Mexican food: it’s everywhere, and for good reason. It’s delicious! From spicy salsas to savory meats, Mexican cuisine offers a vibrant tapestry of flavors that reflects the country’s diverse regions and rich history.
But sometimes, that extensive menu can be a little intimidating. What is huitlacoche, anyway?
This guide will help you navigate a typical menu mexicano, from appetizers like nachos and guacamole to main courses such as enchiladas and fajitas, all the way through dessert.
Appetizers (Los Aperitivos)
Start your meal off right with one of these tasty appetizers:
Classic Appetizers
- Nachos: This popular starter consists of crispy tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, beans, and other goodies. Many restaurants offer variations such as Nachos Supreme, Nachos Fajitas, or their own signature version of nachos.
- Guacamole: This creamy dip is made from mashed avocados and is usually served with tortilla chips. It typically contains onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice.
Other Popular Appetizers
- Quesadillas: These are tortillas stuffed with cheese and other ingredients, then grilled or pan-fried. You can order a simple cheese quesadilla or opt for a version loaded with meat, veggies, or seafood.
- Queso Fundido: A melted cheese dip, often served with chorizo or other tasty toppings, and served with tortillas for dipping.
Soups & Salads
Start your meal with a comforting bowl of soup, like our Chicken Tortilla Soup, full of chicken, veggies, and crispy tortilla strips. Or, try our Seafood Soup, bursting with flavors from the ocean!
For a lighter meal, try a salad. Our Taco Salad comes in a crispy tortilla bowl and is piled high with lettuce, your choice of meat, cheese, and all the fixings. Don’t forget our special Azul Salad, a signature dish with unique flavors!
Main Courses: Tacos, Burritos, and Enchiladas
No Mexican menu is complete without these classics.
Tacos
Tacos come in a dizzying array of fillings and styles. We’ve got:
- Street Tacos: Small, simple tacos with traditional fillings like carne asada (grilled steak) or al pastor (marinated pork).
- Fish Tacos: Tacos filled with grilled or fried fish, topped with cabbage slaw and a creamy sauce.
Burritos
These are large tortillas stuffed with rice, beans, meat, and all kinds of delicious things. Try:
- Burritos Mexicanos: Burritos with traditional Mexican fillings and flavors.
- Mucho Grande Burrito: An extra-large burrito meant to satisfy the biggest appetite.
Enchiladas
Corn tortillas are filled with cheese, meat, or veggies, then smothered in sauce. Some favorites include:
- Enchiladas Rancheras: Enchiladas topped with a zesty ranchero sauce.
- Enchiladas Poblanas: Enchiladas covered in a rich, complex mole poblano sauce.
Fajitas and “From the Grill” Options
No Mexican restaurant is complete without a sizzling fajita platter!
Sizzling Fajitas
Fajitas usually consist of grilled meat or veggies served with warm tortillas and yummy toppings. Common fajita fillings include chicken, steak, shrimp, and a mix of vegetables. Fajitas Texanas are a great option if you can’t decide on one meat, because they come with a combo of chicken, steak, and shrimp.
“From the Grill” Selection
Many restaurants also offer grilled meats and seafood prepared with authentic Mexican flavors. Pollo Asado is grilled chicken marinated in Mexican spices, and Steak Ranchero is grilled steak topped with a flavorful ranchero sauce.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
You’ll find more and more plant-based options on Mexican menus these days. For example:
- Veggie Fajitas: Fajitas filled with grilled vegetables.
- Tofu Tacos Al Pastor: Tacos with marinated tofu, prepared al pastor style.
- Enchiladas Salsa Verde Veganos:
- Fajitas Veganos:
Sides and Desserts
No Mexican meal is complete without the right sides and a little something sweet to finish it off!
- Rice and Beans: These are served with almost everything.
- Guacamole: You can always order a side of guac.
- Flan: A creamy custard with caramel.
- Churros: Fried dough, served with chocolate or ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Rosa Mexicano?
The name “Rosa Mexicano” translates to “Mexican Pink” in English. It’s a tribute to the vibrant magenta color, rosa mexicano, that’s deeply ingrained in Mexican art, architecture, and culture. The founder, Josefina Howard, wanted to capture the essence and vibrancy of Mexico in her restaurant, and the name reflects that passion.
Is Rosa Mexicano a chain?
Yes, Rosa Mexicano is a chain restaurant. While it started as a single, iconic restaurant in New York City, it has since expanded to multiple locations across the United States. Each location strives to maintain the original restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors and a festive atmosphere, so you can expect a similar experience regardless of which Rosa Mexicano you visit.
What are the best things to eat at a Mexican restaurant?
Ah, that’s a tough one! It really depends on your taste, but some absolute must-tries include authentic tacos (carnitas, al pastor, or barbacoa are always great choices!), freshly made guacamole, enchiladas with a rich mole sauce, and of course, flavorful and comforting soups like pozole or tortilla soup. Don’t forget to try the restaurant’s specialty dishes – those often showcase the chef’s unique take on Mexican cuisine!
Putting It All Together
As you can see from the sample menu, Mexican cuisine is diverse and rich, with a wide variety of ingredients and cooking styles.
Whether you prefer savory appetizers, hearty main courses, or sweet desserts, the flavors of Mexico offer something for everyone to explore and enjoy. ¡Buen provecho!