How to Eat Well in Mexico

Even for the gringo with limited Spanish, eating well in Mexico is easy and should be fun. Forget what your mother told you about sanitation and dig in.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Avoid the American chain restaurants at all costs. Enough said.

2. Avoid most American-looking storefronts. Many restaurants, not just in Mexico but around the world, cater to Americans, who spend more time and more money traveling than any other nationality. Americans also, by most estimations, are fools and prefer blander, watered-down versions of true ethnic food. If the place looks like a place you've seen in your local shopping mall, move on.

3. Find small shops. Taquerias are all over in Mexico. Of course, there is no exact rule here. Feel it out. Follow your gut—both stomach and instinct. Chances are, the tortillas are fresh, the salsas are flavorful and the beans and meat are hot and plentiful, not to mention cheap.

4. Try the roadside stands. From tamales to stuffed peppers to tacos, these stands are very cheap and usually delicious. Ignore the lack of American-standard sanitation and relish the home-cooked flavors.

Tips & Warnings

• Of course, just because sanitation in many of Mexico's restaurants is not up to the sterilized American standard, do not disregard common sense. Some bend to what you're used to is good; a full-on break could send you to the hospital. Be reasonable but not paranoid.