Dining Etiquette in Mexico

As a traveler, it feels good to know the local customs and blend in a little bit. It’s great to show your appreciation for their culture and the details that they hold dear by spending the time to learn about their traditions.

In fact, it’s really important to “not be that tourist”, if we want to continue to be respected guests in their country.

The same principles that apply to everyday life are even more applicable when it comes to dining. There is no point where a person’s manners and general respect for the culture are on a bigger display.  

So, take a moment and indulge yourself in as many of these tips as you can. Armed with a little knowledge of the dining etiquette in Mexico might even lead you to make some new friends or prevent you from an embarrassing situation.

Meal Times

Breakfast is typically consumed anywhere from 7 am to 10 am and consists of anywhere from pan dulces (sweet rolls) with coffee to chilaquiles or tamales with atole.

Lunch is the main meal of the day where you can indulge in a 4-course meal and is usually enjoyed from 2 pm to 4 pm. Dinner consists of a light snack and is enjoyed around 8 pm.

Buen Provecho!

Loosely translates to “enjoy your meal”, is similar to saying “bon appetit” before starting your meal. It is typical to be told buen provecho or provecho in short by other diners as they pass by your table.

A proper response would be to say “gracias” or “igualmente” (likewise). When you are about to leave a restaurant and you see a table close by just getting their food, try saying provecho and wish them a good meal. 

Cheers!

In Mexico, “Salud!” is how you say cheers which translates to “to your health”. In essence, you are calling for a celebration of each other’s health and wellbeing!

Streetside Dining

Eating street food in Mexico is a must for any food traveler. When eating at these street carts, food is usually enjoyed while standing next to the cart or seated on plastic stools when provided.

As for streetside taquerias, it is customary to order a couple of tacos at a time to enjoy them while they’re hot, then order a couple more afterward.

You can place small drops of the salsas on the side of your plate to taste them first before drizzling them on your tacos. Payment is typically made at the end of your meal.

Restaurant Dining

When dining at sit-down restaurants (casual or fine dining), the pace of service is more relaxed in comparison to western standards.

Don’t expect your server to be promptly checking on you if you need anything and know that you will always need to ask for your check. In Mexico, servers will not present your check unless you request it as it is considered rude.

To get a server’s attention, you can waive or raise your hand but don’t motion with your index finger as it can be construed as rude and demeaning.

Condiments

When eating tacos in Mexico, there are typically 2-3 salsas to choose from which range from mild to hot. You are more than welcome to add salsas as you please and we always recommend doing a small taste first before drizzling all over your tacos.

It is not frowned upon to add some salt to your food if it needs a touch of seasoning. At casual restaurants, feel free to ask for a spicier salsa and they would be happy to give it to you if it’s available.

Dietary Restrictions

It is always helpful to know the Spanish translation for your specific allergies. Always check with the cook/server especially for those who are extremely sensitive.

When visiting taco stands, you may ask for no onion (sin cebolla por favor) or no cilantro (sin cilantro por favor). Compared to US customs, don’t expect to “customize” your meal by asking for substitutions. Come with an open mind and enjoy your meal as is.

Payment

Most nice restaurants accept credit cards but cash is king when it comes to paying at streetside stalls. Also, make sure to bring small bills as most vendors don’t like breaking large denominations. You typically pay after you’re done eating by letting them know what you ordered. 

Tipping 

At restaurants and bars, a 10-15% tip is customary although some restaurants may already include this in the bill. When dining at streetside stalls or low-cost eateries, tipping is not expected but much appreciated.

Water

Only drink filtered or bottled water and avoid tap water at all costs. Ice is generally safe when served at restaurants as it is made from purified water.

Food Safety

Keep this one simple! If the meat is raw move on, if the grill is cold go to another stall, if there’s no line keep looking, and lastly, if your instincts tell you to skip it, you should probably listen.

Drinking Alcohol

The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. Be warned that drinking on the streets is not allowed and can lead you to get arrested for public intoxication.

Food Photography

As food travelers, we love taking photos of food either for our own memories or to share with our friends.

These captured dishes become a digital collection of the delicious discoveries we make while traveling the globe.

With all of this enthusiasm to shoot these moments, there are a few things to take into consideration so that we can be courteous and respectful travelers. 

1. Always ask for permission first when taking photos of food vendors.
2. Be mindful of other customers who are waiting for their turn to order.
3. When possible, it is best to buy something from the vendor you’re taking a photo of as a thank you.