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Guadalajara foods include a wide variety of unique Mexican dishes.
Tortas Ahogadas, Birria, Jericalla are local foods that you’ll only encounter in Guadalajara. And, to a certain extent, in Jalisco State.
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, and second city after Mexico City is famous for Tequila. This spirit distilled from agave plants originated north of Guadalajara near the town of Tequila.
Besides the rich gastronomy, Mariachi music, Mexican cowboys and sombrero hats are some of the most famous exports.
During our two and half months stay, we shared countless meals with Tapatios, as people from Guadalajara are called.
Guided by our Tapatios friends we focused on the local and iconic Guadalajara foods.
From that, we put together this guide of the 15 best authentic Guadalajara foods not to miss. Also included are the best restaurants in Guadalajara to have them.
From Mexican dishes, desserts and drinks, savor the most popular Jalisco food in Guadalajara.
1. Pozole – Iconic Guadalajara Comforting Soup
Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup that is representative of Guadalajara and Jalisco food. The main ingredients for pozole are hominy or cooked dried corn, meat, traditionally pork or chicken.
This comforting soup is garnished with shredded cabbage, chile peppers, onion, garlic, radishes, salsa and limes. And, tostadas are typically served on the side.
There are three main types of pozoles. Blanco or white, Rojo or red, and Verde or green. The difference in color is due to the different types of salsa added to the soup.
Without salsa, you have white or blanco pozole. A spicy tomato-based sauce is added to make pozole red. And, green tomatillo salsa makes green pozole. To make it at home, try this instant pot red pozole recipe.
In Guadalajara, we tried both the white and red pozole. We enjoyed their rich flavors and had fun trying the different versions.
The Best Restaurants in Guadalajara for Pozole
Our favorite place to have pozole is Cristian, a family owned taqueria and cenaduria, in Guadalajara centro.
This hole in the wall taqueria is also known for their tasty tacos. The sitting is limited and it can get quite crowded at night.
We liked the authenticity of the place and the hearty and flavorful pork pozole soups.
Pozole was one of our favorite dishes in Guadalajara. Especially when looking for a comforting soup served with vegetables.
Address: Calle San Felipe 1059, Santa Teresita, Guadalajara
Hours: Monday to Saturday 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Price: 45 pesos (approx. $1.95USD)
Another place where we had delicious white pozole is Cenaduria Doña Guille. This family owned restaurant has grown into a large two level restaurant serving typical homemade Jalisco food.
Address: Calle Jaime Nunó 1032, Guadalajara
Hours: Monday to Saturday 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Price: 45 pesos (approx. $1.95 USD)
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you want to explore the best of Jalisco and Guadalajara food with a guide, consider taking a food tour. This 6-stop downtown Guadalajara food tour with a local introduces you to classic dishes like tortas ahogadas, birria, and more. At each stop, you’ll sample the flavors while learning the history of the dishes. This Guadalajara food tour is a delicious way to taste the city in a short amount of time.
2. Birria – Goat Meat Signature Guadalajara Food
Birria, a goat stew, is considered one of the most emblematic Jalisco foods. While it is traditionally made with goat, some recipes also use mutton or beef.
The meat is braised slowly with spices like cumin, oregano and ginger. Minced onions, cilantro and limes garnish it.
This is accompanied by a bowl of hot consommé made from meat juice and tomatoes. Included are freshly made corn tortillas and beans topped with melted local asadero cheese.
You can have birria as tacos or as a stew. We highly recommend getting the stew as it is the traditional preparation of this famous Guadalaja food.
Best Restaurants in Guadalajara for Birria
Birrieria La Victoria restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Guadalajara for goat birria. We stopped in one afternoon and enjoyed tender and crispy cuts of goat meat in a delightful stew.
In addition to fresh tortillas, we had fun spicing up our stews using different salsas on the table.
If you want to try this celebrated Guadalajara food, head to Birrieria Victoria. We were both really impressed by the quality of the goat meat and the friendly service.
Address: Calle Manuel Acuña 1511, Santa Teresita, Guadalajara
Hours: Open everyday; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price: 100 pesos for a large order enough for 2 pers. (approx. $4.21 USD)
Find other highly recommended Birria restaurants by locals below
La Birria de Oro – Calle Belén 402, Centro Barranquitas, Guadalajara
Birrieria El Chino – Av 18 de Marzo 5341, Las Águilas, 45080 Zapopan
RELATED: Food in Mexico – Top 15 Local Foods You Want To Have
3. Tortas Ahogadas – Guadalajara’s Most Iconic Drowned Sandwich
The most classic Guadalajara food you cannot miss is Tortas Ahogadas, the city’s most famous sandwich. Tortas Ahogadas which literally translates to “drowned sandwich” is a favorite Tapatíos food.
Tortas Ahogadas is a sandwich drowned in a spicy sauce made with chile de arbol salsa. Only a special type of bread known as birote, that is unique to Guadalajara is used.
Birote has a tough exterior and a soft interior allowing it to absorb the sauce without crumbling or dissolving.
Traditionally, tortas ahogadas are stuffed with carnitas or small chunks of succulent, braised pork leg. The sandwich is immersed from end-to-end in a spicy sauce and served with onions and lime on the side.
Although the sandwich is eaten by hand, you use a spoon to scoop the sauce. While you can enjoy tortas ahogadas for lunch, the sandwich is popular in the mornings as a hangover cure.
Best Restaurants in Guadalajara for Tortas Ahogadas
As the signature food in Guadalajara you’ll find torta ahogadas sandwiches everywhere, from street stalls to local eateries.
Every Tapatio has their favorite place. Our first and favorite experience with tortas ahogadas was at Tortas Toño.
Tortas Toño has several locations in the city. We went to their original restaurant in Providencia, the neighborhood where we stayed.
In addition to the classic tortas ahogadas stuffed with carnitas, Tortas Tono also offers some with shrimp or camaron.
We tried both types of tortas ahogadas and loved them. Surprisingly, the spicy sauce also worked very well with the shrimp. The flavors were delightful and the crusty bread was perfect for sopping up the sauce.
Our short Tortas Tonos instagram stories give you a glimpse into our first tortas ahogadas experience.
Address: Tierra de Fuego 3160-2, Providencia (see website for additional locations), Guadalajara
Hours: Open every day from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: 59 pesos for classic tortas / 70 pesos with shrimp (approx. $2.48 / $2.95 USD)
Other highly recommended Tortas Ahogadas locations
The following are highly recommended by our Tapatios friends.
El Profe Jimenez – Calle Andres Terán #841, Guadalajara
Tortas Ahogadas Enrique – Calle Camarena #76 Col, Americana
Tortas Ahogadas Colomos – Calle José Maria Vigil #1874, Guadalajara
4. Lonche – Toasted Birote Bread Sandwiches
The word “lonche” is derived from English to refer to food that can be brought to work or to school. In Guadalajara it refers to a sandwich made with a “birote” baguette, the same one used in tortas ahogadas.
Birote bread is a fundamental part of the gastronomy in Guadalajara. It is a white, slightly salty bread that can only be made in the city.
Some say the climate, high altitude or water is what gives the bread its unique characteristics.
Unlike tortas ahogadas, lonches are not drowned in sauce. Instead the bread is filled with a variety of ingredients, buttered up and then heated on a grill or pan.
Popular ingredients include; minced meat, breaded meat (milanesas), cold cuts, cheeses and shredded cabbage, avocado, onion and tomato slices. Mayonnaise and some type of chili sauce complete the sandwich.
These sandwiches are quite tasty and also filling. They are a popular lunch option available at restaurants and street carts.
Best Restaurant in Guadalajara for Lonches
Lonches Amparito in the historic center of Guadalajara is one of the most famous places for lonches. For more than 50 years, this family business has been making exquisite homemade flavors of this Guadalajara food.
Address: Calle Gerardo Suarez 5, Guadalajara (see website for additional locations)
Hours: Open every day from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: 40 – 45 pesos (approx. $1.65 – $1.86 USD)
Another place we recommend is Lonches Meli. This food vendor, close to our Airbnb in Colinas de La Normal, makes delicious fresh lonches everyday.
Lonches Meli
Address: 44270, Calle Paseo de los Filósofos 1452, Colinas de La Normal, Guadalajara
Hours: Open every day from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Price: 40 pesos (approx. $1.65 USD)
5. Carne En Su Jugo – Must Eat “Meat In Its Own Juice” Guadalajara Foods
Carne en su Jugo is one of the most celebrated Jalisco foods. The dish is a cross between a soup and a stew.
It is a concentrated flavorful broth of minced beef and bacon served with beans, chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. Corn tortillas accompany it.
This is one of the Guadalajara foods we were most excited about. Tired of carbohydrate-heavy foods, we were excited to try this high protein dish with beef and bacon.
Best Restaurants in Guadalajara for Carne en su Jugo
For dinner one night, we asked our local Tapatio friends to take us to the best restaurant in Guadalajara for carne en su jugo.
While they mentioned Karne Garibaldi’s record of providing the fastest service, they much preferred Kamilos 333.
Serving only one dish on the menu, we loved the meaty beef broth with crispy bacon bits. On the rustic clay plates we spiced up the dish with salsas, lime, and onions.
You can either enjoy the broth by itself or make or roll up tortillas and meat and dip into the broth.
The history of this dish dates back to 1965. It is said to have been created to reduce drunkenness or cure hangovers.
Founded in 1975, Kamilos 333 is a cozy and rustic family owned restaurant.
Address: Clemente Orozco 333 street in the Santa Teresita, Guadalajara
Hours: Open everyday 8:00am – 10:00 pm
Price: 120 pesos (approx. $5.13 USD)
Started in 1970, the restaurant holds the 1996 Guinness Record for fastest food service in just 13.5 seconds.
Address: Calle Garibaldi 1306, Santa Teresita, Guadalajara
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm; Friday and Saturday closes at 12:00 am
Price: 102 pesos for medium size (approx. $4.36 USD)
6. Tacos de Barbacoa – Jalisco Style Beef Tacos
Mexican tacos are some of the greatest pleasures of life. While Mexico City tacos gets all the fame, Jalisco style tacos de barbacoa are often underrated.
Tacos de barbacoa are some of the best tacos in Guadalajara. Unlike tacos de barbacoa in Mexico City which are typically lamb, the ones in Guadalajara are made with beef.
In Guadalajara, stewed shredded beef is first packed into two tortillas. Next, the tortillas are lightly fried on a comal until they turn to a golden brown color.
Typically, tacos de barbacoa are eaten for breakfast. When we went to the highly recommended Tacos Juan, we arrived early as they have a reputation of running out.
The tacos are served with raw onions and you can also add cilantro, lime and salsas. Some vendors also serve a cup of broth to go with your tacos.
The Best Places for Tacos de Barbacoa in Guadalajara
Tacos de barbacoa are a popular Guadalajara food and you’ll find varying degrees of quality from place to place.
We particularly enjoyed Tacos Juan in the Santa Tere neighborhood despite the mediocre service. Every Tapatio has their favorite and another highly recommended spot is Omar Carlos.
Address: Calle Jose Clemente Orozco 461, Guadalajara
Hours: Open every day; 8:00 am – 2:45 pm
Price: 12 pesos per taco (approx. $0.51 USD)
Address: Av Manuel J. Clouthier 1682, Mirador del Sol, 45054 Zapopan
Hours: Open everyday; 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Price: 12 pesos per taco (approx. $0.51 USD)
READ MORE: Your Guide To the Best Authentic Food in Mexico City
7. Menudo – Surprisingly Delicious Tripe Soup
When we first learned about Menudo, one of the Guadalajara foods not to miss, we were not very excited about it.
Menudo is a traditional Mexican soup made with tripe or the stomach of the cow. The preparation is unlike the tripe dish in Porto, Portugal, the city’s official dish.
Jalisco style menudo is made with guajillo chili, garlic, chopped onions, hominy, oregano and cilantro. It is accompanied with hot tortillas, lime and sauces.
Like pozoles, there are different types of menudos. The red one is made with red pepper, while the white one has no pepper keeping the broth clear.
It is typically served at breakfast or as a hangover cure. The key to an enjoyable menudo experience is knowing where to have one.
We asked our Tapatios friends who raved about Menudo and they excitedly took us to their favorite Menuderia.
The Best Restaurant in Guadalajara for Menudo
There are many menuderias in Guadalajara and our local friends took us to one of the best.
Menuderia Lali’s is a 15-year old restaurant dedicated to making menudo. It is a simple, but very popular local joint. You can choose to have a small, medium or large portion.
We had our friends order first before deciding what size we would order. A medium portion ended up being a nice size without being overwhelmed by the tripe.
Different cuts of meat can be added to the tripe or stomach and we didn’t hesitate to add more. Rosemary added labios or lips, and I added the beef stew or carnazas.
We found the menudo surprisingly tasty and the meat excellent. Although the stomach pieces were a bit chewy in texture, the soup had a fragrant and rich flavor.
Address: Calle Contreras Medellín 449, Zona Centro, Guadalajara
Hours: Open everyday from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm
Price: Medium serving of Menudo is 70 pesos (approx. $2.95 USD)
8. Quesadillas with Melted Adobera Cheese
Guadalajara has its own local cheese known as Adobera. This soft mild yellow cow’s milk cheese is shaped as an adobe brick, hence its name.
Due to its texture, Adobera can easily be crumbled, shredded, and melted.
It is a staple Jalisco food and found in many different dishes. You can have it in tortillas, soups, salads and other dishes. Our favorite way to have Adobera cheese was in quesadillas.
Mexico has many famous cheeses with queso fresco and Oaxaca cheese being some of the most famous. However, when in Jalisco, you only want Adobera cheese.
The Best Restaurant in Guadalajara For Quesadillas
In Guadalajara, when you order quesadillas, it is assumed that you’ll want it with cheese.
Generally, tacos are typically served with requeson, a Mexican fresh cheese similar to ricotta.
Quesadillas in Guadalajara are typically filled with Adobera cheese. Our favorite gooey quesadillas were from Fonda Virgen.
This fifth generation food stall in the middle of San Juan de Dios market is always packed with locals. San Juan de Dios, also called Mercado de Libertad, is the largest market in Guadalajara.
If you are looking for an immersive local experience in Guadalajara, this is your place.
Address: 2nd Floor, Mercado San Juan de Dios, Calle Dionisio Rodríguez 52, La Perla, Guadalajara
Hours: Open for breakfast and lunch, don’t have the exact hours but most likely 8am to 5pm everyday.
Price: 20 pesos (approx. $0.90 USD)
Authentic Food Quest Tip: Have Chile Relleno with your quesadillas, this is another of our favorites at Fonda Virgen.
READ MORE: 7 of the Best Food Markets in Mexico City To Explore
Best Authentic Desserts in Guadalajara
Desserts in Mexico come in many varieties. Find different types of sweet breads, fruit and nut candies, ice cream, frozen treats, and much more.
Among the most traditional Guadalara foods, desserts play a starring role. For a sweet taste of Mexico in Jalisco, here are three not to miss.
9. Jericalla – Guadalajara’s Famous Creme Brulee-Like Dessert
Jericalla, a traditional flagship dessert from Guadalajara is a cross between the New and Old World. This dessert mixes European and Mexican ingredients such as milk, sugar, cinnamon, eggs, and vanilla.
One can describe it as a cross between flan and crème brûlée. It has a custard-like texture similar to flan and a burned top like creme brulee.
Though the consistency is light in the mouth and the burned top gives it a very pleasant flavor.
You’ll find jericalla on every menu. From restaurants, street carts, and taco stands, this tempting dessert is always available when you want a sweet finish.
We enjoyed jericalla at several places and it quickly became one of our favorite Mexican desserts. So much so that we even learned how to make it at home.
The origins of this legendary dessert are uncertain. It is said that jericalla originated with a nun who worked in an orphanage in Guadalajara. As the story goes, the children she looked after suffered from malnutrition.
Unfortunately, she forgot the custard in the oven and burned the top. Nonetheless, she went ahead and served it to the children who really liked it. It went on to become popular throughout.
Jericalla is said to be named after Jérica, the region in Spain where the nun came from.
Best Restaurants in Guadalajara for Jericalla
Generally speaking, you’ll find tasty jericalla at all restaurants, markets and eateries. While the basics are the same, we noticed slight differences in the amount of vanilla or cinnamon used.
Address: Diagonal Golfo de Cortés 4186, Monraz
Hours: Open every day; 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Price: 32 pesos (approx. $1.35 USD)
Address: Calle Jaime Nunó 1032, Mezquitan Country
Hours: Monday – Saturday; 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Closed Sunday
Price: 26 pesos (approx. $1.10 USD)
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST RECIPE: Learn to Make Jericalla at home following this simple recipe
10. Bionico – The Best Fruit Cocktail Invented in Guadalajara
Bionicos are said to have been invented by a street vendor in Guadalajara in the early 1990s. It was originally intended as a healthy breakfast item and is today also eaten as a treat or dessert.
This fruit cocktail is made with chopped up fruits, cream or yogurt and topped with granola, shredded coconut or nuts.
Easy to make and delicious, bionicos uses the fruits that are in season. Papaya, strawberries, melon, apples, and bananas are the most common fruits. However, the fruits change depending on what is currently available.
Similar to bionicos is another fruit cocktail called Escamocha. This is a cocktail of various fruits with yogurt, sweet cream or orange juice served in a tall glass.
You’ll find bionicos at juice bars, dedicated bionicos stalls at the local markets or health-oriented stores.
The portions are generous making it an overload of goodness in the morning or a healthy dessert to share.
The Best Places in Guadalajara for Bionicos
We loved this simple treat and enjoyed bionicos a couple of times. In the Jardines Alcalde neighborhood where we stayed, we enjoyed it with yogurt topped with shredded coconut.
At Santa Teresita Market, we savored fresh fruit flavors at the city’s most famous bionicos stand, Las Titas Santa Tere. This family stall has been around for more than 60 years and uses only fresh seasonal fruits.
Here the selection of fruits was different but still very tasty when mixed with fresh yogurt.
Las Titas Santa Tere
Address: Mercado Santa Tere, Calle Andrés Terán 524, Santa Teresita
Hours: Open every day from 7:00 am – 4:30 pm
Price: 55 pesos (approx. $2.37 USD)
Yoghurmet – Jardines Alcades
Address: Calle Paseo de los Filósofos 1494, Colinas de La Normal, Guadalajara
Hours: Open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm; Sunday, 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Price: 45 pesos (approx. $1.94 USD)
11. Nieve de Garrafa – Handmade Mexican Ice Cream
Guadalajara is well known for its nieves. Nieves, are hand-churned Mexican ice cream made in “garrafas.”
These are large metal cylinders placed in a wooden barrel with salt and ice. Churning is done manually using a long wooden or metal paddle.
This results in ice cream with a dense texture similar to Italian gelato.
The Best Place to Have Nieves de Garrafa in Guadalajara
Nieves de Garrafa Chapalita makes the most famous nieves de garrafas in the city. At any of their locations, you’ll find an endless list of flavors.
From tropical fruit flavors to tequila, Mexican chocolate, vanilla and more, the options are numerous and exquisite.
The use of real ingredients, fresh flavors make these Mexican ice creams worth seeking out.
In addition to enjoying delicious fresh flavors, seeing huge blocks of ice and the churning the garrafa is quite fascinating.
The tradition of making nieves is highly regarded and is said to date back to the Aztec empire.
While in Guadalajara, beat the heat at Nieves de Garrafa Chapalita. The long lines are fast-moving and the prices incredibly affordable. We highly recommend this excellent hand made ice cream.
Address: Calle Juarez 246, Centro, Tlaquepaque (check website for additional locations)
Hours: Open every day; 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Price: 20 pesos for a “mini” (approx. $2.37 USD)
Authentic Food Quest Tips: The flavor choices are overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to ask for samples to help you decide. You can also order two different scoops in one cup. Unless you are really hungry, we recommend ordering a small or “mini” as the serving sizes are generous.
Best Authentic and Unmissable Guadalajara Drinks
Guadalajara offers a few distinctive drinks that you don’t want to miss out on. You may find some of them throughout Mexico, while others are very popular in the state of Jalisco.
12. Tequila and Mezcal – The Pride of Mexico and Jalisco State
Tequila made Guadalajara famous in the United States, the primary importer of the distilled beverage. It first originated from the town of Tequila about 40 kilometers north of Guadalajara.
Tequila, we learned, took off after the Spanish conquered Mexico. The Spanish banned Mezcal, which had a long history of traditions and rituals among the Mesoamerican cultures.
Tequila, originally called Vino Mezcal de Tequila, became simply Tequila, to cut its link to its Mezcal origins.
Although Tequila is a type of Mezcal, it can be made only from one agave plant, the Blue Agave.
For the Mezcal purists, Tequila doesn’t really represent the Mezcal culture and traditions. It is a beverage that was created for mass production.
Indeed, the Tequila process is industrial, made with the blue agave, ready to harvest after only a few years. Blue agave has more sugar content, yields more and is also harvested earlier, making it faster to produce larger quantities.
Although Tequila helped to put Mezcal on the map, it doesn’t earn much respect from the Mezcal purists.
As a result of the industrialization of Tequila, the agave plant suffers from overcommercialization.
In spite of this, the one Tequila that was recommended was Siempra Valles Ancestral. Ancestral focuses on making Tequila the traditional way it was originally made as Vino Mezcal de Tequila.
RELATED: How to Enjoy Mezcal at El Cortijo One of The Oldest Mezcaleria Oaxaca
Best Places for Tequila Tasting in Guadalajara
During our Guadalajara stay, we had the opportunity of meeting Karla, a bartender, and Mezcal aficionado.
Karla gave us a few addresses in Guadalajara to taste and learn about Mezcal and Tequila, including Mezonte.
Mezonte is an organization that’s focused on preserving and disseminating the culture of traditional Mezcal.
This is a great place to get started and learn about the differences between Tequila and Mezcal. In a small intimate space with wood decor, you can enjoy an educational and amazing tasting experience.
Another place we enjoyed was the ambiance at De La O Cantina. This is a cozy bar and local favorite for Tequila tasting.
At De La O, as it is called, you can also appreciate local draft beers, pulque, and other local beverages. You can also order delicious bites to go along with your drinks.
Mezonte – Tasting Room and Cultural Center
Address: Calle Argentina 299, Americana, Guadalajara
Hours: Open from Thursday to Sunday; 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Price: Tasting of 5 Mezcal and 1 Tequila about 340 pesos for 2 – (approx. $14.40 USD)
Address: Calle Argentina 70, Col Americana, Americana, Guadalajara
Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 1:00 pm to 12:00 am
Price: Tequila starts at 80 pesos per serving (approx. $2.37 USD)
Authentic Food Quest Tip: If you are interested in an Agave Experience, visit the magical town of Tequila. This popular Jose Cuervo Distillery tour will show you how Tequila is made. This is the oldest distillery in Latin America and you’ll get a chance to taste cooked agave as well as sample the first distillation. On this 6-hour trip, you will also enjoy free time in the town of Tequila to shop or continue sampling. Round trip transportation is provided allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.
13. Cazuela – Refreshing Tequila Cocktail
The cazuela is another favorite drink in the state of Jalisco. This refreshing drink is a cocktail of Tequila mixed with citrus fruits and juices.
It is typically made of grapefruit soda, lime juice, grapefruit, oranges and lime slices, with ice. Served in a traditional and impressive large clay pot, it is a drink made to share.
Easy to drink with refreshing citrusy notes, you want to watch out for the Tequila intake.
The Best Restaurant in Guadalajara to Drink Cazuela
You will want to head to Tlaquepaque to enjoy your cazuela. This Magical Town, within the Guadalajara municipality, is one of the best things to do in Guadalajara.
Every weekend at El Parian, the central bandstand or kiosk comes alive with impressive Mariachi bands.
The entertainment starts on Friday and ends on Sunday. There are two shows, one at 3:30 pm and the second one at 9:30 pm.
Choose whichever restaurant you like around the bandstand and order a cazuela. Skip the food as these are not the best restaurants to taste the local food.
Sit and relax to enjoy the show while sipping your cazuela. It is a touristy activity but a fun thing to do.
Address: Calle Juárez 68, Centro, 45500 San Pedro Tlaquepaque
Hours: Open every day from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm except on Sunday 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Price: 240 pesos for the cazuela to share (700ml of drink) (approx. $10.20 USD)
14. Tejuino – Pre Hispanic Fermented Corn Beverage
Tejuino is a nutritious fermented corn masa beverage typically found throughout Jalisco and Guadalajara. It has become increasingly popular due to its probiotics properties.
The name, tejuino, comes from the Nahuatl word tecuin which means “heart beat.” An ancient beverage, it is now found on the street sold by vendors in Guadalajara.
Tejuino is made by mixing corn or masa with piloncillo, Mexican raw cane sugar. It is allowed to lightly ferment for 24 – 48 hours. Prepared with a base of lime juice and salt, it is served cold with lime shaved ice.
Although a fermented beverage, the alcohol content in tejuino is very low and barely noticeable.
The Best Place in Guadalajara for Tejuino
We stumbled upon this beverage on an excellent walking tour of Guadalajara.
On the pedestrian street in the direction of Hospicio Canastas, there is a lady selling tejuino across the Danzantes fountain.
Our guide, Diego, offered us to stop and take the time to enjoy this refreshing drink. The tejuino was served with a serving of shaved ice flavored with lime. Although I enjoyed the fermented taste of the drink I found it too sweet.
It would be great to have it again with less sugar. This drink is popular in the warmer months and you’ll find vendors all over the place selling it.
Lady Vendor de Tejuino
Address: At the level of the Danzantes Fountain, Paseo Hospicio, Guadalajara
Hours: We’re not familiar with her hours. But you will find her on the weekends during the day.
Price: 20 pesos (approx. $2.37 USD)
15. Rompope – Delightful Mexican Eggnog
Rompope can be found throughout Mexico and each region has its own version.
While rompope is said to have originated in Puebla, the villages surrounding Guadalajara are known for their unique version.
Rompope is a thick and creamy drink similar to eggnog. It is made with eggs, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla and often combined with alcohol.
It is used in ice cream, shaved ice, popsicles and also in the preparation of cakes and cookies.
Rompope is very popular during the holiday season. It is typically consumed as a liqueur or over ice. The type of alcohol varies, though rum and aguardiente, a cane sugar alcohol are the most common.
The Best Places to Drink Rompope
Rompope is commonly sold at temporary markets or tianguis as well as at mercado or regular farmers markets.
Vendors will have the rompope sold in glass bottles of 1 liter or half a liter made by the “Fabrica de Mazamitla.” The quality will be guaranteed with the Mazamitla label.
In Mazamitla, rompope is made with their own local fruits. Look for the most traditional rompope flavors such as almonds, pistachio, walnuts, and coffee.
You can also find rompope at vendors selling bionicos or fruits juices. We enjoyed this sweet and thick drink at Las Titas in Santa Tere.
You can ask to have rompope by itself or add it to fruits as a Liquidos drink. The strong alcohol taste is masked by the fruits and the sweetness makes it very easy to drink.
Las Titas Santa Tere
Address: Mercado Santa Tere, Calle Andrés Terán 524, Santa Teresita
Hours: Open every day from 7:00 am – 4:30 pm
Price: 55 pesos for a liquidos (approx. $2.37 USD)
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7 of the Best Food Tours in Mexico City You Want To Try: Review
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Claire is co-founder of Authentic Food Quest and a lover of simple and exquisite cuisine. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, she has been traveling the world as a digital nomad, creating content about local food experiences.
Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
An ex-mechanical engineer, Claire is responsible for SEO, keeping the website running, and the fun food & travel videos on YouTube.
When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
Found your page via Google. Nice find!
Going to Mexico for the first time in a few weeks and, thanks to your pics, I’m aiming to try just about every one of these during my 2 weeks there and Ijijic.
(Well, maybe not the tripe – that was one of the only things I couldn’t put back when I lived in Europe)
Ahh, perfect Xander!! So glad you came upon the article. The food in Guadalajara and Mexico, in general, is amazing. Have a wonderful trip and let us know what you enjoyed tasting for the first time. The tripe is actually not that bad. Be bold!! Safe travels. Cheers
Thanks for sharing this with the prices. Lots of times people are looking for great food that won´t kill the budget.
You are most welcome, Liz. And so glad you enjoyed the article. The range of foods and restaurants listed does provide a nice variety. Appreciate you stopping by. Cheers.
There are so many things to love about this cuisine. What a great introduction I have never tasted dishes before and I’m looking forward to it.
Thank you, Lavern. Hopefully soon, you’ll have a chance to sample these flavors in Guadalajara. Thanks for stopping by.
I think my step-grandma is from Guadalajara. I have to ask her recommendation dishes from her hometown.
That’s great you have a personal connection to Mexico’s second city. Do let us know here favorite foods. Cheers.
My friend who traveled to Mexico told me that the best Mexican cuisine is located at Guadalajara. These foods are soo good and mouth-watering!
Could not agree more, the food in Guadalajara is really exceptional, however different regions of Mexico each have their own specialties worth exploring. Hope your travels take you to Guadalajara soon. Thanks, Blair for stopping by.
When we travel, we really try out some authentic foods of that place. Well, except for exotic ones – Im skipping them. I love those tacos – they make me drool. 🙂 🙂
This post made me extremely hungry! I can’t wait to go be able to visit restaurants and traveling again. I never tried Nieve de Garrafa before! Will need to check it out some time.
So glad you enjoyed the article. Nieves de garrafa are an absolute favorite, especially in the heat 🙂
I have never tried any of these dishes. Since I love Mexican cuisine, I will try some of them.
Mexican food is always a treat for me. But it’s weird that I’ve never had Mexican desserts and that got me thinking. I want to try Nieve de Garrafa – Handmade Mexican Ice Cream someday!
One of the desserts you can make at home is Jericalla. Check out the recipe in the post. Cheers, CA
This is the perfect guide for food! I can’t wait to be able to travel and this is going on my list!
Awesome! Great to hear. Indeed, can’t wait to travel again. Thanks, Tisha.
That loche and tacos look amazing! I would love to try them.
Thanks, Monica.You will not go wrong with either of these 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Birria has to be one of my all-time favorite dishes to eat. Looks like this trip was tasty!
So wonderful to hear Marta, we could not agree more. Have you had it in Guadalajara, the origin city? Thanks for stopping by.
All of these foods look fabulous! I would love to try some of these. I love trying foods from different areas.
I’ve never tried any of these! They all sound amazing