Welcome to our travel guide on the 10 best famous foods to eat in Guadalajara, the vibrant city located in the western part of Mexico. Known for its rich cultural heritage and colorful architecture, Guadalajara is also renowned for its diverse culinary scene.
In this guide, we will explore the top ten must-try foods in Guadalajara, including the city’s signature dishes, popular street food, and unique desserts. So get ready to indulge your taste buds as we take you on a journey of flavors and discover the delicious foods that Guadalajara is known for!
This is a spicy stew made with goat or beef, traditionally served with tortillas, lime, and chopped onions.
Birria is a popular Mexican dish that is especially associated with the city of Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco. It is a spicy stew made with goat meat (although sometimes beef is used), chilies, and other spices. Here are some places where you can find birria in Guadalajara:
Birrieria las 9 Esquinas: This is one of the most famous places to eat birria in Guadalajara. It has been serving the dish for over 70 years and is known for its tender meat and rich broth. The restaurant is located at Avenida Niños Héroes 139, Colonia Moderna.
Birrieria Chololo: This is another popular spot for birria in Guadalajara. It is known for its flavorful meat and handmade tortillas. The restaurant is located at Calle Mariano Azuela 261, Colonia San Andrés.
El Chololo: This is a chain of birrierias in Guadalajara that is known for its high-quality meat and large portions. There are several locations throughout the city, including one in the Centro Histórico at Calle Francisco I. Madero 790.
Birrieria Don Boni: This family-run restaurant is known for its traditional birria recipe, which has been passed down through generations. It is located at Calle Porfirio Díaz 142, Colonia Santa Teresita.
Birrieria el Compita: This restaurant is known for its spicy birria and homemade salsas. It is located at Calle José María Vigil 295, Colonia Santa Teresita.
A hearty soup made with hominy, meat (usually pork), and a variety of spices, garnished with lettuce, radishes, and lime.
Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup or stew that is typically made with hominy (dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali solution to remove the hull and soften the kernels), meat (usually pork), and a variety of seasonings and toppings. It is a popular dish in many regions of Mexico, including Guadalajara.
In Guadalajara, pozole is often served with a red broth made from dried chiles, garlic, and other spices, and it is commonly topped with chopped onion, shredded lettuce or cabbage, radish, lime juice, and oregano. Some versions of the dish may also include pork rinds, avocado, or chicharrón (fried pork skin).
One popular place to try pozole in Guadalajara is La Chata, a restaurant that has been serving traditional Mexican cuisine since the 1930s. They offer a variety of pozole options, including red and white broth, and you can choose from toppings such as pork rinds, avocado, and chicharrón.
Another popular spot is Pozolería Los Güeros, which is known for their flavorful pozole and their wide selection of toppings. They offer both red and green broth, as well as vegetarian and seafood options.
A local specialty consisting of a sandwich made with birote bread, filled with pork or chicken, and then submerged in a spicy tomato sauce.
Tortas Ahogadas is a traditional dish from Guadalajara, Mexico, that consists of a sandwich (torta) filled with pork carnitas or other meats, drowned (ahogadas) in a spicy tomato sauce and served with pickled onions. It is a popular street food and can be found in many restaurants and food stands throughout the city.
The sauce used to make Tortas Ahogadas is typically made from tomatoes, chile de árbol (a small, spicy red chili pepper), and other spices, and it is known for its spicy and tangy flavor. The bread used for the sandwich is a type of birote, which is a crispy, oval-shaped bread that is unique to Guadalajara.
One of the most popular places to try Tortas Ahogadas in Guadalajara is Karne Garibaldi, a restaurant that has been serving the dish since 1950. They are known for their generous portions and flavorful sauce, and they offer both mild and spicy versions of the dish.
Another popular spot is Tortas Toño, which has multiple locations throughout the city. They are known for their crispy bread and flavorful sauce, and they offer a variety of fillings for the sandwich, including carnitas, chicken, and shrimp.
Overall, Tortas Ahogadas is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Guadalajara. It is a delicious and unique dish that is sure to satisfy your appetite and leave you wanting more!
Marinated pork is cooked on a spit and then sliced and served in a tortilla with pineapple, onion, and cilantro.
Tacos al Pastor is a popular and delicious dish that is commonly found throughout Mexico, including in Guadalajara. The dish consists of thin slices of marinated pork that is cooked on a vertical spit (similar to shawarma or gyro meat), and then sliced and served on small corn tortillas with toppings such as diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
One of the best places to try Tacos al Pastor in Guadalajara is El Carboncito. This restaurant has been serving up delicious tacos since the 1970s and is known for its flavorful meat, homemade tortillas, and generous portions. The pork is marinated in a blend of spices and achiote (a red seasoning paste made from annatto seeds), giving it a slightly sweet and smoky flavor.
Overall, Tacos al Pastor is a must-try dish when visiting Guadalajara. Whether you prefer a traditional street-style taco or a more elevated version, you are sure to find a delicious and satisfying meal!
Corn tortillas filled with chicken or cheese and topped with a tomato and chili sauce, served with beans and rice.
Enchiladas Tapatias are a traditional dish from the region of Jalisco, which includes Guadalajara City. These enchiladas are made with corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken, pork or beef, and topped with a spicy tomato sauce, onions, cheese and cream.
If you’re interested in trying this dish in Guadalajara, there are several places where you can find it. One popular spot is the Mercado San Juan de Dios, which is one of the largest markets in Latin America and has a wide variety of food options, including Enchiladas Tapatias. Another option is to visit a local restaurant that specializes in traditional Jalisco cuisine, such as La Fonda de San Miguel or El Sacromonte.
When ordering Enchiladas Tapatias, it’s worth noting that the level of spiciness can vary depending on the restaurant, so be sure to ask your server about the level of heat before ordering. Additionally, many restaurants serve this dish with a side of beans and rice, which can make for a filling and satisfying meal.
Overall, trying Enchiladas Tapatias in Guadalajara is a great way to experience the local cuisine and culture of the region.
Stuffed chili peppers with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, beef, or pork, and then fried and served in a tomato sauce.
This dish consists of poblano peppers stuffed with a mixture of cheese, meat, or other ingredients, then battered and fried.
When ordering Chiles Rellenos, it’s important to note that the level of spiciness can vary depending on the restaurant, so be sure to ask your server about the level of heat before ordering. Additionally, this dish is often served with a side of rice and beans, which can make for a filling and satisfying meal.
Overall, Chiles Rellenos is a delicious and popular dish in Guadalajara that is well worth trying. It’s a great way to experience the local cuisine and culture of the region.
A soup made with beef, bacon, and beans, flavored with cilantro and lime.
Carne en su jugo is a popular dish in Guadalajara, Mexico, and is made with beef cooked in its own juices, along with beans, bacon, onions, and cilantro. The dish is typically served with lime wedges, chopped onion, and hot sauce.
Carne en su jugo is considered a signature dish of Guadalajara, and many restaurants in the city specialize in serving it. Some popular places to try carne en su jugo in Guadalajara include Karne Garibaldi, Las 9 Esquinas, and El Chololo.
The dish is often enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch food, but it can be eaten at any time of day. It is hearty and flavorful, with a unique combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors from the beans and bacon.
If you’re visiting Guadalajara, trying carne en su jugo is a must-try experience, and you’re sure to find a delicious version of the dish at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, lettuce, and a variety of toppings such as shredded chicken, beef, or seafood.
Tostadas are a popular Mexican dish that can be found throughout Guadalajara, Mexico. The dish consists of a fried or toasted tortilla that is typically topped with beans, meat (such as shredded chicken or beef), lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and salsa.
In Guadalajara, tostadas are often served as a street food or in casual dining settings. They are a popular snack or light meal and can be found at many markets and food stalls throughout the city.
One popular variation of tostadas in Guadalajara is tostadas de camarones (shrimp tostadas), which are topped with cooked shrimp, avocado, tomato, onion, and cilantro. Another popular variation is tostadas de tinga, which are topped with a spiced shredded chicken mixture.
Tostadas are a versatile and customizable dish, and can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. They are a great way to try a variety of flavors and textures in one dish, and are an essential part of the local cuisine in Guadalajara.
It is made with shrimp cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce, which typically includes ingredients such as garlic, onions, chilies, and lime juice.
The dish is called “a la diabla” which translates to “devil-style” due to its fiery and bold flavors. It is typically served with rice, beans, and tortillas on the side. Some restaurants may also serve it with avocado or sour cream to help offset the spiciness of the sauce.
Camarones a la diabla is a popular choice for seafood lovers in Guadalajara and can be found on the menus of many local restaurants. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please those who enjoy spicy foods.
If you’re visiting Guadalajara and enjoy spicy food, be sure to try camarones a la diabla for a taste of the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
A local dessert made with milk, sugar, and vanilla, similar to crème brûlée but with a more caramelized flavor.
It is a custard-like dessert that is similar to flan, but with a slightly different texture and flavor.
Jericalla is typically made with milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, and is baked in individual ramekins until it is set. The dessert has a creamy texture and is typically served chilled, sometimes topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts.
The origin of jericalla is unclear, but it is thought to have been created by nuns in Guadalajara during the colonial era. The dessert is named after the convent where it was originally made, Santa Teresa de Jesús de Jérica.
Today, jericalla is a popular dessert in Guadalajara and can be found on the menus of many local restaurants and dessert shops. It is a simple yet delicious dessert that is beloved by locals and visitors alike. If you’re visiting Guadalajara, be sure to try jericalla for a taste of the city’s rich culinary history.