Food & Drink

Ranked: Best Latin American Cuisines

Latin American cuisine is incredibly diverse, flavorful, and rich with culture and history

Whether you’re a fan of Mexican food or you love a great Cuban sandwich, there’s no denying that anybody who’s had Latin American cuisines will struggle to pick out their favorite items.

We know we can’t decide, but we’re attempting to rank our top picks. This list may be biased, but at the end of the day, we can all agree that Latin American cuisine does flavor, texture, variety, and aromas like no other.

Universal Salsa and Chips

Salsa and chips are the quintessential Latin American snack. It’s not entirely evident where exactly they originated from, but they’re pretty much a universal staple in Latin American cuisine. Nothing beats the combination of crunchy, salty tortilla chips and freshly made, tart, spicy salsa. You can enjoy this as a snack on its own or pair it with more items such as ground beef, pork, vegetables like olives and jalapenos, and tada! It’s perfect for parties, watching movies, or even as a meal when you’re in the mood for something light but delicious and pretty vegetable-heavy.

Mexican Burritos

Mexican cuisine is perhaps the most recognizable Latin American cuisine if you live in the United States. While there are many overlaps with other cuisines, there are some food items that are so inherently Mexican that we can’t help but think of those immediately. Burritos are one such food item. There are several kinds of burritos to choose from, with different authentic Mexican versions and more Americanized versions too. You can enjoy these stuffed rolls in so many different ways, including with vegetables, beans, meat, cheese, and of course, tons of sauce.

A closeup of delicious burritos and lime slices placed next to them.

Classic Cuban flan

While Cuban cuisine is endlessly diverse, with everything from delicious poached eggs to the best sandwiches, Cuban desserts are in a league of their own. Nothing tops the ever-classic Cuban flan, which is a light, airy and delicious pudding made of eggs, milk, and sugar. The flan is a dessert that is quite popular in Latin American cuisine in general and can be made in multiple ways, including with different flavors and add-ons, but we love a simple flan the best. Cuban flan is rich in flavor, has a light, airy texture, and will remind you of your Abuela from the very first bite!

Venezuelan Arepas

Arepas are another classic food that originated in Venezuela. There’s no way a trip to Florida is complete without scarfing down tons of different arepas, whether you prefer the sweeter variety, or the more savory. They’re a great snack to enjoy on their own and can be paired with rice, meat, and other items to make a complete meal. We especially love ground beef and black bean arepas and can’t get enough of them!

Chilean Chorrillana

Chilean chorrillana is another food that is always a fan favorite. This delicious potato-loaded dish is often eaten as an appetizer. However, it’s pretty loaded and heavy and can make a full meal too. Typically, you’ll find sausages, ground beef, cheese, and different vegetables and sauces paired with a base of fries, and is best enjoyed with a cold beer!

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