The city of Puebla in Mexico is not only rich in culture and colonial history, but also one of the country’s most diverse (and loved) culinary destinations.
It’s known for its unique blend of indigenous & Spanish flavours, giving the city’s food scene an amazing mix of flavours.
If you’re planning a trip to Puebla, here’s a guide to the 7 must-try foods that capture the best of Poblano cuisine, along with some recommendations for the best spots to taste these iconic dishes.
1. Mole Poblano
Mole Poblano is, without a doubt, the most important of the must-try foods in Puebla. It’s arguably Puebla’s most famous dish, and is one you HAVE to try when in the city.
The name comes from “Mole” meaning “dark-red sauce”, and “Poblano” referring to a native chilli pepper.
It’s made from a combination of ingredients like dried chilies, chocolate, nuts, spices, and fruit, and is traditionally poured over turkey or chicken.
Make sure you try this classic dish from Puebla. Alternatively, some restaurants (like Fonda Tipica La Polana below) will serve free tortilla chips with a Mole sauce to customers who dine with them as a pre-meal snack!
Where to Try Mole Poblano
- Fonda Tipica La Poblanita: We were recommended this place by a local guide, and we’re glad we went – they served delicious Mole Poblano! This place is located right next to the artist quarter and Parian market, so it’s perfectly situated for a lunch stop while you explore.
- *El Mural de los Poblanos: A great spot for Mole Poblano, offering a tasty and authentic experience in the heart of the city.
Cost: Expect to pay around MX $250-350 (roughly £10-14 or US $13-18) for a Mole Poblano dish.
2. Chiles en Nogada
Chiles en Nogada is another classic, and is another of the must-try foods in Puebla. It’s a seasonal dish often enjoyed from July to September – but you can find it year round at certain restaurants (linked below).
It consists of a large poblano chilli pepper stuffed with a savoury-sweet picadillo (usually a mixture of pork, dried fruits, and nuts) and then covered in a walnut cream sauce, topped with pomegranate seeds.
The colours of the dish are apparently meant to represent the Mexican flag, which is a nice touch – it’s as patriotic as it is delicious!
Where to Try Chiles en Nogada
- Fonda Tipica La Poblanita: As well as Mole Poblano, this place also serves Chiles en Nogada year-round. As before, make sure you wander the surrounding area, as it’s found right by the artist quarter and Parian market.
- *Mesones Sacristía de la Compañía: A restaurant found in a colourful boutique hotel, known for its beautifully presented Chiles en Nogada.
Cost: Chiles en Nogada are typically priced between MX $250-400 (approx. £10-16 or US $13-20), especially during the peak season.
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3. Cemitas Poblanas
A cemita is a type of sandwich unique to Puebla, made with a thick, sesame-seed-covered bread roll.
Cemitas are absolutely stuffed full with a variety of ingredients, with the most popular being milanesa (breaded meat), avocado, chipotle, Oaxacan cheese, and papalo (a Mexican herb).
Make sure you’re hungry when you order one, as they’re normally huge and very filling. We had them twice, and both times had to share just one cemita – one each would’ve been too much!
Where to Try Cemitas Poblanas
- Cemitas y Tortas La Poblanita: A popular spot where you can find traditional cemitas made fresh. We came here twice in a row because we loved it so much!
- *Cemitas “El As de Oros”: Located in Mercado de Sabores, this is a favourite among locals for authentic cemitas. We didn’t go there, but heard that their cemitas are delicious!
Cost: Cemitas are budget-friendly, typically costing around MX $80-100 (around £3-4 or US $4-5).
4. Tacos Árabes
Tacos Árabes, or “Arab-style tacos”, are another Puebla specialty with roots in the Middle East. They were brought over by Lebanese immigrants in the early 20th century.
These tacos are made with spit-roasted pork, similar to shawarma, and served in a thick, pita-like tortilla. They’re absolutely delicious!
Where to Try Tacos Árabes
- Antojitos Acapulco: Known (and loved) by locals for their perfectly spiced Tacos Árabes.
- *Taqueria La Oriental: Serving up some of the best of this iconic Pueblan dish in the city.
Cost: Tacos Árabes are a cheap and tasty option, costing around MX $25-40 (£1-2 or US $1.30-2.60) per taco.
5. Molotes
Molotes are another popular street food in Puebla, consisting of corn dough filled with ingredients like potato, cheese, chorizo, or mushrooms, then deep-fried to golden perfection.
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, molotes are a delicious snack or light meal.
Where to Try Molotes
- *Molotes La Poblanita: This street stall serves some of the best molotes in the city, perfect for a quick and tasty bite.
Cost: Molotes are an affordable snack, usually priced around MX $20-40 each, which is about £0.80-2 or US $1.10-2.60.
6. Pelonas
Pelonas are crispy, deep-fried bread rolls filled with savoury ingredients like shredded beef or chicken, refried beans, lettuce, and salsa.
The bread is fried until golden brown, giving the sandwich its signature crunch.
It’s a super satisfying and deliciously rich snack, and is an ideal choice for a quick bite on the go. It’s loved by locals for its simple yet bold flavours.
Where to Try Pelonas
- Antojitos Acapulco: Just like the Tacos Árabes, this is the place to go to try Pelonas along with other traditional snacks. It’s super casual and you stand at the bar on the street to eat.
- *Las Ranas: Famous for its tacos, we’re told this place also serves up delicious Pelonas with generous fillings.
Cost: Pelonas are typically priced between MX $50-80 (roughly £2-3 or US $2.60-4) depending on the filling.
7. Chalupas
Chalupas are a quintessential Pueblan street food. The small, fried tortillas are topped with green or red salsa, shredded pork or chicken, onions, and sometimes a sprinkling of fresh cheese.
The tortillas are also fried in lard, which gives them a slightly crispy texture while still keeping them soft enough to hold the toppings.
Chalupas are often served in sets, making them perfect for sharing or trying out a variety of different flavours!
Where to Try Chalupas
- Antojeria Nacional Analco: A buffet restaurant – which is a great place to try a variety of recommended dishes in one swoop – who serve tasty Chalupas.
- *Fonda de Santa Clara: Known for its authentic Pueblan cuisine, this restaurant serves traditional chalupas that are apparently delicious.
Cost: Chalupas typically cost around MX $40-80 (approx. £1.80-3 or US $2.30-4) for a small plate.
Bonus: Pasita
No visit to Puebla is complete without trying Pasita, a sweet raisin liqueur invented in the city. It’s served in a shot glass and topped with a cube of cheese and a raisin.
This unique drink is famous for its rich, slightly syrupy texture and distinct flavour. It’s perfect as a post-meal drink or a quick stop during a day of exploring the city.
Where to Try Pasita
- La Pasita: For the most authentic experience, head to La Pasita. The small, iconic bar is where the drink was invented and has been enjoyed by locals and tourists alike since 1916.
Cost: A shot of Pasita costs MX $40, which is around £1.50 or US $2.
What to Do in Puebla
As well as enjoying the delicious delicacies of this charming city, there’s loads of amazing things to do – and many of them are free!
Check out our list of the best churches to explore in Puebla, which is defintitely the most popular activity. There’s 70 of them in the historic centre alone!
If you’re planning to visit for a few days, definitely take a look at our 2-day Puebla itinerary guide. It’s packed full of useful tips and things to see & do!
This list should provide a solid starting place to try lots of local Pueblan dishes. The food in this charming city has such a range of flavours, blending indigenous and colonial influences in ways that come together as perfect creations.
Be sure to try as many as you can, and dive into both fine dining restaurants and bustling markets to get the full range of Puebla’s offerings and experiences.
Enjoy!
Places marked with an * mean we didn’t eat at these places, but they were recommended by a local guide, so rest-assured you’ll be getting locally-approved, delicious food!
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