5 things to add to your basket at the Mexican grocery near you.
Before I met my husband, I didn’t even know Mexican grocery stores existed. As it turns out, there are at least 18 within 10 miles of my home, just north of Seattle. They are easy to miss, often nestled in strip malls with humble storefronts. Inside, though, they are a marvel—packed floor to ceiling with everything from groceries to party supplies, kitchen tools to religious articles, and delicious food-to-go.
Here are the items that regularly find their way onto my shopping list as I head to my nearest tienda:
Meats
When I was shopping yesterday, I asked the butcher why the meat counter at Mexican groceries were so much better than at regular grocery stores. The customer next to me piped up, “I can answer that: Because it’s Mexican!”
I couldn’t argue with that, but the butcher did provide a little more information. He said their meat is delivered and butchered fresh each day. They also have cuts and preparations I don’t see elsewhere. Our family favorites are:
- Chicken milanesa—thinly pounded, breaded chicken breast
- Carne asada—thinly sliced steak that’s perfect for grilling
- Chorizo—a highly spiced (but not too spicy) sausage
- Chuletas ahumadas—smoked pork cutlets
Bread
Shopping for bread at a Mexican grocery is an event. Large cases hold an array of sweet breads, cookies, and rolls. Grab some tongs, open the clear doors, and start loading a cafeteria tray with everything yummy. I especially recommend colorful conchas, so called because they resemble conch shells.
Some stores also cook tortillas on site. It’s hard to go back to name brand tortillas after eating fresh ones from a tortillaria.
Condiments
One reason people love Mexican food is for the wonderful flavors. And those flavors are not quite the same when mass produced and left to sit on warehouse and store shelves for weeks or months.
Fresh and dried peppers, spices, moles, and fresh salsas are all staples of the Mexican grocery. Ask the staff which salsa is right for you based on your tolerance for spicy food. And be sure to pick up some Tajin: Even those who (like me) can’t tolerate heat can enjoy the smoky mild chili and lime seasoning.
Lately I’ve been able to find Mexican cheeses (queso) in chain grocery stores and Costco, but you can always pick them up at your local Mexican grocery. Some cheeses to try are:
- Oaxaca—White, semi-hard, with a texture similar to string cheese, queso Oaxaca will transform your quesadillas.
- Cotija—Tangy and crumbly, Cotija is perfect for topping everything from tacos to salads to soups.
- Queso fresco—This “fresh cheese” is mild, and moist, and very versatile.
- Crema—There’s no need to substitute sour cream when traditional crema is as close as your nearest Mexican grocery.
Snacks
If shopping is giving you the munchies, you’re in the right place to grab a bite. Three snacks that often walk out the door with us are:
- Cacahuates japoneses—These Japanese-style peanuts are coated in a wheat flour dough and fried. Crunchy and delicioso!
- Chicharrón— Try this classic Mexican snack like David eats it, topping the deep-fried pork skin and fat with chili and lime.
- Fruit spears—Many Mexican groceries sell cups of ready-to-eat fresh fruit and veggies, such as watermelon, papaya, mango, and cucumber. (Expert tip: Sprinkle on some Tajin for a true Mexican taste.)
Desserts
Round out your shopping trip and pantry with a sweet treat. Typical desserts you’ll find include caramelly flan, rich tres leches cake, rice pudding, and—my favorite—camote, traditional Mexican candy made from sweet potato or pumpkin.
Finally, you don’t have to speak Spanish to shop at a Mexican grocery, but it’s a great place to practice your Spanish if you want to.
Happy shopping and buen provecho!
What’s on your shopping list?
