Trend Watch 2024: Mexican Comfort Food

Staying ahead of the competition can be as easy as staying up on the latest trends. 2024 is shaping up to be the year of Mexican comfort food. The diverse regions and flavors of Mexican cuisine have brought creativity front and center with opportunities to add inventive twists to any menu. Start with these iconic dishes and add your signature spin.

Birria is a traditional dish from the state of Jalisco, featuring braised beef seasoned with dried chilies, cumin, and cloves. Traditionally reserved for special occasions, it’s one of those dishes that guests can’t get enough of. Slow cooked until the meat becomes tender and infused with rich, savory flavors, birria is usually enjoyed as a stew served topped with cilantro, onions, and freshly squeezed lime juice, or served as tacos with lots of melted cheese. It’s even been known to make an incredible burger.

One of Mexico's most beloved sauces, mole is rich and complex, made with chili peppers, chocolate, and various spices. The word mole (pronounced MOE-lay) comes from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec Empire, simply meaning “sauce”. There are an almost limitless number of mole recipes in Mexican cuisine, but you can usually divide the types of moles into hot chili-based moles, sour tomatillo-based moles, and sweet fruit and sugar-enhanced moles. Experiment with what you think your customers might like or try easing your guests into these new flavors by adding it on the side with grilled meats.

The word “quesadilla” comes from the Spanish word “queso,” which means cheese. Most people have enjoyed a classic quesadilla, but with an endless variety of cheeses and ingredients this is a dish that can allow you to get inventive. Try melting the cheese on the outside for a crunchy “frico crust”, or introduce other global ingredients for exciting flavor mashups. The only limit is your imagination.

Once you’ve landed on a couple of new dishes, see how you can incorporate them into your menu. Ask yourself if there are any other ways to repurpose new ingredients into delicious apps, entrees, or even beverages? By staying up on food trends, you can make sure your menu stays fresh and exciting to your customers.