© Lonely Planet Publications
FOOD > eating out
saliendo a comer
key language
lenguaje básico
breakfast desayuno m de·sa·yoo·no
dinner cena f se·na
drink beber be·ber
eat comer ko·mer
lunch comida f ko·mee·da
snack botana f bo·ta·na
I m starving!
Ä„Me muero de hambre! me mwe·ro de am·bre
tacos to go
Fresh tacos are cheap, tasty and absolutely everywhere.
Don t leave without trying these three favourites:
tacos al pastor ta·kos al pas·tor
tacos with thinly-sliced meat, pineapple, onions and coriander
tacos de carne asada ta·kos de kar·ne a·sa·da
tacos with marinated minced steak, fresh onions and coriander
tacos de carnitas ta·kos de kar·nee·tas
tacos with finely-diced pork,onions and coriander
finding a place to eat
buscando un lugar para comer
Can you żMe puede me pwe·de
recommend a & recomendar & ? re·ko·men·dar &
bar un bar oon bar
cafe un café oon ka·fe
coffee bar una cafetería oo·na ka·fe·te·ree·a
restaurant un restaurante oon res·tow·ran·te
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Where would żDónde se don·de se
you go for & ? puede & ? pwe·de &
a celebration festejar fes·te·khar
a cheap meal comer barato ko·mer ba·ra·to
local comer comida ko·mer ko·mee·da
specialities típica tee·pee·ka
listen for &
a·kee tye·ne
Aquí tiene. Here you go!
don·de le goos·ta·ree·a sen·tar·se
żDónde le gustaría Where would you
sentarse? like to sit?
es·ta·mos ye·nos
Estamos llenos. We re fully booked.
ke de·se·a or·de·nar
żQué desea ordenar? What can I get for you?
ko·mo lo kye·re pre·pa·ra·do
żCómo lo quiere How would you like
preparado? that cooked?
kye·re to·mar al·go myen·tras es·pe·ra
żQuiere tomar algo Would you like a
mientras espera? drink while you wait?
le goos·ta &
żLe gusta & ? Do you like & ?
le re·ko·myen·do &
Le recomiendo & I suggest the &
no te·ne·mos me·sas
No tenemos mesas. We have no tables.
oon mo·men·tee·to
Un momentito. One moment.
ya se·ra·mos
Ya cerramos. We re closed.
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I d like to reserve Quisiera reservar kee·sye·ra re·ser·var
a table for & una mesa para & oo·na me·sa pa·ra &
(two) people (dos) personas (dos) per·so·nas
(eight) o clock a las (ocho) a las (o·cho)
Are you still serving food?
żSiguen sirviendo comida? see·gen seer·vyen·do ko·mee·da
How long is the wait?
żCuánto hay que esperar? kwan·to ai ke es·pe·rar
I d like & , Quisiera & , kee·sye·ra &
please. por favor. por fa·vor
a table for (five) una mesa para oo·na me·sa pa·ra
(cinco) (seen·ko)
the menu el menÅ› el me·noo
the drink list la carta de la kar·ta de
bebidas be·bee·das
the (non-smoking) el área de el a·re·a de
section (no) fumar (no) foo·mar
Do you have & ? żTienen & ? tye·nen &
children s meals menÅ› infantil me·noo een·fan·teel
a menu in un menÅ› en oon me·noo en
English inglés een·gles
at the restaurant
en el restaurante
I d like the menu, please.
Quisiera el menÅ›, kee·sye·ra el me·noo
por favor. por fa·vor
Is it self-serve?
żEs autoservicio? es ow·to·ser·vee·syo
We re just having drinks.
Sólo queremos tomar algo. so·lo ke·re·mos to·mar al·go
What would you recommend?
żQué recomienda? ke re·ko·myen·da
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I ll have what they re having.
Quiero lo mismo que ellos. kye·ro lo mees·mo ke e·yos
What s in that dish?
żQué tiene ese platillo? ke tye·ne e·se pla·tee·yo
Does it take long to prepare?
żSe tarda mucho en se tar·da moo·cho en
prepararlo? pre·pa·rar·lo
Are these complimentary?
żÉstos son de cortesía? es·tos son de kor·te·see·a
I d like a local speciality.
Quisiera un platillo kee·sye·ra oon pla·tee·yo
típico. tee·pee·ko
I d like a meal fit for a king.
Quisiera comer como kee·sye·ra ko·mer ko·mo
un rey. oon ray
Is service included in the bill?
żLa cuenta incluye el la kwen·ta een·kloo·ye el
cubierto? koo·byer·to
ashtray
wineglass
cenicero m
copa f de vino
see·nee·se·ro
ko·pa de vee·no
spoon
cuchara f
koo·cha·ra
glass
vaso m
fork
va·so
tenedor m
te·ne·dor
table
mesa f
plate me·sa
plato m
pla·to
knife
cuchillo m
koo·chee·yo
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look for &
botanas bo·ta·nas appetisers
comida ko·mee·da set meals
corrida ko·ree·da
ensaladas en·sa·la·das salads
entradas en·tra·das entrees
guarniciones gwar·nee·syo·nes side dishes
platillo pla·tee·yo main course
principal preen·see·pal
postre pos·tre desserts
sopas so·pas soups
aguas frescas a·gwas fres·kas fruit drinks
de frutas de froo·tas
aperitivos a·pe·ree·tee·vos aperitifs
bebidas be·bee·das drinks
cervezas ser·ve·sas beers
digestivos dee·khes·tee·vos digestifs
licores lee·ko·res spirits
refrescos re·fres·kos soft drinks
vinos blancos vee·nos blan·kos white wines
vinos dulces vee·nos dool·ses dessert wines
vinos espumosos vee·nos sparkling wines
es·poo·mo·sos
vinos tintos vee·nos teen·tos red wines
For more words you might see on the menu, see the culinary
reader page 157.
Please bring Por favor, por fa·vor
us & nos trae & nos tra·e &
the bill la cuenta la kwen·ta
a knife un cuchillo oon koo·chee·yo
a serviette una servilleta oo·na ser·vee·ye·ta
a spoon una cuchara oo·na koo·cha·ra
Is there (any chilli sauce)?
żHay (salsa picante)? ai (sal·sa pee·kan·te)
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talking food
hablando de comida
That was delicious!
Ä„Estaba delicioso! es·ta·ba de·lee·syo·so
My compliments to the chef.
Mis felicitaciones mees fe·lee·see·ta·syo·nes
al chef. al chef
I m full.
Estoy satisfecho/a. m/f es·toy sa·tees·fe·cho/a
I love & Me encanta & me en·kan·ta &
this dish este platillo es·te pla·tee·yo
the local la comida la ko·mee·da
cuisine típica tee·pee·ka
This is & Esto está & es·to es·ta &
burnt quemado ke·ma·do
(too) cold (muy) frío (mooy) free·o
(too) hot (muy) caliente (mooy) kal·yen·te
spicy picante pee·kan·te
superb exquisito es·kee·see·to
Tex-Mex teaser
If you were expecting crunchy tacos you ll be disappointed
and don t order a burrito unless you re after a little donkey.
Some foods that you may have thought were Mexican  like
fajitas, burritos and nachos  are actually all from Texas.
Some say these dishes are a pale imitation of Mexican food,
while others claim Tex-Mex cuisine belongs in a class of its
own. As a former state of Mexico, Texas certainly maintains
strong cultural influences from further south, but homesick
Texans should order tacos dorados (deep-fried tacos) if they
need a bit of crunch.
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breakfast
el desayuno
What s a typical (Mexican) breakfast?
żCómo es un típico ko·mo es oon tee·pee·ko
desayuno (mexicano)? de·sa·yoo·no (me·khee·ka·no)
bacon tocino m to·see·no
beans frijoles m pl free·kho·les
bread pan m pan
butter mantequilla f man·te·kee·ya
cereal cereal m se·re·al
(hot/cold) chocolate m cho·ko·la·te
chocolate (caliente/frío) (ka·lyen·te/free·o)
coffee café m ka·fe
fruit fruta f froo·ta
hot corn drink atole m a·to·le
eggs huevos m pl we·vos
fried eggs huevos m pl we·vos
estrellados es·tre·ya·dos
Mexican-style huevos m pl we·vos
eggs a la mexicana a la me·khee·ka·na
scrambled eggs huevos m pl revueltos we·vos re·vwel·tos
jam mermelada f mer·me·la·da
milk leche f le·che
orange juice jugo m de khoo·go de
naranja na·ran·kha
sauce salsa f sal·sa
sweet bread pan m dulce pan dool·se
stuffed corn dough tamales m pl ta·ma·les
tea té m te
toast pan m tostado pan tos·ta·do
tortillas tortillas f pl tor·tee·yas
cornflour tortillas f pl tor·tee·yas
tortillas de maíz de ma·ees
cheese tortillas quesadillas f pl ke·sa·dee·yas
See self-catering, page 151, and the culinary reader, page
157, for more breakfast foods.
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methods of preparation
métodos de preparación
I d like it & Lo quiero & lo kye·ro &
I don t want it & No lo quiero & no lo kye·ro &
boiled hervido/a m/f er·vee·do/a
broiled asado/a a la a·sa·do/a a la
parrilla m/f pa·ree·ya
deep-fried sumergido/a soo·mer·khee·do/a
en aceite m/f en a·say·te
fried frito/a m/f free·to/a
grilled a la parilla a la pa·ree·ya
medium término medio ter·mee·no me·dyo
rare roja ro·kha
re-heated recalentado/a m/f re·ka·len·ta·do/a
steamed al vapor al va·por
well-done bien cocido/a m/f byen ko·see·do/a
with the dressing con el aderezo kon el a·de·re·so
on the side aparte a·par·te
without (chilli) sin (chile) seen (chee·le)
in the bar
en el bar
Excuse me!
Ä„Oiga! oy·ga
I m next.
Ä„Sigo yo! see·go yo
I ll have (a tequila).
Quiero (una tequila). kye·ro (oo·na te·kee·la)
Same again, please.
Otro igual, por favor. o·tro eeg·wal por fa·vor
No ice, please.
Sin hielo, por favor. seen ye·lo por fa·vor
I ll buy you a drink.
Te invito una copa. te een·vee·to oo·na ko·pa
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What would you like?
żQué quieres tomar? ke kye·res to·mar
It s my round.
Yo invito esta ronda. yo een·vee·to es·ta ron·da
You can get the next one.
Tu invitas la que sigue. too een·vee·tas la ke see·ge
Do you serve meals here?
żSirven comidas aquí? seer·ven ko·mee·das a·kee
nonalcoholic drinks
bebidas sin alcohol
(cup of) tea (un) té m (oon) te
(cup of) coffee (un) café m (oon) ka·fe
& with (milk) & con (leche) & kon (le·che)
& without (sugar) & sin (azÅ›car) & seen (a·soo·kar)
juice jugo m khoo·go
lemonade limonada f lee·mo·na·da
milkshake malteada f mal·te·a·da
orangeade naranjada f na·ran·kha·da
soft drink (general) refresco m re·fres·ko
soft drink soda f so·da
(northern Mexico)
& water agua f & a·gwa &
boiled hervida er·vee·da
jamaica de jamaica de kha·may·ka
mineral mineral mee·ne·ral
rice de horchata de or·cha·ta
sparkling con gas kon gas
still sin gas seen gas
tamarind de tamarindo de ta·ma·reen·do
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alcoholic drinks
bebidas alcohólicas
beer cerveza f ser·ve·sa
champagne champán m cham·pan
cocktail coctel m kok·tel
gin ginebra f khee·ne·bra
rum ron m ron
vodka vodka m vod·ka
whisky whisky m wees·kee
the spirit of Mexico
I would like a shot of &
Quisiera un shot de & kee·sye·ra oon shot de &
mezcal mes·kal
liquor distilled from agave
posh posh
cane liquor flavoured with herbs
pulque pool·ke
alcohol made from fermented agave sap
rompope rom·po·pe
eggnog with cane alcohol and cinnamon
tepache te·pa·che
alcohol made from fermented pineapple rinds
tequila te·kee·la
popular spirit distilled from the maguey plant
a bottle/glass una botella/copa oo·na bo·te·ya/ko·pa
of & wine de vino & de vee·no &
dessert dulce dool·se
red tinto teen·to
rose rosado ro·sa·do
sparkling espumoso es·poo·mo·so
white blanco blan·ko
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a & of beer & de cerveza & de ser·ve·sa
glass un tarro oon ta·ro
jug una jarra oo·na kha·ra
large bottle una caguama oo·na ka·gwa·ma
(940ml)
small bottle una botella oo·na bo·te·ya
(325ml)
one too many?
żdemasiadas copas?
Cheers!
Ä„Salud! sa·lood
Thanks, but I don t feel like it.
Gracias, pero no se me gra·syas pe·ro no se me
antoja. an·to·kha
I don t drink alcohol.
No bebo. no be·bo
I m tired, I d better go home.
Estoy cansado/a, mejor es·toy kan·sa·do/a me·khor
me voy a mi casa. m/f me voy a mee ka·sa
Where s the toilet?
żDónde está el baÅ„o? don·de es·ta el ba·nyo
This is hitting the spot.
Me lo estoy pasando me lo es·toy pa·san·do
muy bien. mooy byen
I m feeling drunk.
Se me está subiendo se me es·ta soo·byen·do
mucho. moo·cho
I feel fantastic!
Ä„Me siento muy bien! me syen·to mooy byen
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I really, really love you.
Te quiero muchísimo. te kye·ro moo·chee·see·mo
I think I ve had one too many.
Creo que he tomado kre·o ke e to·ma·do
demasiado. de·ma·sya·do
Can you call a taxi for me?
żMe puedes pedir me pwe·des pe·deer
un taxi? oon tak·see
I don t think you should drive.
No creo que debas manejar. no kre·o ke de·bas ma·ne·khar
I m pissed.
Estoy borracho/a. m/f es·toy bo·ra·cho/a
I feel ill.
Me siento mal. me syen·to mal
the best seat in the house
Nature calls by many names in Mexico. Toilets are widely
known as bańos, while public toilets may also advertise
themselves as sanitarios or servicios. An unexpected bout of
 Montezuma s revenge  a bowel condition afflicting those
still adjusting to spicy food  can leave you charging for the
door. Before rushing in blindly, take a moment to consider
your best option:
Caballeros ka·ba·ye·ros Gentlemen
Damas da·mas Ladies
Hombres om·bres Men
Mujeres moo·khe·res Women
SeÅ„ores sen·yo·res Sirs
SeÅ„oras sen·yo·ras Madams
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self-catering
autoservicio
key language
lenguaje básico
cooked cocido/a m/f ko·see·do/a
dried seco/a m/f se·ko/a
fresh fresco/a m/f fres·ko/a
frozen congelado/a m/f kon·khe·la·do/a
raw crudo/a m/f kroo·do/a
market munchies
The mouthwatering aroma of fresh food in a Mexican
market can really work up your appetite. For a cheap local
meal in a rowdy atmosphere, grab a seat at a comedor (lit:
eatery) usually found in the centre of the market.
buying food
comprando comida
How much?
żCuánto? kwan·to
How much does it cost?
żCuánto cuesta? kwan·to kwes·ta
How much is (a kilo of cheese)?
żCuánto vale kwan·to va·le
(un kilo de queso)? (oon kee·lo de ke·so)
What s the local speciality?
żCuál es la especialidad kwal es la es·pe·sya·lee·dad
de la zona? de la so·na
What s that?
żQué es eso? ke es e·so
Can I taste it?
żPuedo probarlo/a? m/f pwe·do pro·bar·lo/a
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Can I have a bag, please?
żMe da una bolsa, por favor? me da oo·na bol·sa por fa·vor
I d like & Quisiera & kee·sye·ra &
(100) grams (cien) gramos (syen) gra·mos
a kilo un kilo oon kee·lo
(two) kilos (dos) kilos (dos) kee·los
a bottle una botella oo·na bo·te·ya
a dozen una docena oo·na do·sen·a
a jar un jarra oon kha·ra
a packet un paquete oon pa·ke·te
a piece una pieza oo·na pye·sa
(three) pieces (tres) piezas (tres) pye·sas
a slice una rebanada oo·na re·ba·na·da
(six) slices (seis) rebanadas (says) re·ba·na·das
a tin una lata oo·na la·ta
that one ése/a m/f e·se/a
this one ésto es·to
a bit more un poco más oon po·ko mas
less menos me·nos
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That s enough, thanks.
Así está bien, gracias. a·see es·ta byen gra·syas
Do you have & ? żTiene & ? tye·ne &
anything algo más barato al·go mas ba·ra·to
cheaper
any other kinds otros tipos o·tros tee·pos
Where can I find żDónde está la don·de es·ta la
the & section? sección de & ? sek·syon de &
dairy lácteos lak·te·os
fish and pescados y pes·ka·dos ee
seafood mariscos ma·rees·kos
frozen goods productos pro·dook·tos
congelados kon·khe·la·dos
fruit and frutas y froo·tas ee
vegetable verduras ver·doo·ras
meat carnes kar·nes
poultry aves a·ves
listen for &
al·go mas
żAlgo más? Anything else?
en ke le pwe·do ser·veer
żEn qué le puedo servir? Can I help you?
e·se es (mo·le)
Ese es (mole). That s (mole).
ke de·se·a
żQué desea? What would you like?
no ten·go
No tengo. I don t have any.
se ter·mee·no
Se terminó There s none left.
son (seen·ko pe·sos)
Son (cinco pesos). That s (five pesos).
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cooking utensils
utensilios de cocina
Could I please borrow (a corkscrew)?
żMe puede prestar (un me pwe·de pres·tar (oon
sacacorchos)? sa·ka·kor·chos)
Where s (a frying pan)?
żDónde hay (un sartén)? don·de ai (oon sar·ten)
bottle opener destapador m des·ta·pa·dor
bowl refractario m re·frak·ta·ryo
can opener abrelatas m a·bre·la·tas
chopping board tabla f para picar ta·bla pa·ra pee·kar
cup taza f ta·sa
corkscrew sacacorchos m sa·ka·kor·chos
fork tenedor m te·ne·dor
fridge refrigerador m re·free·khe·ra·dor
frying pan sartén m sar·ten
glass vaso m va·so
knife cuchillo m koo·chee·yo
oven horno m or·no
plate plato m pla·to
saucepan olla f o·ya
spatula espátula f es·pa·too·la
spoon cuchara f koo·cha·ra
toaster tostador m tos·ta·dor
tongs pinzas f pl peen·sas
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vegetarian & special meals
comidas vegetarianas & platos especiales
ordering food
ordenando comida
Is there a (vegetarian) restaurant near here?
żHay un restaurante ai oon res·tow·ran·te
(vegetariano) por aquí? (ve·khe·ta·rya·no) por a·kee
I m (vegan).
Soy (vegetariano/a soy (ve·khe·ta·rya·no/a
estricto/a). m/f es·treek·to/a)
I don t eat (meat).
No como (carne). no ko·mo (kar·ne)
Is it cooked in/with (oil)?
żEstá cocinado en/ e·sta ko·see·na·do en/
con (aceite)? con (a·say·te)
Do you żTienen tye·nen
have & food? comida & ? ko·mee·da &
halal halal kha·lal
kosher kosher ko·sher
vegetarian vegetariana ve·khe·ta·rya·na
Is this & ? żEsto es & ? es·to es &
decaffeinated descafeinado des·ka·fay·na·do
free of animal sin productos seen pro·dook·tos
produce animales a·nee·ma·les
free range de corral de ko·ral
genetically transgénico trans·khe·nee·ko
modified
gluten-free sin gluten seen gloo·ten
low-fat bajo en grasas ba·kho en gra·sas
low in sugar bajo en azÅ›car ba·kho en a·soo·kar
organic orgánico or·ga·nee·ko
salt-free sin sal seen sal
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Could you żMe puede me pwe·de
prepare a meal preparar una pre·pa·rar oo·na
without & ? comida sin & ? ko·mee·da seen &
butter mantequilla man·te·kee·ya
eggs huevos we·vos
fish pescado pes·ka·do
meat/fish stock consomé de kon·so·me de
carne/pescado kar·ne/pes·ka·do
pork cerdo ser·do
poultry aves a·ves
(red) meat carne (roja) kar·ne (ro·kha)
listen for &
le pre·goon·ta·re al ko·see·ne·ro
Le preguntaré al cocinero. I ll check with the cook.
pwe·de ko·mer &
żPuede comer & ? Can you eat & ?
to·do tye·ne (kar·ne)
Todo tiene (carne). It all has (meat) in it.
special diets & allergies
dietas especiales & alergias
I m on a special diet.
Estoy a dieta especial. es·toy a dye·ta es·pe·syal
I m allergic to & Soy alérgico/a & m/f soy a·ler·khee·ko/a &
dairy produce a los productos a los pro·dook·tos
lácteos lak·te·os
eggs a los huevos a los we·vos
gelatin a la gelatina a la khe·la·tee·na
gluten al gluten al gloo·ten
MSG al glutamato al gloo·ta·ma·to
monosódico mo·no·so·dee·ko
nuts a las nueces a las nwe·ses
peanuts a los cacahuates a los ka·ka·khwa·tes
seafood a los mariscos a los ma·rees·kos
shellfish a los moluscos a los mo·loos·kos
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culinary reader
léxico culinario
For a more detailed version of this glossary, see Lonely Planet s World
Food Mexico.
 fría free·a cold water
A  mineral mee·ne·ral mineral water
 purifi
cada poo·ree·fee·ka·da purified
abulón a·boo·lon abalone
water
aceite a·say·te oil
 quina kee·na tonic water
 de girasol de khee·ra·sol
 sin gas seen gas still water
sunflower oil
 tónica to·nee·ka tonic water
 de oliva de o·lee·va olive oil
aguacate a·gwa·ka·te avocado
 vegetal ve·khe·tal vegetable oil
aguamiel a·gwa·myel agave juice
aceituna a·say·too·na olive
aguardiente a·gwar·dyen·te sugar
 negra ne·gra black olive
cane alcohol
 verde ver·de green olive
ajo a·kho garlic
acitrón a·see·tron cactus prepared as a
ajonjolí a·khon·kho·lee sesame seeds
candy but also used in savoury dishes
albahaca al·ba·ka sweet basil
acocil a·ko·seel small red shrimp
albóndigas pl al·bon·dee·gas
achiote a·chyo·te red, musky-flavoured
meatballs
spice used as a colouring agent in mole
alcachofa al·ka·cho·fa artichoke
& other foods (also called annatto)
alcaparras pl al·ka·pa·ras capers
adobo a·do·bo paste of garlic, vinegar,
alegrías pl a·le·gree·as traditional sweet
herbs & chillies  used as a sauce,
made from amaranth seeds & molasses
marinade or pickling agent
alfajor de coco al·fa·khor de ko·ko
agave a·ga·ve American aloe, also
pastry filled with jam & sprinkled with
known as  century plant  source of
grated coconut
alcoholic beverages such as pulque,
algodón de azÅ›car al·go·don de
mezcal & tequila
a·soo·kar fairy floss " cotton candy
 azul a·sool blue agave  used to
alimentos pl a·lee·men·tos food
produce tequila & mezcal
almeja al·me·kha clam " scallop
agua a·gwa water
almendra al·men·dra almond
 caliente ka·lyen·te hot water
almuerzo al·mwer·so brunch, also
 con gas kon gas soda water "
translated as  lunch  a late-morning
carbonated water
snack typically consisting of a quick plate
 de horchata de or·cha·ta rice water
of tacos or a sandwich
 de jamaica de kha·mai·ka drink
alubia a·loo·bya haricot bean
made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers
amaranto a·ma·ran·to amaranth 
in warm water  served chilled
a native plant similar to spinach
 de la llave de la ya·ve tap water
anchoa an·cho·a anchovy
 de manantial de ma·nan·tyal spring
water anguila an·gee·la eel
 embotellada em·bo·te·ya·da bottled anís a·nees anise " aniseed (used in
water desserts, liqueurs & breads)
 fresca fres·ka fruit-flavoured water annatto a·na·to see achiote
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antojitos pl an·to·khee·tos  little
whimsies  small portions of classic B
Mexican dishes, such as quesadillas,
bacalao ba·ka·la·o cod  usually dried
sopes & tostadas, served as snack food
balché bal·che Mayan alcoholic drink
for street eating or as appetisers
made from the fermented bark of the
aÅ„ejo/a / a·nye·kho/a  aged  used to
balché tree
describe certain cheeses, meat & tequila
banderillas pl ban·de·ree·yas long
apio a·pyo celery
flaky pastries
arándano a·ran·da·no bilberry
barbacoa bar·ba·ko·a Mexican-style
 agrio a·gryo cranberry
barbecue  a lamb, goat or chicken is
arenque a·ren·ke herring " kipper
steamed with vegetables, then baked in
arroz a·ros rice
the ground
 a la Mexicana a la me·khee·ka·na
bebida be·bee·da drink
 Mexican rice  may be coloured red
 alcohólica al·ko·lee·ka alcoholic drink
with tomatoes & cooked with diced
berenjena be·ren·khe·na aubergine "
carrots & peas
eggplant
 a la poblana a la po·bla·na pilaf
betabel be·ta·bel beet " beetroot
with chile poblano, corn & melted
birria bee·rya soupy stew made with
cheese
meat (usually goat) in a tomato-based
 con leche kon le·che rice pudding
broth
 de grano corto de gra·no kor·to
blanquillos pl blan·kee·yos eggs (also
short-grain rice
huevos)
 glutinoso gloo·tee·no·so glutinous
bolillo bo·lee·yo large, French-style roll,
rice
served with most meals
 integral een·te·gral brown rice
borrego bo·re·go lamb (see also
 salvaje sal·va·khe wild rice
cordero)
 verde ver·de green rice, made with
botana bo·ta·na appetiser
chile poblano
botella bo·te·ya bottle
asadero a·sa·de·ro white cheese used in
brocheta bro·che·ta skewer " kebab
quesadillas
brócoli bro·ko·lee broccoli
atole a·to·le thin porridge or gruel of
buey bway ox
maize flour or cornflour, usually served
buÅ„uelo boo·nywe·lo tortilla-sized
hot for breakfast
fritter sprinkled with sugar & cinnamon
 de chocolate de cho·ko·la·te
chocolate atole
C
 de fresa de fre·sa strawberry atole
 de nuez de nwes nut atole
cabra ka·bra goat
 de vainilla de vai·nee·ya vanilla atole
cabrito ka·bree·to milk-fed kid rubbed
atÅ›n a·toon tuna
with butter or oil & seasoned with salt,
avellana a·ve·ya·na hazelnut pepper & lime, then roasted whole on
avena a·ve·na rolled oats  a breakfast a spit
staple usually served with milk cacahuates pl ka·ka·wa·tes peanuts
azafrán a·sa·fran saffron  japoneses kha·po·ne·ses Japanese-
azÅ›car a·soo·kar sugar style peanuts, covered with a crunchy
 blanca blan·ka white sugar coating
 morena mo·re·na brown sugar cacao ka·ka·o cocoa
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café ka·fe cafe " coffee  a la TampiqueÅ„a a la tam·pee·ke·nya
plate piled with a small piece of meat,
 con leche kon le·che coffee with milk
chile poblano, a taco or enchilada,
 de olla de o·ya coffee flavoured with
beans, guacamole & shredded lettuce
cinnamon & sweetened with piloncillo
 de cerdo de ser·do pork
 expresso ek·spre·so espresso coffee
 de res de res beef
cajeta ka·khe·ta goat s milk caramel
 de vaca de va·ka beef
calabacita ka·la·ba·see·ta zucchini "
 para asar pa·ra a·sar brisket
courgette " vegetable marrow
 para taquear pa·ra ta·ke·ar meat for
calabaza ka·la·ba·sa pumpkin " squash
use in tacos
calamar ka·la·mar squid
carnero kar·ne·ro mutton
calaveras pl ka·la·ve·ras confectionery
carnitas pl kar·nee·tas slow-simmered
skulls eaten to celebrate the Day of the
chunks of seasoned pork served on
Dead (2 November) tortillas with salsa, chopped onion &
fresh coriander
 de azÅ›car de a·soo·kar skulls made
cáscara kas·ka·ra rind " shell " husk
from sugar
castaÅ„a kas·ta·nya chestnut
 de chocolate de cho·ko·la·te skulls
caza ca·sa game (animals)
made from chocolate
cebada se·ba·da barley
caldo kal·do broth
cebolla se·bo·ya onion
 tlalpeÅ„o tlal·pe·nyo vegetable soup
 blanca blan·ka white onion
 xóchitl so·cheetl fiery hot soup with
 de Cambray de kam·bray spring
serrano peppers on top
onion
camarón ka·ma·ron prawn " shrimp
 morada mo·ra·da red onion " Spanish
 para pelar pa·ra pe·lar whole shrimp onion
cena se·na supper " dinner
boiled in a very weak broth, milled & then
cerdo ser·do pig " pork
served with lime
cereal se·re·al cereal
camote ka·mo·te sweet potato
cerveza ser·ve·sa beer
canela ka·ne·la cinnamon
 amarga a·mar·ga bitter
cangrejo kan·gre·kho crab (also jaiba)
 clara kla·ra blonde beer " light beer
 moro mo·ro stone crab
 de barril de ba·reel draught beer
caÅ„a de azÅ›car ka·nya de a·soo·kar
 oscura os·koo·ra stout
sugar cane
ceviche se·vee·che cocktail with fish,
capeado ka·pe·a·do fried, battered meat
shrimp, oysters or crab, mixed with onion,
or vegetables
coriander & tomato
capirotada ka·pee·ro·ta·da Mexican- cidra see·dra cider
cilantro see·lan·tro coriander " cilantro
style bread pudding
ciruela see·rwe·la plum
capulines pl ka·poo·lee·nes black
 pasa pa·sa prune
cherries
clayuda kla·yoo·da large, crisp tortilla
cardo kar·do cardoon (vegetable similar
(also spelled tlayuda)
to an artichoke)
cocada ko·ka·da traditional candy made
carne kar·ne meat
with coconut, eggs, milk, almonds & sugar
 asada a·sa·da thinly cut, broiled
coco ko·ko coconut
tenderloin or steak, usually served with
coctel kok·tel cocktail
sliced onion & grilled sweet pepper strips,
 de camarón de ka·ma·ron shrimp
rice, beans & guacamole cocktail
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cochinita pibil ko·chee·nee·ta pee·beel
pork cooked with achiote, red onions &
CH
orange juice
chabacano cha·ba·ka·no apricot
codorniz ko·dor·nees quail
chalote cha·lo·te shallot onion
col kol cabbage
chalupas pl cha·loo·pas small tortillas
cola ko·la tail
made with cornflour, chilli, beans &
coles pl de Bruselas ko·les de
cheese
broo·se·las Brussels sprouts
chamorro cha·mo·ro leg of pork
coliflor ko·lee·flor cauliflower
marinated in adobo then oven-roasted
comida ko·mee·da food " lunch (the
at a very low heat
biggest meal of the day, taken between
champiÅ„ones pl cham·pee·nyo·nes
1pm  4pm)
mushrooms
comino ko·mee·no cumin
champurrado cham·poo·ra·do similar
conchas pl de vainilla kon·chas de
to atole but made with chocolate, water
vay·nee·ya mini loaves topped with
& cornflour
vanilla icing
chapulín cha·poo·leen grasshopper
conchas pl de chocolate kon·chas de
charal cha·ral sardine-like fish
cho·ko·la·te mini loaves topped with
chaya cha·ya type of spinach
chocolate icing
chayote cha·yo·te popular type of
conejillo de indias ko·ne·khee·yo de
squash that was once the staple of the
een·dyas guinea pig
Aztecs & Maya  usually stuffed & baked
conejo ko·ne·kho rabbit
or used raw in salad
consomé kal·do meat broth " stock
chícharo chee·cha·ro pea
 de camarón de ka·ma·ron prawn
 seco se·ko green split pea
soup
 verde ver·de snap pea
 de pollo de po·yo chicken broth " soup
chicharra chee·cha·ra cricket (insect)
with chicken, vegetables & sometimes
chicharrones pl chee·cha·ro·nes
rice & chickpeas
deep-fried pork rinds, usually sold by
 de res de res beef & vegetable soup
street vendors with a topping " flour-
corazón ko·ra·son heart
based fried snack
cordero kor·de·ro lamb " mutton
chilaquiles pl chee·la·kee·les crisp
corundas pl ko·roon·das little tamales
tortillas topped with chicken, onion,
costillas pl kos·tee·yas ribs
cream, fresh cheese & salsa  this popular
crema kre·ma cream
breakfast choice is sometimes made with
 ácida a·see·da sour cream
scrambled eggs & chorizo
 batida ba·tee·da whipping cream
chile chee·le chilli  a huge variety
 chantilly chan·tee·yee chantilly
of fresh & dried chillies is available at
 espesa es·pe·sa clotted cream
Mexican markets, sometimes pickled &
crepas pl kre·pas crepes
sold in bottles
croqueta kro·ke·ta croquette
 ancho an·cho  broad chilli  so
Cuba libre koo·ba lee·bre rum & cola
named for its size & shape, this chilli
(also simply called Cuba)
has wrinkled, reddish-brown skin & is
cubierta koo·byer·ta topping
the most common form of dried chile
cubiertos pl koo·byer·tos cutlery
poblano
cuerno kwer·no croissant  cayena ka·ye·na cayenne
cuitlacoche kwee·tla·ko·che black corn  chipotles chee·pot·les smoke-dried
fungus (also huitlacoche) version of chile jalapeńo
culebra koo·le·bra snake  dulce en adobo dool·se en a·do·bo
cÅ›rcuma koor·koo·ma turmeric sweet, non-spicy pickled chilli
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 en nogada en no·ga·da a green
chile poblano stuffed with a stew of
D
beef & fruits, topped with nogada &
dátiles pl da·tee·les dates
decorated with pomegranate seeds
desayuno de·sa·yoo·no breakfast 
 guajillo gwa·khee·yo very hot, dried
Mexicans usually eat eggs or meat for
chilli, almost black in colour
breakfast, including one or more staples
 habanero a·ba·ne·ro extremely hot
such as tortillas, beans, chillies & atole
type of chilli
 jalapeÅ„o kha·la·pe·nyo Jalapeno diente de ajo dyen·te de a·kho clove
pepper, often eaten in pickled form
of garlic
 mulato moo·la·to dried chile
dona do·na doughnut
poblano  its almost-black colour means
dulce dool·se sweet " candy
it can be substituted for chilhuacle
durazno doo·ras·no peach
negro in the dish mole negro
 pasilla pa·see·ya dark, dried & very
spicy chile used in mole and marinades E
 poblano po·bla·no medium-green to
elote e·lo·te maize " corn
purple-black chilli, sometimes dried to
 tierno tyer·no sweet corn
produce chile ancho & chile mulato 
empanada em·pa·na·da pastry turnover
this mildly hot, arrow-shaped chilli is also
with a savoury meat & vegetable filling,
used for making stuffed peppers
baked or fried, or filled with fruit & served
 relleno re·ye·no green chile poblano
as a dessert
stuffed with cheese, covered in egg batter
& fried encebollado en·se·bo·ya·do served with
 serrano se·ra·no fiery green chilli
onion
used in moles & salsa
encurtidos pl en·koor·tee·dos table
chilhuacle negro cheel·wa·kle ne·gro
condiment consisting of a bowl of chillies
very dark, spicy strain of chilhuacle, a
marinated in vinegar, combined with
chilli about the shape & size of a small
onions, carrots & other vegetables
bell pepper
enchiladas pl en·chee·la·das meat or
chilpachole de Jaiba cheel·pa·cho·le
cheese wrapped in tortillas & smothered
de khai·ba a soup made with crab
in red or green salsa, cream & melted
chirimoya chee·ree·mo·ya custard
cheese
apple " cherimoya
 adobadas a·do·ba·das beef or chicken
chocolate oaxaqueÅ„o cho·ko·la·te
enchiladas in adobo sauce
wa·kha·ke·nyo chocolate from Oaxaca
mixed with hot milk  queretanas ke·re·ta·nas fresh
chongos pl zamoranos chon·gos
enchiladas topped with shredded lettuce
sa·mo·ra·nos popular dessert of curdled
& other raw vegetables
milk, sugar, cinnamon & egg yolks
 rojas ro·khas meat or cheese
choriqueso cho·ree·ke·so chorizo &
enchiladas with a red chile ancho
melted cheese
sauce, the most popular enchiladas on
chorizo cho·ree·so spicy pork sausage,
menus
fried with eggs as breakfast, or cooked
 suizas swee·sas mild & creamy Swiss-
with potatoes as a filling for tacos
style enchiladas filled with chicken or
chuletas choo·le·tas chops
cheese, served with creamy green tomato
 de cerdo de ser·do pork chops
sauce
 de res de res small beef steaks
 verdes ver·des served with a delicate
churro choo·ro long doughnut covered
with sugar green tomatillo sauce
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endivia en·dee·vya endive
enebro e·ne·bro juniper F
eneldo e·nel·do dill
faisán fay·san pheasant
enfrijolado/a / en·free·kho·la·do/a
filete a la Mexicana fee·le·te a la
describes anything cooked in a bean
me·khee·ka·na grilled white fish with a
sauce, most commonly corn tortillas in a
tomato-based sauce
smooth black bean sauce & topped with
flan flan a caramel egg custard
thinly sliced onions, cream & crumbed
flavoured with vanilla & covered in a
cheese syrupy topping
enmolado/a / en·mo·la·do/a  napolitano na·po·lee·ta·no whiter
& thicker than the custard-style flan,
describes anything cooked in a mole
sometimes flavoured with liqueur
sauce
flautas pl flow·tas tube-shaped tacos
ensalada en·sa·la·da salad
topped with chicken meat, deep-fried &
 César se·sar Caesar salad, named
served with cream, cheese & green or red
after its inventor César Cardini, an Italian
sauce
immigrant to Mexico
flor de calabaza flor de ka·la·ba·sa
 de verduras de ver·doo·ras salad
large squash flowers used in soups &
of cooked vegetables, a mix of fresh
other dishes
vegetables, or a combination of the two
frambuesa fram·bwe·sa raspberry
 mixta meek·sta mix of lettuce, red
fresa fre·sa strawberry
tomatoes, cucumber, peas, avocado &
fideos pl fee·de·os noodles
fresh onion rings
frijoles pl free·kho·les beans, of which
entrada en·tra·da entree
nearly 100 varieties are included in the
entremés en·tre·mes appetiser
Mexican cuisine
epazote e·pa·so·te wormseed, a
 borrachos bo·ra·chos  drunken
pungent herb similar to coriander, used in
beans , made as frijoles charros but
sauces, beans & quesadillas
flavoured with flat beer
escabeche es·ka·be·che a brine used as  charros cha·ros  cowboy beans  pork
rind, fried tomatoes, onion & coriander,
a pickling agent or as a fish marinade
served as a soup
escamoles pl es·ka·mo·les ant eggs,
 molidos mo·lee·dos ground beans
a delicacy that looks like rice  usually
 negros ne·gros  black beans  served
sauteed in butter & wine, served as
mashed & refried, pureed as a soup or
an accompaniment to meat or with
whole, usually seasoned with epazote
tortillas, avocado & salad
 refritos re·free·tos mashed beans fried
espárragos pl es·pa·ra·gos asparagus
in lard or vegetable oil
especias pl es·pe·syas spices
frutas pl froo·tas fruits
espinaca es·pee·na·ka spinach
 cristalizadas krees·ta·lee·sa·das
esquites pl es·kee·tes fresh corn grains
different fruits cooked with sugar & water
boiled with butter, epazote & onions,
until crunchy
served with fresh lime juice, chilli powder
 secas se·kas dried fruit
& grated cheese
estofado es·to·fa·do stew " a Oaxacan
G
mole served over chicken or pork,
prepared with tomatoes, almonds, bread,
galleta ga·ye·ta biscuit " cookie " cracker
raisins, cloves & ground chile guajillo
gallina ga·yee·na hen
estragón es·tra·gon tarragon
ganso gan·so goose
esturión es·too·ryon sturgeon garbanzo gar·ban·so chickpea
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gelatina khe·la·tee·na gelatin hinojo ee·no·kho fennel
germen de trigo kher·men de tree·go hojas pl o·khas leaves (banana,
wheat germ
avocado, corn or maguey) used in
germinado de soya kher·mee·na·do de
cooking for subtle flavouring, to wrap
so·ya bean sprout
food for steaming & to line or cover
ginebra khee·ne·bra gin
earthenware pots
gorditas pl gor·dee·tas thick corn
 de laurel de low·rel bay leaves
tortillas fried then filled with beef,
 de plátano de pla·ta·no banana
chicken or pork, then topped with cheese
leaves
& lettuce
 santas san·tas large anise-flavoured
granada gra·na·da grenadine "
leaves
pomegranate
huachinango wa·chee·nan·go red
grasa gra·sa dietary fat
snapper
grosella gro·se·ya currant
 a la Veracruzana a la ve·ra·kroo·sa·na
guacamole gwa·ka·mo·le mashed
specialty of the port city of Veracruz
avocado mixed with lemon or lime juice,
where fresh red snapper is broiled in a
onion & chilli
lightly spiced sauce of tomato, onion &
guaraches pl gwa·ra·ches tortilla shells
green olives
piled high with chorizo, meat, potato,
huarache wa·ra·che flat & oval tortilla
coriander & chilli salsa
with beans and/or meat, topped with
guarnición gwar·nee·syon garnish
cream, cheese & a variety of sauces 
guisado gee·sa·do stew
a common street food
guiso gee·so stew
huatape tamaulipeco wa·ta·pe
gusano goo·sa·no worm
ta·mow·lee·pe·ko green prawn soup
gusanos pl de maguey goo·sa·nos de
thickened with corn dough
ma·gay worms that live in maguey 
huauzontle wow·son·tle green
they re usually placed in the bottom of
vegetable whose buds are dipped in
the bottle as a sign that you ve bought
flour & fried
true mezcal
huevos pl hwe·vos eggs
 con salsa borracha kon sal·sa
 entomatados en·to·ma·ta·dos eggs
bo·ra·cha a dish of maguey worms
in a tomato sauce
fried in oil & accompanied by a sauce
 estrellados es·tre·ya·dos fried eggs
of roasted chile pasilla, garlic, onion,
 fritos free·tos fried eggs
cheese & pulque
 revueltos re·vwel·tos scrambled eggs
 rancheros ran·che·ros eggs on
H
tortillas, topped with chilli sauce
 tibios tee·byos soft-boiled eggs
haba a·ba broad bean
huitlacoche weet·la·ko·che black
habanero a·ba·ne·ro extremely spicy
fungus that grows on young corn
type of chilli
during the rainy season, used in crepes,
hamburguesa am·boor·ge·sa
quesadillas & soups
hamburger
helado e·la·do ice cream
hielo ye·lo ice
I
hígado ee·ga·do liver
iguana ee·gwa·na iguana  some
 encebollado en·se·bo·ya·do liver
with onions species are protected and should not
higo ee·go fig be eaten
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lomo lo·mo loin " rump " shoulder
longaniza lon·ga·nee·sa dried speciality
J
pork sausage
jabalí kha·ba·lee boar
lonche lon·che sandwich made with a
jabón kha·bon soap
long bun  in Guadalajara most of the
jaiba khay·ba crab
bread is scooped out of the middle to
 de río de ree·o crayfish
make way for a filling of meat, cheese,
jalapeÅ„o kha·la·pe·nyo hot green chilli
avocado & mayonnaise or cream
from Jalapa
lucio loo·syo pike (fish)
jamón kha·mon ham
jengibre khen·khee·bre ginger
jerez khe·res sherry
M
jícama khee·ka·ma crunchy, sweet
macadamia ma·ka·da·mya macadamia
turnip " potato-like tuber often sold by
machaca ma·cha·ka meat grinder "
street vendors, sliced & garnished with red
sheets of dried beef or beef jerky
chilli powder, salt & fresh lime juice
machacado ma·cha·ka·do dried meat
jitomates pl khee·to·ma·tes red
maguey ma·gay any of the various
tomatoes, specifically plum or roma
American agave plants, used to make
 cereza se·re·sa cherry tomatoes
alcoholic beverages such as pulque
 deshidratados des·ee·dra·ta·dos
and tequila
sun-dried tomatoes
maíz ma·ees corn " maize
jugo khoo·go juice
 molido mo·lee·do de-husked dried
 de fruta de froo·ta fruit juice
maize kernels with the germ removed,
 fresco fres·ko freshly squeezed juice
usually softened in boiling water
malta mal·ta malt
L
malteada mal·te·a·da milkshake
mamey ma·may rough brown fruit with
langosta lan·gos·ta lobster
bitter yellow inner skin & orangey flesh,
laurel low·rel bay leaf
often used to make smoothies, gelatin,
lavanda la·van·da lavender
ice cream & mousses
leche le·che milk
mantequilla man·te·kee·ya butter
 descremada des·kre·ma·da skimmed
manzana man·sa·na apple
milk
maracuyá ma·ra·koo·ya passion fruit
 entera en·te·ra full cream milk
margarina mar·ga·ree·na margarine
lengua len·gwa tongue
Margarita mar·ga·ree·ta cocktail made
lenguado len·gwa·do sole (fish)
with tequila, lime juice, Cointreau &
lentejas pl len·te·khas brown lentils
crushed ice, served in a chilled glass with
 rojas ro·khas red lentils
salt on the rim
 verdes ver·des green lentils
mariscos pl ma·rees·kos seafood "
levadura le·va·doo·ra yeast
shellfish
licor lee·kor liqueur
masa ma·sa ground, cooked corn mixed
licores pl lee·ko·res spirits
with slaked lime and made into a dough
lichi lee·chee lychee
or batter used for making tortillas
liebre lye·bre hare
 de harina de maíz de a·ree·na de
lima lee·ma lime
ma·ees cornflour
limón lee·mon lemon
 agrio a·gryo bitter lemon  de harina de trigo de a·ree·na de
 sin semilla seen se·mee·ya seedless tree·go wheat flour
lemon maseca ma·se·ka type of cornflour used
limonada lee·mo·na·da lemonade in tortillas & tamales
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mayonesa ma·yo·ne·sa mayonnaise  coloradito ko·lo·ra·dee·to a Oaxacan
mazapán ma·sa·pan marzipan mole made with chillies, sesame seeds,
medio me·dyo half " medium cooked
almonds, raisins, bananas & spices, ladled
médula me·doo·la bone marrow, also
over chicken
called tuétano
 de olla de o·ya type of mole prepared
mejillón me·khee·yon mussel
with pork, lamb or smoked meat, cactus
mejorana me·kho·ra·na marjoram
fruit & epazote
melón me·lon melon " cantaloupe
 de xico de khee·ko a slightly sweet
membrillo mem·bree·yo quince
mole
menta men·ta peppermint " mint
 naolinco na·o·leen·ko a spicy mole
menudo me·noo·do tripe stew 
 negro ne·gro a dark mole
a popular hangover remedy with an
 poblano po·bla·no type of mole
acquired taste
made from deseeded & pureed chillies,
merienda me·ryen·da the equivalent of
onion, coriander, anise, cinnamon,
English afternoon tea
garlic, toasted peanuts, almonds &
merluza mer·loo·sa hake
sweetened chocolate
mermelada mer·me·la·da fruit jam "
mollejas pl mo·ye·khas giblets
jelly " marmalade
molletes pl mo·ye·tes savoury, filled
mezcal mes·kal distilled liquor made
bread roll spread with refried beans &
from agave  a worm is usually placed
melted cheese & topped with fresh salsa
in the bottle
mondongo mon·don·go a kind of stew
miel myel honey
with several regional variations
migajas pl mee·ga·khas crumbs
mora mo·ra mulberry
mijo mee·kho millet
moronga mo·ron·ga black pudding
milanesa mee·la·ne·sa pork, beef or
mostaza mos·ta·sa mustard
chicken schnitzel  inferior cuts of beef
are pounded to a thin slab, then fried
in an egg & bread batter, served with
N
mayonnaise & fresh limes & accompanied
nabo na·bo turnip
by rice, beans & salad
naranja na·ran·kha orange
mixiotes pl mee·shyo·tes lamb, chicken
 agria a·grya bitter orange used in
or rabbit meat wrapped in a thin layer of
marinades & sauces
maguey leaves & steamed in a rich broth,
 china chee·na kumquat
then served with a mild green sauce,
nieves pl nye·ves sherbets made with
sliced avocado & tortillas
fruits or other ingredients such as tequila,
modongo jarocho mon·don·go
avocado, shrimp, rosehips or sweet corn
kha·ro·cho rich, stew-like dish with ham,
nixtamal neek·sta·mal mixture of corn &
tripe, pork, chickpeas, coriander &
lime used in tortilla dough (see masa)
tortillas
nogada no·ga·da walnut or walnut
mojarra a la veracruzana mo·kha·ra a
sauce
la ve·ra·kroo·sa·na spicy baked perch in a
nogal no·gal walnut tree
tomato, onion & green olive salsa
nopal no·pal prickly pear cactus  the
mole mo·le the quintessential Mexican
cactus pads (leaves) are cut into strips
sauce, made using a variety of chillies,
& boiled as a vegetable or added to
herbs, spices & chocolate
 almendrado al·men·dra·do a mole scrambled eggs
made mainly with almonds nudillo noo·dee·yo knuckle
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nueva cocina mexicana nwe·va  duro doo·ro stale bread
ko·see·na me·khee·ka·na  new Mexican  tostado tos·ta·do toasted bread
cuisine  a movement among some panuchos pl pa·noo·chos finger food
chefs to combine traditional ingredients taken as an appetiser, these are bean-
with contemporary preparations & stuffed tortillas, fried crisp then topped
presentations with a tower of shredded turkey or
nuez nwes nut chicken, tomato, lettuce & onions
 de Castilla de kas·tee·ya walnut papas pl pa·pas potatoes
 del Brasil del bra·seel brazil nut  a la francesa a la fran·se·sa chips "
 de la India de la een·dya cashew French fries
 moscada mos·ka·da nutmeg papadzules pl pa·pad·soo·les fresh
 pacana pa·ka·na pecan corn tortillas wrapped around a filling of
chopped hard-boiled eggs then covered
with sauce made from pumpkin seed &
O
epazote
obleas pl o·ble·as coloured wafers filled papitas pl del monte pa·pee·tas del
with raw brown sugar syrup & decorated mon·te wild potatoes
with toasted pumpkin seeds paprika pap·ree·ka paprika
octli ok·tlee alcoholic drink made from parillada pa·ree·ya·da flame-grilled
a combination of juices from different meat platter
agave plants pasa (de uva) pa·sa (de oo·va) raisin
olivo o·lee·vo olive tree pastel pas·tel pastry " cake
oporto o·por·to port  de tres leches de tres le·ches cake
ostra os·tra oyster made with evaporated milk, condensed
oveja o·ve·kha sheep milk & evaporated cream
pastelería pas·te·le·ree·a cake shop
pastelito pas·te·lee·to pastry
P
patas pl pa·tas hooves
palanquetas pl pa·lan·ke·tas traditional pato pa·to duck
candy made with peanuts or pumpkin pavo pa·vo turkey
seeds conformed in rectangular or round pechuga pe·choo·ga breast
shapes using caramelised sugar  de pollo de po·yo chicken breast
paleta pa·le·ta lollipop " Popsicle " icy pepinillo pe·pee·nee·yo gherkin
pole pepino pe·pee·no cucumber
 de agua de a·gwa icy pole made with pepitoria pe·pee·to·rya traditional
water & fruit juice candy made with coloured obleas
 de leche de le·che icy pole made with pera pe·ra pear
milk & fruits or other ingredient such as perejil pe·re·kheel parsley
vanilla, chocolate or nuts pescadería pes·ka·de·ree·a fishmonger
palomitas pl de maíz pa·lo·mee·tas de pescado pes·ka·do fish
ma·ees pop corn pibil pee·beel sauce made from achiote,
pan pan bread bitter orange juice, garlic, salt & pepper,
 árabe a·ra·be pita bread used as a marinade for chicken or pork
 de muerto de mwer·to heavy bread picadillo pee·ka·dee·yo mincemeat
used as an offering on the Day of the cooked with tomatoes, almonds, raisins
Dead (2 November) & vegetables
 de yema de ye·ma yellow, rich & pierna pyer·na leg
heavy bread made with egg yolks piloncillo pee·lon·see·yo raw brown
 dulce dool·se sweet bread sugar
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pimentón pee·men·ton cayenne " red pozole po·so·le thick soup made of
pepper " paprika corn, chicken or pork, lettuce & slices of
pimienta pee·myen·ta black pepper radish, traditionally eaten at Christmas
 de cayena de ka·ye·na cayenne  blanco blan·ko corn soup prepared
pepper with stock but without chillies
 entera en·te·ra ground pepper  rojo ro·kho corn soup made with chilli
 inglesa een·gle·sa allspice  verde ver·de corn soup made with
 negra ne·gra black pepper green chillies & toasted pumpkin seeds
 recién molida re·syen mo·lee·da puchero poo·che·ro stew made of
freshly ground black pepper chicken & vegetables
 verde ver·de green pepper puerro pwe·ro leek
pinole pee·no·le flour made with a pulpo pool·po octopus
mixture of toasted corn & amaranth  en su tinta en soo teen·ta octopus in
seeds its own ink
piÅ„a pee·nya pineapple pulque pool·ke white, thick, sweet
piÅ„atas pl pee·nya·tas balloons or alcoholic drink made from the fermented
animal-shaped dolls made with clay or sap of agave plants, especially the
papier mache, filled with sweets, fruits, maguey
peanuts & toys
pińón pee·nyon pine nut
Q
pipián verde pee·pyan ver·de a type of
mole made with ground spices & queretanas pl ke·re·ta·nas Queretaro-
pumpkin or squash seeds, green style enchiladas topped with shredded
tomatoes, peanuts  served over pork or lettuce & other raw vegetables
chicken quesadillas pl ke·sa·dee·yas flour or
pistaches pl pees·ta·ches pistachios corn tortillas with a savoury cheese
plátano pla·ta·no banana " plantain filling " corn dough filled with different
 dominico do·mee·nee·ko small & very toppings such as mushrooms, mashed
sweet banana potatoes, huitlacoche & rajas
 macho ma·cho large banana, fried & quesillo ke·see·yo stringy goat s milk
served with sour cream & sugar cheese from Oaxaca
poc chuc pok chook thin slice of pork, queso ke·so cheese
cooked on a grill & served on a sizzling  aÅ„ejo a·nye·kho hard, aged cheese
plate with a bitter orange sauce & with a sharp flavour similar to Parmesan
chopped onions  Chihuahua chee·wa·wa creamy
pollo po·yo chicken yellow cheese often used in quesadillas
 a la pibil a la pee·beel chicken  crema kre·ma cream cheese
marinated in pibil sauce  fresco fres·ko cheese made from
 frito free·to fried chicken cow s milk
 rostisado ros·tee·sa·do roast chicken  fundido foon·dee·do cheese fondue
ponche de frutas pon·che de froo·tas  manchego man·che·go although this
fruit punch prepared during Christmas cheese is originally from La Mancha in
festivities made with guava, tejocotes, Spain, it s a popular cheese in Mexico &
sugar cane, cinnamon, raisins, cloves & used in many recipes
raw sugar  Oaxaca wa·kha·ka Oaxacan cheese,
 con piquete kon pee·ke·te fruit made from goat s milk (see quesillo)
punch with a shot of tequila or rum  parmesano par·me·sa·no Parmesan
postre pos·tre dessert cheese
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salchicha sal·chee·cha frankfurter
 de coctel de kok·tel small cocktail
R
sausage
rábano ra·ba·no radish
 de Viena de vye·na sausages used for
 picante pee·kan·te horseradish
hot dogs
rabo ra·bo tail
salsa sal·sa a spicy, tomato-based sauce
rajas pl ra·khas slices of chilli
 a la veracruzana a la ve·ra·kroo·sa·na
 con crema kon kre·ma a dish made
sauce of tomato, onion & green olives
with chile poblano & sour cream
 bandera ban·de·ra  flag sauce 
 en escabeche en es·ka·be·che pickled
named for the red of the tomato, the
chillies
white of the onion & the green of the
rana ra·na frog
chilli
ranchera ran·che·ra sauce made with
 borracha bo·ra·cha  drunken sauce 
chillies, tomatoes, onions, coriander
made from roasted chile pasilla, garlic,
 used for eggs or enchiladas
onion, cheese & pulque
raspados pl ras·pa·dos  scrapings 
 de tomatillos sauce with green
flavoured ice with fruit juice, sold by
chillies, onion & coriander
pushcart vendors as a refreshing treat
 picante pee·kan·te hot sauce
rebanada re·ba·na·da a slice
 roja ro·kha red sauce made with plum
regaliz re·ga·lees liquorice
tomatoes, onions, garlic & salt
refresco re·fres·ko soft drink
 tártara tar·ta·ra tartare sauce
relleno re·ye·no stuffing
 verde ver·de green sauce made with
 negro ne·gro green pepper, chiles
tomatillos, green chillies, onion &
anchos & achiote, served over shredded
coriander
turkey & a hard-boiled egg
sandía san·dee·a watermelon 
relleno/a / re·ye·no/a stuffed
a symbol of Mexico (the red, white &
reposado re·po·sa·do an alcoholic drink
green correspond to the colours of the
such as tequila that has been aged two
Mexican flag)
to 12 months
sangría san·gree·a refreshing cold drink
requesón re·ke·son cottage cheese
of Spanish origin made with red wine,
res res beef
lemonade & sliced fresh fruit
rińón ree·nyon kidney
sangrita san·gree·ta bright red, thickish
robalo ro·ba·lo sea bass
mixture of crushed tomatoes (or tomato
romero ro·me·ro rosemary
juice), orange juice, grenadine, chilli & salt
ron ron rum
 served chilled with a shot of tequila
rosca de reyes ros·ka de re·yes eaten on
sardina sar·dee·na sardine
Epiphany (6 January), this large, wreath-
semilla se·mee·ya seed
shaped pastry has a small china doll
 de ajonjolí de a·khon·kho·lee sesame
representing Christ, baked into it 
seed
whoever gets the piece with the doll in it
 de amapola de a·ma·po·la poppy seed
throws a party on Candlemas Day (2
 de apio de a·pyo celery seed
February)
 de hinojo de ee·no·kho fennel seed
semita se·mee·ta round & flat sweet
S
bread
semillas pl de alcaravea se·mee·yas de
sal sal salt
salbutes pl sal·boo·tes fried crisp al·ka·ra·ve·a caraway seed
tortillas topped with a tower of shredded sémola se·mo·la semolina
turkey or chicken, tomato, lettuce & sesos pl se·sos brains
onions sidra see·dra cider
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sopa so·pa soup " chowder  de manzanilla de man·sa·nee·ya
 de coco de ko·ko coconut soup chamomile tea
 de lima de lee·ma lime soup  de menta de men·ta mint tea
 de nopales de no·pa·les soup with  descafeinado des·ka·fay·na·do
cactus leaves decaffeinated tea
 de tortilla de tor·tee·ya chicken  negro ne·gro black tea
broth-based soup featuring strips of tejate te·kha·te Oaxacan recipe for
leftover corn tortillas chocolate that includes mamey seeds,
 seca se·ka  dry soup  a rice, pasta or cacao flowers & corn dough
tortilla-based dish tejocote te·kho·ko·te hawthorn
sope so·pe thick cornflour tortilla telera te·le·ra French-style roll used to
stuffed with refried beans, served with make tortas
chicken or other meat with lettuce & tepache te·pa·che alcoholic drink made
cream on the top from fermented pineapple
tequila te·kee·la classic Mexican spirit
distilled from the maguey plant, also
T
known as the blue agave plant
tablillas pl de chocolate ta·blee·yas de ternera ter·ne·ra veal
cho·ko·la·te blocks of chocolate tescalate tes·ka·la·te type of chocolate
tacos pl ta·kos folded corn tortillas popular in Chiapas, made by grinding the
filled with meat, beans & other cacao beans with toasted corn & achiote
ingredients tlayuda tla·yoo·da large, crisp tortilla
 al pastor al pas·tor tacos with meat topped with Oaxacan cheese, tomatoes &
cut from a roasting spit, served with fresh beans, also called clayuda
pineapple, onions, coriander & salsa tocino to·see·no bacon
 árabe a·ra·be tacos made with slightly  de lomo de lo·mo bacon (off the back)
thicker wheat bread (pita bread) tomate verde to·ma·te ver·de see
 de carne asada de kar·ne a·sa·da tomatillo
tacos with minced beef tomatillo to·ma·tee·yo small green
 de carnitas de kar·nee·tas native tomato wrapped in a brownish
tacos with finely chopped pork papery husk  used for salsas (also known
 de pollo de po·yo chicken tacos as tomate verde)
 dorados do·ra·dos deep fried tacos tomillo to·mee·yo thyme
tallo ta·yo shank tonronja to·ron·kha grapefruit
tamales pl ta·ma·les corn dough stuffed to owloche tow·lo·che  wrapped in corn
with meat, mole, green or red salsa, fruit leaves  Mayan tamal made by home
or nothing at all, usually wrapped in chefs & served to people in the street on
banana leaves, sometimes in corn husks festival days
& then steamed toro to·ro bull
tamarindo ta·ma·reen·do tamarind, a torta tor·ta sandwich made with crusty
fruit used for making aguas, nieves & bread
desserts tortillas tor·tee·yas ubiquitous round
taquería ta·ke·ree·a place that flatbread made with corn or wheat flour,
specialises in serving tacos a staple in the Mexican diet for thousands
taquito ta·kee·to a small tortilla of years  used in making tacos,
wrapped around meat or chicken chalupas, huaraches, sopes & tostadas
té te tea  de maíz de ma·ees corn tortillas
 de hierbabuena de yer·ba·bwe·na  de trigo de tree·go wheat tortillas
peppermint tea  yucatecas yoo·ka·te·kas see
 de limón de lee·mon lemongrass tea papadzules
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tortillería tor·tee·ye·ree·a bakery in vino vee·no wine
 afrutado a·froo·ta·do fruity wine
which Mexicans buy their tortillas by
 blanco blan·ko white wine
the kilo (if they don t make it themselves
 de la casa de la ka·sa house wine
at home)
 dulce dool·se sweet wine
tostadas pl tos·ta·das fried corn
 espumoso es·poo·mo·so sparkling
tortillas
wine
totopos pl to·to·pos deep-fried wedges
 ligeramente dulce lee·khe·ra·men·te
of stale corn tortillas
dool·se lightly sweet wine
trigo tree·go wheat
 muy seco mooy se·ko very dry wine
 integral een·te·gral whole-grain
 nacional na·syo·nal domestic wine
wheat
 seco se·ko dry wine
 sarraceno sa·ra·se·no buckwheat
 semi-seco se·mee se·ko semi-dry
tripa tree·pa tripe
wine
trucha troo·cha trout
 tinto teen·to red wine
tuna too·na prickly pear " cactus fruit vuelve a la vida vwel·ve a la vee·da
 go back to life  seafood cocktail in a
tuétano twe·ta·no marrow
tomato salsa
turrón too·ron nougat
W
U
whiskey wees·kee whiskey
uchepos pl oo·che·pos corn dough,
 canadiense ka·na·dyen·se rye whiskey
wrapped in corn husks, steamed & served
 de centeno de sen·te·no bourbon
with fresh cream
whiskey
uvas pl oo·vas grapes
X
V
xcatik shka·teek kind of chilli found in
vainilla vay·nee·ya vanilla
Yucatán state
vajilla va·khee·ya crockery " china
xtabentÅ›n shta·ben·toon Mayan
venado ve·na·do venison " deer
liqueur made from native xtabentśn
verdulería ver·doo·le·ree·a greengrocer
flowers
verduras pl ver·doo·ras mixed greens
vinagre vee·na·gre vinegar
Z
 balsámico bal·sa·mee·ko balsamic
vinegar zanahoria sa·na·o·rya carrot
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