EAT IN ASIA / Destinations / Other destinations / Northern america / Mexico
Mexican sweets and pastries
Cakes, pastries, sweets, desserts, ice-creams,... who doesn't like them? Cakes with tea or coffee, chocolate for a better mood, candies just like that and ice-creams in hot days. Well, every reason is good to have a dessert :) We previously wrote about Japanese sweets (and traditional Japanese wagashi), Lebanese halva and Egyptian sweets and right now it is time for Mexican sweets. So how does it look like in Mexico? Do they have them? Do they eat them regularly? And if so, what are Mexican sweets? What can you buy?
Mexican desserts
Mexican artisan, homemade Ice-Creams
If you are an ice-cream amateur, Mexico is for you. Natural, homemade, vegan, with fruits, nuts or coconut. That Mexican dessert is creamy but light, artisanal and delicious. Apart from that, they are also so beautiful - just little masterpieces.
Mexican chocolate
However, ice-creams are not alone on the list. Mexican people love cakes and everything that includes sugar and chocolate. If you are in chocolate region like Oaxaca, then you will be overwhelmed by the amount of chocolate products. You might find real chocolates with honey, almonds, basil, chili and much more. Then chocolate mousses, puddings and regular bars. It is really worth trying and even buying some :) Imagine such a delicious hot chocolate drink, that you could enjoy during long winter evenings... Sounds great, doesn't it?
Waffles and rolls
If you are a fan of waffles, you must try barquillo de feyte or barquillo Danés relleno - a stuffed Danish waffle. Both are hand-size, have a triangle like shape and are usually filled with a custard cream or with a cream pudding. While the filling might be sweet, the waffle is relatively neutral.
French rolls and Mexican Taco
These two types of sweets are crunchy, made of a phyllo like pastry and stuffed with a sweet filling. Usually it is either a fruity one (strawberries, pineapple) or custard cream. They are sprinkled with sugar and might be lightly glazed.
Plain buns, sweet breads and pastries
If you prefer plain cakes, select one of these - corbata, chino or conchas. While chino can be with nuts or chocolate, the remaining two will not. Corbata is a Mexican bun with sugar. It is half folded and flat. Chino is a Mexican muffin that usually has some nuts - chino con nuez; or chocolate - chino con chocolate. Finally, you might like to try conchas - a Mexican bread, that is rather to be eaten with jam, honey or alone, than with ham ;)
Banderillas
An interesting naming for a long, puff pastry with no filling. Banderillas are crunchy, relatively dry and not extremely sweet. They are about 12-inch-long, glazed and sprinkled with sugar.
Vegan and artisan cakes
Looking for something special? Something regional? Made in a natural way? Homemade cakes, vegan buns and artistic sweets are available not only in special shops or bakeries, but also in restaurants. Made according to traditional recipes, using only eco products and baked in a healthy way. In the same time tasty, moderately sweet and with good ingredients. What to want more?!
Savory pastries - Empanadas
However, if you prefer a savory version of pastries, you will also find something for yourself. Stuffed Danish cakes - locally known as empanadas will be for you. Empanadas con Queso, Empanadas con Champion or Empanadas con Jamon are the most popular.
Apart from all these, donuts are everywhere. Stuffed or plain. Donuts in chocolate, sugar glaze; topped with shredded coconut, peanuts or sugar.
And although all of them looked so perfectly, I am still in love with traditional homemade cakes, that exceed all other!
