Cinco de Mayo is a festive time to celebrate Mexican culture and history, and what better way to do so than with delicious street food?
These flavor-packed treats are not only tasty but also offer a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Mexico.
Get ready to explore these 20 delicious street foods, perfect for enjoying on this vibrant holiday.
1. Tacos al Pastor
Tacos al Pastor are a beloved Mexican street food, known for their savory, spicy flavor and vibrant presentation. Originating from Lebanese immigrants, these tacos feature marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit.
Served with pineapple and onion, they’re a flavor explosion. Perfect for a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration, these tacos are easy to make at home.
2. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a favorite at any festivity. Grilled to perfection, it’s coated with mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder, offering a delightful blend of flavors.
The tangy lime juice adds a refreshing twist, making every bite irresistible. Elote is not only delicious but also simple to prepare.
3. Carnitas Tacos
A Mexican classic, carnitas tacos are known for their tender, juicy pork filling. Originating from Michoacán, the pork is slow-cooked until it melts in your mouth.
These tacos are often topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and zesty salsa, adding layers of flavor with each bite. Making carnitas is easier than you might think.
4. Churros with Cinnamon Sugar
These fried dough pastries, coated with cinnamon sugar, are crispy on the outside and soft inside. Often served with chocolate sauce, they make a delightful dessert.
Easy to make, churros only need basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter. Fry them to golden perfection and enjoy with a dip.
5. Birria Tacos With Consommé
Made with slow-cooked meat, typically goat or beef, these tacos are juicy and tender. Served with a side of consommé, each bite is a savory delight.
To make your own, slow-cook the meat in a mixture of spices, shred, and serve in tortillas. Dip in consommé for extra flavor.
6. Sopes With Refried Beans And Cheese
Sopes are thick, round corn cakes that are a staple in Mexican street food. Topped with refried beans, cheese, and salsa, they offer a hearty and satisfying meal.
The soft, pillowy texture of the sopes perfectly complements the toppings. Making sopes at home is straightforward and fun.
7. Tostadas De Ceviche
A refreshing seafood dish that’s perfect for warmer weather. Served on a crispy corn tortilla, the ceviche is made with fresh fish, lime, and avocado.
This dish is light yet flavorful, making it a great appetizer or snack. Preparing ceviche is simple and requires no cooking.
8. Tamales De Rajas
This is a comforting Mexican dish made with roasted peppers and cheese. Wrapped in corn husks and steamed, they have a soft, fluffy texture.
The combination of spicy peppers and creamy cheese is truly satisfying. Making tamales is a labor of love but worth it.
9. Grilled Nopales (Cactus)
Grilled nopales, or cactus paddles, are a unique and delicious Mexican dish. When grilled, they have a slightly tangy flavor and a tender texture.
Often served with tomatoes and onions, they make a healthy and flavorful dish. Preparing nopales is easier than it seems.
10. Pambazo Sandwiches
Pambazo sandwiches are a flavorful Mexican treat, known for their spicy and savory filling. Filled with potatoes and chorizo, and dipped in red chile sauce, these sandwiches are then toasted to perfection.
Fill the bread with cooked potatoes and chorizo, dip in sauce, and toast. These sandwiches are an exciting option for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, sure to delight spice lovers.
11. Quesadillas De Flor De Calabaza (Squash Blossom Quesadillas)
Squash blossom quesadillas are a delightful Mexican dish, offering a delicate, floral flavor. Stuffed with fresh blossoms and cheese, these quesadillas are cooked on a comal until crispy.
The combination of blossoms and cheese makes for a unique and tasty treat. Simply fill tortillas with blossoms and cheese, cook on a griddle, and serve.
12. Gorditas Stuffed With Chorizo
Gorditas stuffed with chorizo are a satisfying Mexican street food. These thick corn cakes are split and filled with spicy chorizo, offering a burst of flavor.
Prepare the masa dough, cook until golden, then fill with chorizo. These are a hearty addition to any Cinco de Mayo menu, providing a filling and flavorful option for your celebration.
13. Camotes (Sweet Potatoes With Condensed Milk)
Camotes, or sweet potatoes with condensed milk, are a simple yet comforting Mexican dessert. The sweet, creamy topping enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
Bake the sweet potatoes until tender, then drizzle with condensed milk. This dessert is a sweet way to end your Cinco de Mayo celebration, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
14. Tlayudas From Oaxaca
Tlayudas are a traditional Oaxacan dish, similar to a large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, and other goodies. Known as the “Mexican pizza,” they offer a crunchy, savory bite.
The combination of toppings provides a delightful flavor experience. Top a large tortilla with beans, cheese, and your choice of toppings, then grill until crispy.
15. Mexican Hot Dogs (Bacon-Wrapped Perfection)
Mexican hot dogs are a twist on the classic, wrapped in bacon and grilled to perfection. Topped with jalapeños and onions, they offer a spicy, smoky flavor.
These are a fun and indulgent treat. Preparing them is straightforward and exciting. They are an exciting addition to any Cinco de Mayo celebration, sure to please a crowd with their bold taste.
16. Molotes With Spicy Filling
Molotes are a crispy, stuffed pastry from Puebla, offering a spicy, savory filling. These fried treats are filled with cheese and potatoes, providing a delightful contrast of textures.
Their spicy kick makes them a popular street food. These pastries are an exciting choice for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, adding a flavorful and crispy element to the menu.
17. Esquites (Corn Salad Cups)
Esquites are a delicious Mexican street food, featuring corn kernels served in a cup. Topped with mayonnaise, cheese, and lime, they offer a tangy and creamy flavor.
Cook the corn kernels, mix with toppings, and serve. These corn cups are a popular choice for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, offering a taste of Mexico’s street food culture.
18. Agua Fresca Stands (Fresh Fruit Drinks)
Agua fresca stands are a refreshing sight at any Mexican festival. These fresh fruit drinks come in flavors like hibiscus, watermelon, and mango, offering a sweet and cooling refreshment.
These drinks are a perfect complement to the spicy and savory dishes of Cinco de Mayo, providing a cooling balance. Blend fresh fruit with water, add a touch of sugar, and enjoy.
19. Empanadas De Pollo
Empanadas de pollo are a savory pastry filled with tender chicken and spices. These golden, baked treats are flaky and delicious, providing a satisfying bite.
Their portable nature makes them a popular street food. Prepare the dough, fill with chicken, and bake until golden.
20. Marquesitas (Crispy Yucatán Dessert Crepes)
Marquesitas are a delightful dessert from Yucatán, combining crispy crepes with sweet and savory fillings. Often filled with Nutella and Edam cheese, they offer a unique flavor experience.
Prepare the crepe batter, cook until crispy, fill, and roll. These dessert crepes are an exciting addition to a Cinco de Mayo celebration, offering a sweet ending with a touch of Yucatán.