By Rajlakhmi
May 4, 2026
Cinco de Mayo is annually celebrated on May 5. It is a celebration of the Mexican army’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. These recipes are a must-have on the festive table.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the United States as a day to honour the culture and legacy of Mexican Americans with a focus on Mexican cuisine, beverages, music, and dance. Here are some traditional dishes that are a must-try:
Mole Poblano is a sauce of chiles and chocolate from the Mexican state of Puebla. Its unique flavour is a blend of sweet, spicy, and earthy notes from over 23 distinct ingredients.
A classic chalupa is fried masa dough formed like a little boat and topped with salsa, cheese, and shredded lettuce. Chalupa translates to 'boat’, and the taste is similar to a taco salad.
The dish represents Mexico's independence and is made of the colours of the Mexican flag with red, white, and green, where picadillo-stuffed poblano pepper is dipped in egg batter, fried, and served with a creamy walnut sauce, pomegranate seeds, and parsley.
Barbacoa has a slow-cooked protein, usually some meat that is shredded and saucy. It can be served in a variety of ways, including tacos, burritos, rice bowls, and nachos.
Carnitas has lighter notes of citrus and herbs and broiling the slow-cooked meat after it has been shredded typically results in a tender-crisp texture.
This dish includes strips of meat and vegetables cooked fast until tender and then served sizzling hot inside flour or corn tortillas with a variety of toppings, including guacamole and sour cream.