All cultures have street food, but if you had to pick a country that’s known for it, you’d probably say Mexico. Mexican cuisine has long made creative use of native and traditional ingredients to make dishes that are simple, easy to eat on the go, and still packed with flavor. While the most famous Mexican street food might be street tacos, nothing captures the magic and simplicity of street food quite like elote, Mexican street corn.
At Los Reyes, we bring the flavors of Mexican street food to our Derry restaurant, so you don’t have to travel far from home to experience them. Anything on our menu will give you a taste of traditional Mexican street food (especially our signature birria tacos!), but few foods are as emblematic of street food as elote.
The Role of Corn in Mexican Cuisine
One of the hallmarks of Mexican cuisine is its use of native ingredients. Corn is a “New World crop” (native to the Americas) and has been the base of Mexican dishes for thousands of years, long before Europeans arrived and introduced wheat. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for tacos, and grilled corn is a popular side or street dish. It’s a versatile base that’s slightly sweet, but allows the flavors of other ingredients to shine.
The Flavors of Street Corn
Corn on the cob is a summertime staple in many parts of the United States, but elote takes it to another level. The corn is roasted or grilled to bring out its subtle flavor and then topped with a creamy sauce, cotija cheese, lime, and spices. The exact combination of toppings will vary by location and who’s making the elote, but the essential flavors usually remain the same. At Los Reyes, we top our eloe with a special cream sauce, lime juice, cotija cheese, and a sprinkling of Tajin.
What Makes Street Food So Special?
Mexican cuisine has so much to offer, but what is it about street food that makes us love it so much? There isn’t a single, simple answer to that question, but we’re going to do our best. First, there’s the comfort that comes from tradition. People have been making and serving these foods for hundreds of years, so you know they’re going to be good. There’s also the experience of tasting what ordinary people enjoy every day. No one is showing off. You’re experiencing the beauty of traditional ingredients cooked to perfection.