THE TYPICAL FOOD OF TAMAULIPAS: OUTSTANDING DISHES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The typical food of Tamaulipas stands out for dishes such as Tampiqueña meat, rice pudding, salty dishes, enchiladas or crab salpicón. Tamaulipas is not only an incredible place for its landscapes and people in general, but also for its delicious gastronomy, which is synonymous with ancient culture.

The people of Tamaulipas have maintained their roots with pride, which can be seen in their wonderful and exquisite dishes. Located in the northwest of the country, it is one of the Mexican states that offers gastronomic delights based on meat, fish, seafood and typical vegetables such as nopal or chili.

Tampiqueña meat

The diet of the Tamaulipas has been based - since ancient times - on seafood and meat, which, to this day, delight its inhabitants and tourists who visit the place.

One aspect that has firmly represented the gastronomic movement of this place is diversity. From the roast pork, to the mash with tortillas; the region has multiple options for the palates of its visitors.

Typical dishes of Tamaulipas

Tampiqueña meat

One of the main typical dishes of Tamaulipas is the delicious “carne a la tampiqueña”, which is made with roasted beef fillet strips and is served with charro beans, a tamalito, poblano peppers, roasted panela cheese slices, green enchiladas and the traditional Mexican salsa served separately.

Food on the coast is based mainly on fish such as snook or bold, as well as shellfish and mollusks.

Crab spatter

Another of the most popular dishes is the famous “salpicón de ciba”. In this, the meat of the crustacean (crab) is very well fried with vegetables and spices to later be accompanied by avocado and crispy toasts.

Corn-gorditas

Another of the key and widely used foods in Tamaulipas is corn. Its inhabitants usually prepare the delicious "gorditas", especially in Ciudad Victoria (the state capital). These are small tortillas that are cooked on a comal.

Its flavor can range from sweet to salty, they are made both baked and fried and are filled with beans, nopales, roast pork, minced meat, etc. They are excellent companions to other foods, such as broths.

Wrapped child

While it is true that Tamaulipas “salty dishes” stand out, so do their tasty desserts. One of the main ones is the so-called "wrapped child", which also has a salty version.

To prepare the dessert, wheat flour dough is used mixed with eggs, baking powder, salt, butter and a little vanilla, then it is baked and accompanied with powdered sugar or jam.

Rice pudding

Another of the most influential typical desserts in the region (also known in other countries) is rice pudding. It is cooked slowly in milk with sugar and cinnamon sticks. It is accompanied with cinnamon and lemon zest to enhance the aroma and its delicious flavor.

References

1. Drafting El Heraldo SLP. (2017). Get to know the typical food of Tamaulipas. San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The Herald. Recovered from elheraldoslp.com.mx
2. Unknown Mexico. (2017). Do you know what is eaten in Tamaulipas ?. Mexico City, Mexico. Unknown Mexico Magazine. Recovered from mexicodesconocido.com.mx
3. Ramos Aguirre, Francisco. (2004). Old Flavors of Tamaulipas. Conaculta, Mexico. Tamaulipas state government. Recovered from tamaulipas.gob.mx
4. Gonzales, Hector. (2016). Tamaulipas and its exquisite gastronomy. Mexico City, Mexico. Excelsior. Recovered from excelsior.com.mx
5. Iturriaga, José N. (2015). The Gastronomy of Tamaulipas. Mexico City, Mexico. Museum of Popular Art Association of Friends. Recovered from amigosmap.org.mx.