Holy Mole!: 4 Unique Dishes to Try in Puebla, Mexico

Puebla is a popular destination in Mexico known for its religious architecture, its historical significance in Mexican history, and its close location to the Great Pyramid of Cholula. Puebla is also famous for its thriving culinary scene. Not only is Puebla the birthplace of Mole Poblano, but you’ll find other regionally specific dishes that aren’t common in other parts of Mexico. As a foodie, you better believe I dived in!

Here are 4 unique dishes to try in Puebla that you shouldn’t miss!

1. Mole Poblano

Mole poblano (far right in the photo above) is a thick, rich sauce that’s made with chili and chocolate. A traditional mole poblano can have upwards of 20 ingredients and can take days to make. It’s a labor of love with the reward being a delicious sauce that has a deep, complex flavor journey that ricochets your palette through spicy, rich, warm, and sweet.

Puebla is the home of Mole Poblano, but there are other types of moles to try too. At various restaurants, you’ll find enchiladas and meats with a sampling of different moles, like mole pipian (green mole) and mole blanco.

2. Cemitas

Cemitas are like tortas, except the bread is made without egg and it usually has sesame seeds on top. They are loaded with anything and everything ranging from Milanese and cheese to mole poblano. You’ll see cemitas everywhere, but for a true local experience, head to Cemitas La Poblana del Carmen. These suckers (pictured above) are the real deal. There’s a generous portion of avocado, layers of milanese, a pile of stringed cheese, and a sliver of chili to give it a little zing. And for only 55 mxn ($2.66usd), it’s a must try dish when visiting Puebla.

Pro Tip: I’d recommend splitting this bad boy. Eating the whole thing is possible, as demonstrated by the locals. But I can’t guarantee your tummy will be pleased.

3. Tacos árabes

In the early 1900s, Puebla experienced an influx of Lebanese and Iraqi immigrants. They brought traditional cooking techniques and flavors with them, including shawarma. What do you get  when you mix pork shawarma with  a taco? Taco árabes! This dish is a gyro meets taco, and it’s a popular dish in Puebla.

4. Chalupas

Chalupas are a Mexican snack food that consist of fired corn dough topped with anything from salsa to mole. The flavor combinations are endless, so it’s worth trying them out at different spots!

Wrapping Up This Guide to 4 Dishes to Try in Puebla…

Puebla is an easy 2 hours bus ride away from Mexico City, and it’s the perfect travel destination for history buffs and foodies alike. From rich moles to loaded cemitas, you will have the opportunity to try foods you won’t find elsewhere in Mexico.