Jalisco food is among the most celebrated in Mexico and around the world. In this article we take you through the traditional dishes that made this region famous for its cooking. From the famous birria and the irresistible tortas ahogadas to the jericalla dessert, these are the specialties at the heart of Jalisco cuisine. Bring your appetite for authentic Mexican food. You can find many of these dishes together, prepared the Guadalajara way, at the fondas (small family-run eateries) of Mercado San Juan de Dios.
📖 Related article: Mercado San Juan de Dios: a practical guide to its levels, what to eat, what to buy and how to get there.
Birria: An Icon of Jalisco Cuisine
Birria, considered one of the signature dishes of Jalisco, is a must-try during your visit to the region. Beef, goat or lamb is marinated in a rich blend of dried chiles and spices, then slow-cooked until tender and juicy. It is traditionally served with corn tortillas, onion, cilantro and a broth made from the birria’s cooking juices.
Tortas Ahogadas: A Guadalajara Classic
Tortas ahogadas (“drowned sandwiches”) are another standout of Jalisco cuisine, with a mix of flavors and textures that wins people over. They are crusty rolls filled with pork carnitas and bathed in a spicy tomato sauce. The key is the balance between the crunchy bread and the juicy meat and sauce. Keep napkins handy, because your mouth will water.
Jalisco and the coast of western Mexico have a strong seafood tradition. See the best seafood restaurants in Guadalajara and enjoy the flavors of the sea.
Jericalla: Guadalajara’s Classic Dessert
If you have a sweet tooth, jericalla is one of the great treats of Jalisco cooking. This traditional dessert is a baked custard similar to flan, with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla and a browned top. Its creamy texture and mild flavor are hard to resist. Pair it with a good cup of regional coffee.
Pozole Rojo: Comfort in a Bowl
Pozole rojo (red pozole) is another highlight of Jalisco cuisine. This hearty soup of nixtamalized hominy corn, with pork or chicken, onion, radishes, lettuce and chiles, is a comforting meal that will make you feel at home. The spicy kick of this version of pozole makes it especially good.
By now you are probably hungry. If you want to keep eating, see our top 10 tacos in Guadalajara and our selection of the best restaurants in Guadalajara.
Carne en su Jugo: A Jalisco Dish for Meat Lovers
Carne en su jugo (“meat in its own juices”) is a comforting Jalisco dish that meat lovers adore. It is beef cooked in its own broth with beans and bacon, all served in a bowl. The meat is simmered slowly to keep its flavor and juiciness, and it comes with warm tortillas. One bowl and you will be back for more.
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Tacos Tuxpeños: A Spicy Specialty from Tuxpan, Jalisco
Tacos tuxpeños come from Tuxpan, Jalisco, and belong on any tour of Jalisco cuisine. They are filled with shredded meat, beans, potatoes, chicharrón (pork cracklings) and other local ingredients, seasoned with the region’s distinctive flavors. They are a true taste of Jalisco that you will not want to miss.
Reading about all these dishes has probably made you hungry. If you want to keep eating, see our top 10 tacos in Guadalajara and our selection of the best restaurants in Guadalajara.
And if one dish sums up the city, it is the torta ahogada: here are the best tortas ahogadas in Guadalajara and where to eat them.