If you’re planning to spend some leisurely time in El Paso, you’re probably anticipating the opportunity to tuck into the local food. As exciting and vibrant as the country’s culture, authentic Mexican food is famous for its unique and bold flavors. Here’s s look at the Mexican dishes and drinks you shouldn’t miss out on.
Food
1. Deep-Fried Quesadillas
Imagine a flour tortilla filled with melted cheese. Scrumptious, right? If you’ve had a quesadilla before and loved it, you’ll even love El Paso’s deep-fried quesadillas. You can choose different kinds of toppings, but the ones we find perfect deep-fried in oil are cheese and potatoes. Yum!
2. Churros
Churros are sold everywhere these days, but the one in Mexico is perfect in every way. The rope of dough is thinner than usual and it just has the right chewiness and crispiness your palate will love. You can have a dulce de leche dipping sauce to go with it too!
3. Guacamole with Chicaronnes
Guacamole with chicaronnes is more of an appetizer. In fact, this dish is commonly offered in El Paso restaurants with a side of tortilla chips. This is what you should munch on in case your main dishes aren’t going to arrive for at least 10 minutes or so. The crunchy chicaronnes is perfect with guacamole.
4. Fajitas
Fajitas have different versions, but it’s often available in beef, shrimp, or chicken versions, with some onions, peppers, and some tortillas on the side. You’ll love how tender and flavorful the meat is and the peppers give a nice twist to it too.
5. Mole
Moles are a mixture of chiles, chocolate, cinnamon, onions, garlic, seeds, and nuts. Sounds crazy, right? The thing about this dish is that it has to be cooked for days and days and days. In fact, you can find one in El Paso that’s been cooked for more than 800 days. Sop it up with tortillas and you’re good to go.
6. Flautas
Flautas are simply rolled up flour tortilla with some type of filling, either chicken or beef, or you can go for the cheese version too. To make it extra crispy, the tortilla is deep-fried and it’s served together with queso fresco and shredded lettuce.
Drinks
7. Mezcal
Think of tequila but a smoky version of it — that’s Mezcal. It’s a smoky flavored drink that’s best served with chile salt and orange slices.
8. Oaxacan Mezcal Cocktail
This cocktail can be easily your new favorite. It’s a mixture of Mezcal, agave syrup, lime, basil, and a salt rim. Mixed together, these ingredients make a sour, smoky and sweet cocktail.
9. Mexican Microbrew
Of course, you have to try what Mexican beer tastes like. There are many cervezarias in Mexico that offer the best microbrews. If you’ve always loved craft beer, you’ll find a good selection of the drink all over the country.
10. Pulque
Pulque resembles the color of milk, but it’s actually made from the fermented sap of an agave plant. It’s quite strong, but it’s rich in probiotics. You gotta try this.
11. Michelada
Michelada is basically beer mixed with lime juice, hot sauce, and tomato juice. It’s got some nice kick to it because of the hot sauce. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, go ahead and down on one!
