Puebla City, located in central Mexico, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. But one of the city’s biggest draws is its delicious cuisine. Puebla is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide variety of traditional dishes and unique flavors to explore.
If you’re planning a trip to Puebla and wondering what to eat, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we’ve rounded up the 10 best famous foods to try in Puebla City. From savory tacos and mouth-watering mole, to refreshing agua fresca and sweet cajeta, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Puebla or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you discover the city’s most iconic and delicious dishes.
Here are 10 famous foods to try when visiting the Puebla, city:
This is the most famous dish of Puebla, consisting of stuffed poblano peppers with a creamy walnut sauce, topped with pomegranate seeds and parsley. It’s a seasonal dish usually available from July to September.
Chiles en Nogada is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the city of Puebla. It is typically prepared during the months of August and September to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16th.
The dish consists of poblano peppers that are stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, dried fruits, and nuts, and then topped with a creamy sauce made from walnuts and queso fresco. The final touch is a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds, which gives the dish its distinctive red, white, and green colors – the colors of the Mexican flag.
Chiles en Nogada has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Legend has it that the dish was created by nuns in Puebla who wanted to prepare a special meal to honor Agustin de Iturbide, the Mexican general who played a key role in the country’s independence from Spain.
Today, Chiles en Nogada is considered one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. If you are ever in Puebla during the months of August and September, be sure to try this delicious and colorful dish!
Mole Poblano is another traditional Mexican dish that has its roots in the city of Puebla. It is a rich and flavorful sauce that is often served over chicken or turkey, and is a staple of Mexican cuisine.
The sauce is made from a variety of ingredients, including chiles, chocolate, peanuts, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. The combination of sweet and savory flavors gives Mole Poblano its distinct taste.
Like Chiles en Nogada, Mole Poblano has a long and fascinating history. According to legend, the dish was created by nuns in Puebla who wanted to impress the archbishop of the city with a special meal. They used the ingredients that were readily available to them, including the chiles and chocolate that are now the signature flavors of Mole Poblano.
Today, Mole Poblano is enjoyed all over Mexico and around the world. It is often served during special occasions like weddings and religious festivals, and is considered a symbol of Mexican culinary heritage.
If you are ever in Puebla, be sure to try Mole Poblano at one of the city’s many restaurants. It is a truly delicious and unique dish that is not to be missed!
A sandwich made with a sesame-seed bun, avocado, Oaxaca cheese, meat (usually pork), chipotle chili sauce, and other toppings like onions, tomatoes, and papalo leaves.
Cemitas Poblanas is a traditional sandwich from the city of Puebla that is made with a specific type of bread called “cemita.” The bread is similar to a brioche bun but is larger and flatter with a sesame seed-covered top.
The sandwich is typically filled with various meats, such as pork or beef, as well as string cheese, avocado, onion, and papalo, a herb that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. Some variations of Cemitas Poblanas also include other ingredients like chipotle sauce or pickled jalapeños.
The dish has its roots in the small town of Chipilo, located just outside of Puebla, where Italian immigrants settled in the late 19th century. They brought with them the technique for making the cemita bread, which eventually led to the creation of the iconic sandwich.
Cemitas Poblanas is a popular street food in Puebla, and there are many vendors and restaurants that specialize in this delicious sandwich. It is a must-try for anyone visiting the city, as it offers a unique taste of Puebla’s culinary heritage.
Originated by Middle Eastern immigrants, this taco is made with marinated pork or beef, cooked on a spit like a shawarma, and served in a warm pita-like bread with onion, coriander, and a spicy chili sauce.
Tacos Árabes is another popular street food in the city of Puebla. It is a type of taco that features marinated pork that is cooked on a spit, similar to the way that shawarma or gyros are prepared.
The pork is typically marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs, including cumin, oregano, and garlic, and is served on a soft tortilla with diced onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Some vendors also offer a spicy salsa or a side of grilled onions and peppers to accompany the taco.
Tacos Árabes has its roots in the city’s Arab community, who immigrated to Puebla in the early 20th century. They brought with them their culinary traditions, which eventually led to the creation of this unique taco.
Tacos Árabes can be found all over Puebla, and there are many street vendors and small restaurants that specialize in this dish. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Small, round, fried tortillas topped with shredded meat, cheese, salsa, and sometimes lettuce and sour cream.
Chalupas are a traditional Mexican dish that originated in Puebla, a city in central Mexico. They consist of a small, thick tortilla that is fried until crispy and then topped with various ingredients such as shredded meat, salsa, cheese, and onions.
In Puebla, chalupas are a popular street food and can be found at many local markets and food stands. Some of the most famous chalupa stands are located in the historic downtown area, such as the El Pialadero de Guadalajara and Las Ranas.
When ordering chalupas in Puebla, you may be asked if you want them with or without salsa. If you’re feeling adventurous, try them with the spicy red salsa, known as salsa roja, for an authentic Pueblan experience.
Chalupas can be eaten as a snack or a meal and are often accompanied by a cold beer or a refreshing glass of horchata, a sweet rice-based drink. So, if you ever find yourself in Puebla, be sure to try the delicious and iconic chalupas!
Molotes are another traditional dish that originated in Puebla, Mexico. They consist of a masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients such as mashed potatoes, cheese, and ground meat. The masa is then folded over and fried until crispy.
In Puebla, molotes can be found at many local markets and food stands, and are often served with a side of spicy salsa. Some of the most popular places to try molotes in Puebla include the Mercado de Sabores and the Mercado de la Acocota.
One of the unique features of molotes is the way they are shaped – they are usually elongated and have a tapered end, which is said to resemble a mole’s snout, hence the name “molote.”
Molotes can be eaten as a snack or a meal, and are often served with a side of rice and beans. They are also a popular vegetarian option, as they can be filled with a variety of vegetables and cheese.
Overall, molotes are a delicious and filling dish that is definitely worth trying if you find yourself in Puebla, Mexico.
A classic Mexican dish made with corn dough filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, wrapped in a corn husk and steamed.
Tamales are a traditional dish that can be found all over Mexico, and Puebla is no exception. They consist of masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients such as shredded meat, vegetables, and chili peppers, which are then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed until cooked.
In Puebla, tamales are often served as a breakfast or brunch food, and can be found at many local markets and food stands. Some popular types of tamales in Puebla include tamales de rajas con queso (filled with sliced chili peppers and cheese), tamales de mole (filled with a rich and flavorful sauce made from chilies, chocolate, and other ingredients), and tamales de dulce (filled with sweet ingredients like cinnamon and raisins).
Tamales are typically eaten with a side of salsa or hot sauce, and can be washed down with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. They are also a popular dish for special occasions like weddings, quinceañeras, and other celebrations.
Overall, tamales are a delicious and versatile dish that are an important part of the culinary culture in Puebla, Mexico. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a hearty meal, tamales are definitely worth trying if you find yourself in Puebla.
Crispy fried tortillas topped with beans, meat, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream.
They consist of a crispy tortilla that is topped with various ingredients such as beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and meat.
In Puebla, tostadas can be found at many local markets and food stands, and are often served with a side of salsa or hot sauce. Some popular toppings for tostadas in Puebla include shredded chicken or beef, fried beans, avocado, and sour cream.
One of the unique features of tostadas in Puebla is the way they are served. Unlike other parts of Mexico, where tostadas are often served as a snack or appetizer, in Puebla they are often served as a full meal, with multiple tostadas piled high with a variety of toppings.
Tostadas can be eaten with a fork and knife, or picked up and eaten by hand. They are a popular and filling meal option that can be customized to suit your tastes.
Overall, if you’re looking for a tasty and satisfying meal in Puebla, tostadas are definitely worth trying. They are a staple of the local cuisine and offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy your appetite.
An exotic dish made of ant larvae and pupae, often referred to as “insect caviar,” and considered a delicacy in Mexico.
Escamoles are a traditional Mexican dish made from ant larvae harvested from the roots of agave or maguey plants. They are considered a delicacy in some parts of Mexico, including Puebla City.
In Puebla, Escamoles are typically prepared by sautéing them with butter or oil, garlic, and onion. They can be served alone as a side dish, or added to tacos, quesadillas, or other dishes.
Escamoles have a nutty, buttery flavor and a slightly crunchy texture, and are often compared to toasted pine nuts or cottage cheese. They are a good source of protein and are considered a nutritious food in traditional Mexican cuisine.
However, it’s worth noting that consuming Escamoles carries some risks, as they may contain parasites or other harmful organisms.
It’s important to ensure that they are properly cooked and prepared by a trusted and experienced chef or food vendor.
A refreshing drink made from hibiscus flowers, served cold and sweetened with sugar.
Agua de Jamaica is a refreshing drink made from hibiscus flowers and is a popular beverage in Mexico, including in Puebla City. The drink is prepared by steeping hibiscus flowers in boiling water with sugar to create a tart and slightly sweetened tea. The tea is then cooled and served over ice.
In addition to being a delicious and refreshing drink, Agua de Jamaica is also believed to have several health benefits. It is high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and other beneficial plant compounds, which may help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and boost immune function.
In Puebla City, Agua de Jamaica can be found in many restaurants and cafes, as well as sold by street vendors. It’s a popular drink to enjoy with meals, especially on hot days.
If you’re interested in trying Agua de Jamaica in Puebla City, it’s important to ensure that it is prepared with clean water and fresh ingredients. It’s also worth noting that the drink can be quite tart, so some vendors may add additional sugar to make it sweeter.
A: The most famous food in Puebla City is likely Mole Poblano, a rich and flavorful sauce made with more than 20 ingredients, including chocolate, chili peppers, and spices.
A: Yes, there are many vegetarian and vegan options available for traditional Puebla cuisine. Some dishes to try include Enchiladas Poblanas, which are stuffed with cheese and topped with a tomato sauce, and Chalupas, which are similar to tostadas and can be topped with beans, avocado, and other vegetables.
A: Some traditional Puebla desserts include Camotes, sweet potatoes cooked in syrup and served with a sprinkle of cinnamon; Cajeta, a caramel-like sauce made from goat’s milk; and Chongos Zamoranos, a sweet and creamy dessert made from curdled milk.
A: Popular drinks in Puebla City include Agua de Jamaica, a sweet and tangy hibiscus flower tea; Pulque, a fermented drink made from agave sap; and Mezcal, a type of tequila made from the agave plant.