrove wood charcoal, which gives off a distinctive smoke that permeates the lightly salted fish.
Today, some cooks like to add spices and hot chilis to the dish instead of using only salt, which accentuates the natural flavors of fish. The name of the dish is derived from the word zaranda, referring to the name of the grill used in the preparation of fish.
MOST ICONIC Pescado zarandeado
Tarascan puréed bean soup hails from the Mexican state of Michoacán, home of the Tarascan or Purépecha people — one of the major pre-Columbian civilizations of Mesoamerica. Their culture flourished from 1100s to the early 1500s, but by the 1530, Purépecha people had succumbed to the Spanish conquistadors who eventually named them Tarascos, hence the name sopa Tarasca.
Apart from the beans — which are usually cooked together with tomatoes in a simple chicken broth — this dish is a great source of both fresh and dried chili peppers, most of which are native to the New World like the smoked pasilla de Oaxaca, which imparts not only a delicate heat but also adds a nice smoky flavor to this hearty soup.
Oaxacan cheese is a semi-soft white cheese made from cow's milk. The cheese is characterized by its stringy texture. It has a savory, creamy, mild and buttery flavor, making it ideal for quesadillas, empanadas, and tlayudas. The cheese has great melting properties, which is the reason why it is often used in numerous baked dishes.
It is named after the Oaxaca state in southern Mexico, where it was first produced. The pasta filata cheesemaking process, originally from Italy, was brought to Mexico by Dominican friars that settled in the state of Oaxaca.
Pair with
Tlayuda is an Oaxacan street food dish consisting of an oversized corn dough tortilla smothered with asiento lard, refried beans, and quesillo string cheese. The term tlayuda refers both to the dish and the name of the large tortilla.
It can be served open-face or folded, and is then additionally topped with a variety of meats, salsas, and guacamole.
MOST ICONIC Tlayuda
Torta ahogada is Guadalajara's signature sandwich, a salted bun that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the interior, filled with pork, and submerged in a spicy salsa consisting of vinegar, cumin, and chile de árbol pepper. The sandwich is then filled with onions, mild tomato-garlic salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.
It was invented in the early 1900s, and today it is a staple dish for curing hangovers, usually found on small stands on street corners and busy urban centers.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Tortas
MOST ICONIC Torta ahogada
View moreMemela (or tetela) is a popular street food dish originating from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is made from masa flour with the addition of refried beans, pressed together into a (usually oval-shaped) tortilla, then cooked on a hot grill.
Once the tortilla is done, it is usually filled with red or green salsa, crumbly cheese such as quesillo, and additional toppings such as fries, nopale cactus, or avocado slices. Memela is traditionally folded in half and eaten with hands, just like a taco.
Carne en su jugo is a traditional beef soup with bacon, beans, garlic, and onions. The broth can be additionally flavored with chilis and vegetables. The soup originates from Guadalajara, and it was first made in the 1950s in a restaurant called El Gallo, when it was used as a hangover cure in the late hours of the evening.
Today, carne en su jugo is traditionally served in clay plates.
MOST ICONIC Carne en su jugo
Garnacha is a Mexican dish originating from Oaxaca, in an area known as the Isthmus. The dish consists of a small masa dough disk that is fried in lard, then topped with stewed shredded meat, onions, salsa, queso fresco, and repollo – a combination of vinegar and cabbage.
Of course, chili peppers can also be added to the toppings, if desired. Nowadays, garnachas are a common street food in the region, but they are also a staple of the velas – a festival that celebrates the harvest season.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Food Producers
Cierto Tequila is a premium tequila producer renowned for its artisanal approach and commitment to excellence. Crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, Cierto sources 100% Blue Weber agave grown in both the highlands and lowlands, ensuring a balanced and complex flavor profile.
The brand emphasizes sustainability and traditional production techniques, including slow cooking in brick ovens and careful aging in French and American oak barrels. Cierto offers a range of luxury tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo expressions, each celebrated for its smoothness, richness, and elegance.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Cierto Tequila Spirits
Ocho Tequila is a renowned producer of high-quality, artisanal tequila, celebrated for its commitment to tradition and transparency. Founded by Tomas Estes, a global tequila ambassador, and Carlos Camarena, a master distiller from a legendary tequila family, Ocho is known for being the first tequila to designate its production from specific agave fields, emphasizing terroir in its flavor profile.
Crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico, Ocho Tequila is produced using traditional methods, including slow cooking in brick ovens and natural fermentation. Each batch is made from agave harvested in a single estate, showcasing the unique characteristics of the land.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
BEST Tequila Ocho Spirits
Mezcal Vago is a producer focused on small-batch, artisanal mezcals sourced from remote regions of Oaxaca, Mexico. The brand collaborates with four master mezcaleros, each using traditional methods passed down through generations. Their mezcals reflect the distinct terroir of the area and the unique craftsmanship of each producer.
Mezcal Vago emphasizes authenticity, sustainability, and the deep cultural heritage of mezcal-making.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2022, 2020
BEST Mezcal Vago Spirits
Don Fulano is a premium tequila brand rooted in the rich heritage of the Fonseca family, who have been cultivating agave in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, for five generations. Their journey began over 140 years ago in Atotonilco, where they started as agave farmers before acquiring the historic La Tequileña distillery in the mid-1980s.
This distillery, with over a century of history, became the foundation for producing their exceptional tequilas. Don Fulano tequilas are crafted using estate-grown, hand-selected mature agave, proprietary yeast, and natural volcanic spring water, ensuring a product that honors the natural gifts of the agave plant.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
BEST Don Fulano Spirits
1800 Tequila, part of Proximo Spirits, is one of the oldest and most recognized tequila brands, crafted from 100% blue Weber agave harvested in Jalisco, Mexico. Known for its quality and variety, 1800 Tequila offers expressions ranging from Silver to Extra Añejo and specialty editions, including Cristalino and limited Artist Series releases.
Each bottle showcases a commitment to tradition and innovation, making 1800 a staple in premium tequila.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024, 2022
BEST 1800 Tequila Spirits
AY! AY! AY! Tequila is a premium Mexican tequila brand celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Founded by Alberto Robles and Jorge Godínez, the brand is produced in partnership with Destileria la Experiencia in Jalisco, using a mix of traditional and modern methods.
Each bottle is a work of art, inspired by Mexican traditions like papel picado, and filled with high-quality, 100% agave tequila. The brand's iconic mascot, Nacho the mariachi skeleton, represents the vibrant, celebratory spirit of Mexican fiestas.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
BEST Ay! Ay! Ay! Spirits
Nobleza 33 is an ultra-premium tequila crafted by Master Tequilero Engineer Felipe Camarena at the El Pandillo distillery in Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico. This 100% agave spirit is produced through meticulous processes of cooking, resting, grinding, fermentation, and traditional distillation, all reinterpreted for modern times to honor the rich traditions of tequila-making.
The agave plants used are carefully selected, with a minimum age of five years, ensuring maturity and quality. The result is a tequila that embodies the dedication and expertise of its creators, offering a complex and noble flavor profile.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
BEST Nobleza 33 Spirits
Mezcal Creyente, a premium brand under Proximo Spirits, is renowned for its rich heritage and artisanal craftsmanship. Made from Espadín agave sourced from Oaxaca, it offers a unique blend that balances smoky, earthy, and fruity flavors. The brand stays true to traditional mezcal-making methods, including roasting agave in underground pits and distilling in copper stills.
Its branding draws inspiration from Mexican culture, featuring symbolic imagery rooted in mythology and nature. Widely available internationally, Mezcal Creyente has gained recognition for its authenticity and exceptional quality.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Paloma Gold
2024
BEST Mezcal Creyente Spirits
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023
BEST Partida Spirits
AWARDS
World's Best Honey - Winner
2024
World Liqueur Awards - Country Winner
2024
BEST APICULTORES DE GUADALAJARA SL Liqueurs
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Food Products
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Cierto Private Collection Extra Añejo is an exceptional tequila, aged for 48 months in rare French Limousin oak casks. This careful aging process gives the tequila a rich and luxurious flavor profile, blending deep notes of tobacco, vanilla, oak, and cherries.
The aroma offers a tantalizing mix of oak, cherry, and cooked agave, while the palate reveals layers of dark chocolate, black cherry, and subtle hints of cognac, creating a refined and complex sipping experience. The finish is smooth and memorable, leaving traces of honey and spice that linger long after the last sip.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Tequila Avión Reserva 44 is the pinnacle of luxury within the Avión portfolio, crafted for those who seek an exceptional tequila experience. This ultra-premium tequila is made from the finest handpicked agave and aged for 43 months in traditional oak barrels.
It is then finished in petite oak barrels for an additional month, adding complexity and depth. The result is a beautifully balanced tequila with a rich and velvety profile. It offers enticing notes of roasted agave, warm vanilla, and baking spices, alongside hints of finely toasted oak and dried fruits.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2020
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2021
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2021
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2022
Tequila Ocho Plata is a premium, 100% blue agave tequila known for its high quality and distinct taste. It is produced in small batches at the Ocho distillery, which is known for crafting tequilas with unique flavors that reflect the terroir of the agave plants used.
The Plata expression is unaged, offering a crisp and fresh flavor profile with notes of citrus, pepper, and agave. It's typically enjoyed neat or in cocktails like margaritas.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2022, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2020
Cierto Private Collection Reposado is an exquisite tequila crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave, grown in Jalisco's Highlands. Aged for 11 months in French Limousin oak casks, this reposado delivers a smooth and refined experience with layered flavors.
The initial notes of butterscotch and cooked agave evolve into hints of caramel and finish with a warm cinnamon spice, offering a rich and balanced taste profile.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
Don Fulano Reposado is the great representative of the spirit of Don Fulano: a marriage of mature highland agave with French limousine oak. It’s rich and buttery, yet strangely delicate and ethereal at the same time. Cooked agave fully expresses itself and blends seamlessly with an herbal sweetness, hints of mature fruit compote and dark chocolate.
There’s also a slight spice element which emerges from its delicate finish. A joy to sip on its own, paired with food or in a great cocktail.
AWARDS
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022
1800 Milenio is a luxury tequila crafted from 100% Weber blue agave and carefully aged in French Oak Cognac barrels. This extra-aged tequila offers a balanced and unique flavor profile with notes of vanilla, red fruit, and cinnamon, and a smooth finish with hints of mint chocolate.
Milenio is the pinnacle of 1800 Tequila’s craftsmanship, embodying both tradition and innovation.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024, 2022
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2020
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Traditional Foods in Pacific Coast of Mexico” list until March 20, 2025, 2,559 ratings were recorded, of which 1,256 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.