This list includes 7 Mexican foods that start with Z, from “Zacahuil” to “Zorrita”. These entries range from hearty regional dishes to small snacks, useful for cooks, travelers, and writers.
Mexican foods that start with Z are traditional dishes and snacks whose names begin with the letter Z. Many come from specific states, such as “zacahuil”, a giant Huastecan tamale often served for festivals.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, English name, Region, and Core ingredients.
Name: The traditional Spanish name of each dish so you can recognize it on menus, recipes, and regional guides.
English name: A simple translation or common English equivalent that helps you understand the dish at a glance.
Region: The state or area where the dish is most associated, which helps you locate regional recipes and traditions.
Core ingredients: Two to five primary ingredients that define the flavor profile, useful when you want to recreate the dish.
Mexican foods that start with Z
| Name | English translation | Region | Core ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zacahuil | Giant Huastecan tamal | La Huasteca (Veracruz, San Luis Potosí) | Coarse corn masa, pork or turkey, chili sauce, banana leaves |
| Zacapicos | Small bean tamales | Sierra Norte de Puebla | Corn masa, ayocote beans, avocado leaves |
| Zacatamal | Large ground-cooked tamal | Hidalgo, La Huasteca | Coarse corn masa, pork or chicken, chili sauce, papatla leaves |
| Ziki’l p’aak | Mayan pumpkin seed dip | Yucatán Peninsula | Toasted pumpkin seeds, roasted tomatoes, habanero chili, cilantro |
| Zongos | Zongolica-style tamales | Zongolica, Veracruz | Corn masa, beans or pork, banana leaves, chili |
| Zopes | Thick corn masa cakes (regional sopes) | Western Mexico (e.g., Colima, Jalisco) | Corn masa, beans, cheese, salsa |
| Zorrita | Little fox taco | Campeche, Yucatán Peninsula | Corn tortilla, cochinita pibil, pickled red onion |